2. Staff reported on the legislation developed by a 

 steering committee representing various landowners 

 and sportsmen's organizations in the state. The 

 group sponsored a widely attended conference in 

 April 1986 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to build 

 consensus on issues of common concern, such as 

 access to private lands, state hunting and fishing 

 policies, wildlife damage, and landowner 

 compensation for wildlife habitat contributions. 

 The landowner/ sportsmen steering committee is 

 working toward consensus on a "wildlife habitat 

 incentive program" that addresses many of the 

 above concerns. The legislation would earmark 

 funds (from increases in resident and nonresident 

 license fees) for the purchase, lease, or 

 conservation easement of lands to preserve and 

 enhance wildlife populations and hunter 

 opportunity. 



3. The Subcommittee also reviewed other issues and 

 options, such as direct compensation for game 

 damage, the Wyoming landowner coupon reimbursement 

 program, fee access hunting, legal aspects of 

 landowner liability, low interest loans to 

 landowners for damage prevention, and continued 

 funding for Department damage control efforts. 



4. A number of interested persons stressed the need 

 to include landowners in state wildlife management 

 plans and to recognize their contributions in some 

 manner. Suggestions included property tax relief 

 for prime habitat acreage, allowing landowners 

 with habitual damage a number of licenses to sell 

 or give away, and reducing landowner liability 

 exposure. 



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