Environment (Forestry)

This bill authorizes two new full-time positions within Wyoming's state forestry division (one effective April 2026, one April 2027) to support the forestry conservation inmate crew program. It appropriates $499,709 from the general fund specifically for these positions, associated equipment/supplies, and program costs through June 2028. The funding is tied to coordination with the Department of Corrections and includes specific budgeting instructions for the state's next fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects the state forestry division, the inmate crew program, and the Department of Corrections.

Wyoming's HB 78 creates a state-administered Forest Health Grant Program to fund projects improving forest conditions on public and private lands. The program covers up to 75% of eligible project costs (50% on federal land), requiring matching funds from other sources, with projects focused on water quality, wildfire risk reduction, forest product production, or wildlife habitat. Grants require attorney general approval and annual reporting to the Agriculture Committee, with a $3 million appropriation from the general fund starting July 2026. The program expires on July 1, 2030, after which unobligated funds will be returned to non-state donors or reverted to the general fund. It directly affects landowners and forest managers seeking funding for public-benefit forest health initiatives.

HB 36 creates a specialized wildland fire suppression module within Wyoming's State Forestry Division (part of the Office of State Lands and Investments). It authorizes 12 new positions - two full-time roles (regional fire manager and suppression module leader), plus temporary staff - and appropriates $2.572 million from the general fund specifically for this module. The funds cover hiring, training, equipment, and support for a dedicated wildfire response team focused on fire suppression and hazardous fuels reduction projects. The funding is restricted to these purposes through June 2028, with unspent funds reverting to the state on that date. This bill directly affects the State Forestry Division's operational capacity for wildfire management.