Draft of Natural Resource Plan presented; comments accepted through April 1

WORLAND – The Washakie County commissioners presented their initial draft of the Natural Resource Plan on Monday night at the Worland Community Center.

According to the presentation, the update to the Natural Resource Plan comes after the passing of Wyoming House Bill 54 in 2019 to provide funds to the counties to “take actions specified in response related to federal land, water, air, mineral and other natural resource policies which may affect the tax base of the state, wildlife management, state species, recreation, private property rights, water rights or leasehold rights.”

According to the presentation, this resource plan “will serve as a basis for communicating and coordinating with the federal government and its agencies on land and natural resource management issues.”

The presentation included Project Manager Dessa Dale of DJ&A based out of Missoula, Montana, who presented information based on the usage of lands in Washakie County to do a preliminary assessment of the industries and resources used in the county.

This ranged from water usage, to oil and gas production, to seasonal ranges for different animals, employment throughout the county and invasive species.

This initial data was compiled into a presentation to show the different usage of the nearly 1.5 million acres that are in the county.

According to the preliminary draft, “the purpose of this plan is to establish the custom and culture of the local area, identify resources or land uses that economically or culturally impact the stability and character of the country, and recognize the importance of local involvement in federal decision making.”

The preliminary draft includes chapters that are titled Custom and Culture, Land Use, Geology, Mining and air, Water Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries, Economics & Society, and Agriculture.

If you were unable to attend the meeting on Monday night, there are links on the Washakie County website to a draft of the plan, the presentation, as well as a survey for Washakie County residents to take regarding the resources in the county. The initial comment period is open until April 1, and DJ&A may be reached at 406-721-9420 regarding this project.

The commissioners also presented in Ten Sleep on Tuesday night, and comments from Ten Sleep may be submitted the same way if you were unable to attend.