The bill amends the Wyoming water development program to explicitly include forest health projects as eligible for funding and support. It modifies W.S. 41-2-112(a) to incorporate "forest health" into the list of beneficial uses of water resources, emphasizing the importance of these projects in enhancing water yield and quality, as well as their role in reducing wildfire risks and improving wildlife habitats. Additionally, a new definition for "forest health" is introduced in W.S. 41-2-113(a), detailing the objectives and benefits of such projects on state, local government, or private forest land.

The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made within the water development program to accommodate the inclusion of forest health initiatives. This change aims to promote a more comprehensive approach to water resource management in Wyoming, recognizing the interconnectedness of forest health and water quality.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0181 v0.4: 41-2-112, 41-2-113