One significant impact of HB0278 is the creation of a unified mapping resource that is accessible to the public. By making this information available, the bill aims to enhance awareness and accessibility of public recreational areas, thereby potentially boosting outdoor activities and promoting wildlife conservation. The GIS mapping data will be publicly available by January 1, 2025, and it is required to be updated annually, ensuring that the information remains current and reliable for users engaged in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.
Summary
House Bill 0278, titled 'Public access easements mapping', is designed to improve the management and accessibility of public easements related to lands and waters in Wyoming. The bill mandates the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Office of State Lands and Investments, and the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to collaborate in updating geographic information systems (GIS) that map these state-held easements. This mapping will detail public access routes such as roads, trails, and waterways for fishing and hunting, while also noting restrictions for seasonal use and types of recreational vehicles allowed.
Contention
While the bill is primarily focused on enhancing public access, there are notable points of contention regarding which easements are included under this mapping initiative. Exceptions have been made for pipelines, easements with terms of not more than three years, and flowage easements, which may raise concerns among stakeholders about the extent of public access and the definition of state-held easements. The bill may face scrutiny from entities that rely on these easements for operational purposes, especially in cases where access could be restricted or impacted by the new mapping requirements.