This bill authorizes the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to compensate landowners, lessees, and agents for extraordinary damage to rangeland caused by big game species, specifically until July 1, 2030. It amends existing law to include a definition of "extraordinary damage to rangeland," which is characterized by the consumption of forage by big game that exceeds 15% of the estimated total annual production of forage or if the population of any big game herd exceeds established population objectives for two consecutive years. The bill also stipulates that compensation amounts will be based on animal unit months for state trust lands or a multiplier of at least 150% of the private land lease rate for the affected area.

Additionally, the bill requires the Game and Fish Department to develop a plan to reduce elk populations in areas that exceed population objectives and report this plan to relevant legislative committees by September 1, 2024. The department is tasked with promulgating necessary rules to implement the act, which will take effect on July 1, 2024, with certain sections becoming effective immediately upon the bill's passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23-1-901