County Accepts Natural Resource Plan Proposal

By Aaron Palmer

Johnson County received four separate proposals for a consultant to develop the county’s Natural Resource Plan, and after discussions, the county voted to accept one, and designate another as a backup.

Chosen was Y2 Consultants of Jackson, with SWCA, Inc. of Sheridan as the first alternative.

The counties could choose from a number of consulting firms that were pre-approved by the governor’s office for the project.

According to the Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA), House Bill 54, passed by the Wyoming State Legislature, provides funding for counties to develop and revise county natural resource management plans.

County natural resource plans will serve as a basis for communicating and coordinating with the federal government and its agencies on land and natural resource management issues.

To be eligible for funding, county natural resource plans need to identify objectives and priorities for the use, development, and protection of natural resources and land in the state; and be developed and revised in public meetings held in accordance with state statutes; and be based on criteria established by the governor’s office.

Each county in the state is guaranteed $50,000 in funding for their project.

The next step is to finalize a contract with the consultant.