Politics - Wyoming Style

We co-hosted a little party the other night for WWF members and other conservationists from Laramie County, to help them meet and talk with their legislators about some of the issues coming up in the Budget Session. It was a great time. We had about 30 folks there, including most of the Laramie County legislative delegation. Old friends Paul Wood, Bill Jones and Chico Pistono were there, along with Cheyenne Field Archers/Bowhunters of Wyoming stalwarts Joel Meena and Neal Perkins. We had a nice meal, followed by a great discussion, focused primarily on three issues:

-Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund (WWNRTF)–The current balance of the trust account is approximately $90 million. Governor Dave Freudenthal has proposed investing $5 million in the trust account. In addition, a total of approximately $6 million in project funding is being proposed. For more information on WWNRTF see http://wwnrt.state.wy.us/index.htm

-Illegal fish stocking - Illegal stocking of fish (including walleye, burbot, and others) has resulted in disastrous consequences for fisheries in many parts of Wyoming. The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee has sponsored a bill to increase the penalty for illegal stocking. For more information on this bill, see http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2010/Introduced/HB0009.pdf

-Aquatic invasive species - A number of exotic species like quagga mussels and zebra mussels, if introduced to Wyoming’s streams, lakes and rivers, could pose serious challenges for native species and ruin everything from municipal water supplies, and irrigation structures to boats and equipment. For more information on these nasty little critters, see The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee has sponsored a bill to proactively control the spread of these species. See http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2010/Introduced/HB0018.pdf

But the high point of the evening for me, and the idea behind the title of this post, was something that I suspect may be unique to our state. For quite some time, Neal and Joel have been trying to interest anyone who would listen in their idea to reduce the cost of an archery license to youth hunters.

Now, as these guys would gladly admit, this isn’t exactly earth-shaking legislation. All it would be is a way to remove one more excuse for getting your kids out there enjoying archery hunting. But in an era where the idea of making it easier for kids to get involved seems pretty darn important, it seems like an idea that is at least worth considering. The trouble has been that no one was willing to bring it up. That’s where Rep. Pete Illoway came in. Or rather, that’s where Rep. Illoway stepped up. “Give me the information, and I’ll get a bill drafted,” he told the bowhunters. Their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning. That bill may not be considered in this session. And even when it is considered, there’s certainly no guarantee that it will go anywhere. But these two regular guys – just guys who happen to live for archery hunting – were able to make a case for their issue and inspire an elected representative to take up their bill.

There’s a lesson in here for us. I know of nowhere else in the world where participative democracy is practiced better than it’s practiced right here in Wyoming. If you’ve got an issue that affects your hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation you can get someone to listen. If it’s a regulatory issue, see the Game and Fish Commission. If it’s a change in statute, see your legislator. You won’t always get your way, but you will pretty much always have your say. And that’s why we threw this party in the first place.

A tip of the WWF ballcap to Kate Wright with Wyoming Conservation Voters for doing most of the work to make this event happen. She’s a top hand.

If you’d like more information about legislative issues or would like to help host a similar event in your community, let me know!

Walt Gasson, Executive Director
Wyoming Wildlife Federation