Natural resource large project funding.

WORKING DRAFT

ORIGINAL SENATE

FILE

NO.
0063

ENROLLED ACT NO. 28, SENATE

FIFTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF
WYOMING
2008 BUDGET SESSION

AN ACT relating to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Funding
a
ct; providing for funding of large projects under that
a
ct; specifying large projects approved for funding in 2008; amending funding for specified previously approved large projects; providing appropriations; providing for reversion of funds; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of
Wyoming
:

Section 1.
W.S. 9
‑
15
‑
301
through 9
‑
15
‑
311 are
created to read:

ARTICLE 3
2008 LARGE PROJECT FUNDING

9
‑
15
‑
301
.

Lake

DeSmet

G
rasslands
.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(b)

Project –
Lake

DeSmet
Grasslands:

(i)

Project sponsor:
Lake

DeSmet

c
onservation
d
istrict;

(ii)

Project purpose: Enhancement of sagebrush and native grassland habitats in Johnson
c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(B)

Improve quality of herbaceous forages on antelope and mule deer ranges;

(C)

Improve overall habitat conditions for big sagebrush obligate species.

(iii)

Project description: Mechanical treatment of undesirable vegetation and decadent stands of desirable plant communities, including deferment and rest from seasonal livestock use, in order to create positive response from sagebrush, native grasses and forbs
;

(iv)

Total project budget: Two million five hundred fifty
-
two thousand six hundred ninety
-
nine dollars ($2,552,699.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor two hundred thirty
-
five thousand dollars ($235,000.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred thirty
-
five thousand dollars ($235,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

9
‑
15
‑
302.

Wyoming

Range

Aspen

E
nhancement.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project –
Wyoming

Range
Aspen Enhancement:

(i)

Project sponsors:
Wyoming

g
ame and
f
ish
d
epartment and
r
ocky
m
ountain
e
lk
f
oundation;

(ii)

Project purpose: Enhancement of aspen and sagebrush habitats, and removal of conifer encroachment in the
Wyoming

Range
in order to:

(A)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(B)

Improve quality of herbaceous forages on elk and mule deer summer and transitional ranges;

(C)

Improve overall habitat conditions for big sagebrush obligates and aspen dependent wildlife.

(iii)

Project description: Prescribed fire and mechanical treatment of undesirable vegetation and decadent stands of desirable plant communities, including deferment and rest from seasonal livestock use, in order to set back succession in aspen communities and create uneven aged aspen stands on the eastern slope of the Wyoming Range
;

(iv)

Total project budget: Seven hundred sixty thousand dollars ($760,000.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsors two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($260,000.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($260,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

9
‑
15
‑
303.

Diamond H
E
asement.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project – Diamond H Easement:

(i)

Project sponsor:
Wyoming

game and fish department
;

(ii)

Project purpose: Permanent use restriction on approximately three thousand eight (3,008) acres in
Lincoln

c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Preclude loss of habitat for sage grouse, mule deer, elk, moose, cutthroat trout, amphibians, songbirds and other species
.

(iii)

Project description: Conservation easement
;

(iv)

Total project budget: Two million dollars ($2,000,000.00);

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2010.

9
‑
15
‑
304.

Thunder

Basin

G
rasslands.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project –
Thunder

Basin
Grasslands:

(i)

Project sponsor:
Thunder

Basin

g
rassland
p
rairie
e
cosystem
a
ssociation and
Wyoming

game and fish department
;

(ii)

Project purpose: Enhancement of sagebrush and native grassland habitats in
Campbell
, Converse and Weston counties in order to:

(A)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(B)

Improve quality of herbaceous forages on antelope, sage grouse, grassland bird and mule deer habitats;

(C)

Improve overall habitat conditions for sagebrush obligate species.

(iii)

Project description: Mechanical and chemical treatment of undesirable vegetation and decadent stands of desirable plant communities, including deferment and rest from seasonal livestock use, in order to create positive response from sagebrush, native grasses and forbs
;

(iv)

Total project budget: Two million three hundred forty
-
six thousand nine hundred fifty
-
two dollars ($2,346,952.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsors three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

9
‑
15
‑
305.

Carney Ranch
E
asement.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project – Carney Ranch Easement:

(i)

Project sponsor: The
c
onservation
f
und;

(ii)

Project purpose: Permanent use restriction on approximately twelve thousand one hundred eighty-six (12,186
)
acres in Sublette
c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Preclude loss of habitat for sage grouse, mule deer, elk, moose, antelope, trumpeter swans, amphibians, songbirds and other species;

(B)

Maintain essential migration routes for antelope, elk and mule deer.

(iii)

Project description:
Conservation easement
;

(iv)

Total project budget: Five million six hundred ninety-five thousand dollars ($5,695,000.00);

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2010.

9
‑
15
‑
306.

North

Laramie

Range

R
estoration.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(b
)

Project –
North

Laramie

Range
Restoration:

(i)

Project sponsor:
Wyoming

game and fish department
and
r
ocky
m
ountain
e
lk
f
oundation;

(ii)

Project purpose: Enhancement of aspen and sagebrush habitats, removal of conifer encroachment in the
North

Laramie

Range
in order to:

(A)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(B)

Improve quality of herbaceous forages on elk and mule deer summer and transitional ranges;

(C)

Improve overall habitat conditions for sagebrush obligates and aspen dependent wildlife.

(iii)

Project description: Prescribed fire and mechanical treatment of undesirable vegetation and decadent stands of desirable plant communities, including deferment and rest from seasonal livestock use, in order to set back succession in aspen communities and create uneven aged aspen stands throughout the
North

Laramie

Range
;

(iv)

Total project budget:
S
ix hundred sixty
-
six thousand nine hundred forty dollars ($666,940.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsors two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

9
‑
15
‑
307.

