Winter staying busy with meetings

District 28 Representative John Winter hasn’t taken the summer off from the Wyoming Legislature, in fact, he’s been attending various interim committee meetings across the state.

On June 10 and 11 at Sheridan College, Winter met with the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources committee.

One topic on the agenda was Wildlife and Livestock Predator Damage involving the Game and Fish Department. Winter said funding for the various priorities for wildlife and livestock were of prime concern during the meeting.

In addition, they discussed invasive plant species. Winter said, “This is a big concern for the State of Wyoming. How are these plants being introduced and what is being done to limit their spread?”

The final topic discussed at the Sheridan meeting covered the Office of State Lands and Investment.

“The value of these lands for State income and their management are continued concerns,” Winter said.

At the end of June, Winter traveled to Gillete for meetings with the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee.

Winter said the topics discussed began with the Wyoming Game and Fish explaining to the committee about Chronic Wasting Disease, Aquatic Invasive Species, the Supreme Court decision of Herrera v. Wyoming and how this decision will affect the conservation and management of resources.

A good discussion and explanation of the needs and the mission of Wyoming Search and Rescue was conducted, Winter said. Coordination with the local authorities, including county sheriff departments was explained and highlighted.

The committee also discussed gaming and resulting regulations, including historic racing, organized poker, bingo and charitable gaming.

“Both meetings were well attended by the public,” Winter said, “with tours on different topics provided for the Legislators. These subjects will be brought forward at future meetings with potential legislation the end result for improvement of the great State of Wyoming.

“I had the opportunity to attend the Capitol Celebration after complete renovation of the building and grounds on July 10. There was a special opening ceremony in both Chambers with recognition of several past legislators.”