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Public Land Users Committee P. O. Box 5012, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801 |
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Monthly Meetings April 10, 2006 The meeting was called to order by President Bill Adsit. The president asked for the reading of the minutes. A correction was offered specifying that if signage is being done on any parcels not on the already authorized map then the State Land Board would have to be contacted. After said correction was made, motion was made and seconded to accept the corrected minutes with motion passing unanimously. Discussion started with Gerald Erpelding commenting about the beauty of Lake DeSmet and the prospect of losing the state land on the east side as development of home sites continues. It is not known for sure who the lessee is although there is a general belief that it had been Chevron-Texaco and would probably have been part of the land sale. Larry Durante has ordered more signs which will soon be delivered. Wyoming Wildlife bought the posts. Discussion followed about putting up the signs around the state land on the east side of Lake DeSmet during June and July. Larry proffered John Yeager to deliver supplies to the east side of the lake with his large boat. Mike reported that the Highway 14 contract has been let with signs of activity. And while observing such activities, he was at the top parking spot of the Buffalo Creek Run area, reporting truck tracks through the wire gate that was open, a sack of garbage and some empty shells. Deputy Hill stated that he would see that this information was investigated. Mike also asked at this time who is responsible for the ownership of the plyboard sign located just as you go start up the hill as the only legible information on the sign is the state land board sign mounted on the plyboard. He would like to also mount a crime stoppers sign. In the discussion about the destruction of the wire gate the information was brought forth that destruction of property is against the law as in state statues so can be prosecuted as such. Gerald informed the group that Game and Fish Department will supply signs relating to an area being designated a safety zone, no shooting allowed. In an update of areas that have the signs placed it was noted that the Three Poles are is complete. John Kraft has done research on GPS and locating corner markings. The question of how to handle the problem of signs that have been taken down like Early Creek, northeast of Ranchester, a mile and a half north of the interstate was addressed. Larry said the signs could be replaced by Jim Whalen. Inquiry was made about a private property sign on state land that had
previously been noted. Mike informed all that that sign is now gone. John has emailed for
permission to hang signs on state lands by Big Horn coal and has yet to receive an answer.
There is little traffic on the back side of that location with not much access so there is
little problem. Bill interjected the reminder that when placing signs to think, "If
it were me" so we don't undo the good will we have created. Let Jim Whalen be the
person who has to do the talking with the lessee. Mike reported on his meeting with Judge Sampson and restitution issues. The judge is quite happy we are working to get evidence. The information is that it is the responsibility of the sheriff to supply the restitution costs. The investigating officer is responsible for that in particular. He gathers and presents this to the judge, for example when a car spins cookies on 3 acres, what will be the cost to restore that land to its original state. The officer has to contact the BLM office as that is the location of the trained personnel to access the cost, whether it is on state or private land. Discussion followed as to why not use WYDOT engineering department. Bill commented that he had had 25 years experience getting estimates off a spread sheet. It is a matter of assessing the kind of grass, acreage for minimal cost. Deputy Hill said that would be helpful information. Bill stated that high quality pictures showing in detail the kind of grasses, then you would price the seed, cost of farm equipment and time required for the project. Bill will get the information by getting in touch with BLM as to where they are getting their information then what we can do to assist the gathering of the evidence particulars. Deputy Hill stated that it would be a big help to be able to quote a source for his estimate say from the spread sheet Bill spoke of and that having WYDOT would be a good starting place. Gerald also wondered about landscaping businesses, all this would get more of a working base for the sheriff's department officers. A brief discussion was held concerning the use of state land located off Wolf Creek with individuals using the gravel pit located on private property to access the state land. This is a situation that if we could just get on place of access, ground work could be laid to get more pieces together in time. Gerald spoke in support of the ATV/ bike sport and the recreation need. He noted how much young people enjoy the activity, and that we sure need to find some state land where trails could be marked, like where the CBM roads are already. Phyllis spoke to the need for a skateboard park and our need to support that sport as well. Since there are plans by the city to build an improved park, a motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously that the secretary forward a letter to the mayor and city counsel urging the project of the skateboard park in behalf of our young people and their need for safe recreation. Gerald talked about Beatty Gulch, which is also called the Three Poles area. Historically this area has always presented a problem. The southeast corner is where the mud bogging problem was acute, and is already going on this spring. There is no easy answer because of the history of use of that area. Mike asked Ted if he had any print out that identified the present lessee of the state land on the east side of DeSmet. Ted said all his material is for Sheridan County only. Motion made, seconded and passed unanimously for adjournment. Meeting adjourned. JELo 06/25/2007 |