Kirby Creek
W
atershed.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project – Kirby Creek Watershed:

(i)

Project sponsor:
Hot Springs

c
ounty
c
onservation
d
istrict;

(ii)

Project purpose: Stabilization of main stem and tributaries of Kirby Creek in
Hot Springs

c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(B)

Reduce or eliminate excessive soil and vegetation loss;

(C)

Improve water quality and reduce sediment loads into the
Big

Horn

River
.

(iii)

Project description: Installation of instream structures, off-stream water retention, vegetation treatment and grazing management in order to decrease soil loss and retain water within the natural system;

(iv)

Total project budget: Two million two hundred sixteen thousand eight hundred twenty-eight dollars ($2,216,828.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

9
‑
15
‑
308.

Cross Lazy Two
E
asement.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project – Cross Lazy Two Easement:

(i)

Project sponsor:
Green River

Valley

l
and
t
rust;

(ii)

Project purpose: Permanent use restriction on approximately four thousand four hundred fifty (4,450) acres in Sublette
c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Preclude loss of habitat for moose, mule deer, sage grouse, cutthroat trout, amphibians, songbirds and other species;

(B)

Maintain essential migration routes for moose, elk and mule deer.

(iii)

Project description: Conservation easement
;

(iv)

Total project budget: Four million five hundred twenty
-
five thousand nine hundred fifty dollars ($4,525,950.00);

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000.00) for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2010.

9
‑
15
‑
30
9
.

Yellowtail CRM II.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project – Yellowtail CRM II:

(i)

Project sponsor: Shoshone
c
onservation
d
istrict;

(ii)

Project purpose: Removal of invasive Russian olive and saltcedar in proximity to Yellowtail Reservoir and Yellowtail Recreation Area in order to:

(A)

Reduce or eliminate invasive species and enhance production of native and acclimated species which provide habitat for waterfowl, upland game birds, deer and other species;

(B)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(C)

Improve water quality and increase water quantity.

(iii)

Project description: Removal of invasive species through mechanical means and treatment with chemical agents to prevent resprouting or regrowth;

(iv)

Total project budget: Nine hundred forty-four thousand five hundred dollars ($944,500.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

9
‑
15
‑
310.

Ladder Livestock
E
asement.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project – Ladder Livestock Easement:

(i)

Project sponsor: Little Snake River
c
onservation
d
istrict;

(ii)

Project purpose: Permanent use restriction on approximately one thousand five hundred fifty (1,550) acres in Carbon
c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Preclude loss of habitat for elk, mule deer, sage grouse, fisheries, songbirds and other species
.

(iii)

Project description: Conservation easement;

(iv)

Total project budget: Three million dollars ($3,000,000.00);

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2010.

9
‑
15
‑
311.

Shirley

Basin

G
rasslands III.

(a)

Authorization is granted for funding of the following large project as provided in this section.

(
b
)

Project –
Shirley

Basin
Grasslands III:

(i)

Project sponsor: Medicine Bow
c
onservation
d
istrict;

(ii)

Project purpose: Enhancement of sagebrush and native grassland habitats in Carbon
c
ounty in order to:

(A)

Improve hydrologic functions of the watershed;

(B)

Improve quality of herbaceous forages on antelope, sage grouse, grassland bird species and mule deer habitats;

(C)

Improve overall habitat conditions for sagebrush obligate species;

(D)

Enhance forage for livestock operations.

(iii)

Project description: Mechanical and chemical treatment of undesirable vegetation, water development and wetland enhancement, deferment and rest from season long livestock use, in order to create positive response from sagebrush, native grasses and forbs
;

(iv)

Total project budget: One million eight thousand six hundred ten dollars ($1,008,610.00) over an anticipated period of approximately three (3) years;

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor two hundred forty-seven thousand four hundred twenty dollars ($247,420.00) over a period of not more than three (3) years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred forty
-
seven thousand four hundred twenty dollars ($247,420.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2010, but shall revert to the income account on June 30, 2011.

Section 2.
W.S. 9
‑
15
‑
102(a)(intro), 9
‑
15
‑
201(b)(v)
,
(vi)
,
(c)(v) and (vi)
are
amended to read:

9
‑
15
‑
102.

Definitions.

(a)

As used in this
act
chapter
:

9
‑
15
‑
201.

Wyoming
wildlife and natural resource large project funding; 2007.

(b)

Project – Bates Creek Watershed Restoration:

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsors not to exceed

two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00)

three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00)
over a period of not more than
five (5)

three (3)
years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board
two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00)

three hundred
thousand
dollars ($300,000.00)
or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2008, but shall revert to the income account on
June 30,

2012

2011
.

(c)

Project – Lander Front mule deer:

(v)

Project grant: The Wyoming wildlife and natural resource trust account board is authorized to grant to the sponsor not to exceed two hundred thirty thousand dollars ($230,000.00) over a period of not more than
five (5)

three (3)
years for the purposes specified in this subsection;

(vi)

Appropriation: There is appropriated from the income account to the board two hundred thirty thousand dollars ($230,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Notwithstanding W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1008, 9
‑
2
‑
1012(e) and 9
‑
4
‑
207(a), unexpended and unobligated funds appropriated under this subsection shall not lapse on June 30, 2008, but shall revert to the income account
on June 30
,
2012

2011
.

Section 3.
This act is effective immediately upon co
m
pletion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constit
u
tion.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the Senate.

Chief Clerk

1