From House Rep. Albert Sommers, District No. 20
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Hello Sublette County this is Albert Sommers reporting to you on Feb. 21, on the eve of standing committee meetings the week of Feb. 22. House and Senate committees will start working more than 60 bills prior to the March segment of the 2021 General Session.
There are four bills up next week that came out of committees that I chaired in the interim, or for which I am the prime sponsor. All bills being considered in the Legislature can be found at https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2021.
I have heard or seen feedback that suggests I support closing elk feedgrounds. I absolutely do NOT support closing elk feedgrounds and I want to ensure that a robust discussion occurs if closures are contemplated. Elk feedgrounds support large elk populations for outfitters and hunters, and they protect cattle herds by reducing co-mingling during time periods when brucellosis can be easily transmitted from elk to cattle. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) began a discussion last winter about the benefits and challenges of elk feedgrounds, including impacts of chronic wasting disease. My biggest fear is that the new administration in Washington, D.C., will eliminate the special use permits for elk feedgrounds on federal lands. My bill requires the WGFD to develop and submit a contingency plan to the Legislature, if the Feds give notice they are eliminating the authorization for an elk feedground. Despite their challenges, elk feedgrounds have provided western Wyoming robust elk herds, reduced damage to stored crops and reduced brucellosis transmission from elk to cattle.
I can be reached at albert@albertsommers.com with questions or comments. This is the best email address to reach me at during session, because my legislative email can get super-clogged with emails from around the state and nation.
Thanks
Albert Sommers