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Public Land Users Committee P. O. Box 5012, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801 |
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Monthly Meetings February 6, 2006 President Bill Adsit called the meeting to order and asked for the reading of the minutes. Motion was made, seconded and unanimously voted to accept the minutes as read. Mike Kuzara stated that the treasurer's report remained the same unless there were donations . Old business was then attended to by bringing out the ideas about a logo for the organization that were discussed last month. Several refined ideas on the lock and key, padlock swung open, padlock with key and a key pad on which PLUC could be written, an eagle with Wyoming in the background all were bantered back and forth. When Gerald stated he didn't like the idea of the padlock for the connotations he felt it prescribed, Jim Lundy asked about refining the idea that had originally been used of a road only put a fence with and open gate. Mike Kuzara drew an idea showing the fence, the gate with an overhead ranch sign with PLUC on it and the open gate leading to the open road. This idea was voted in acceptance unanimously. Ray Simon volunteered to create the logo on computers. Much of the discussion had pertained to amount of bytes that would be used when downloading messages. Stationery logo would be less of a problem and the need to have the logo stand out when viewed from a distance was considered as part of the need in design. While discussing signs, Gerald Erpelding stated the need for signs to educate that no fires are allowed on public lands. Mike Watkins reported that it would be at least two months for the ruling from the IRS on the status of the PLUC as a non-profit entity. Bill Adsit re-affirmed that such had been his experience in the past as well. The subject proposed by Gerald Erpelding about questioning the public about public access was brought to the table. Discussion followed about who would be questioned, how and what text would provide education to both the public and to our group. Mike Watkins volunteered to write a question that he would ask KROE to use in their 'question of the week' program. The answer would have to be formatted to a yes-no and this information would be given to the KROE radio station from whom we would then collect such information as was gathered. Larry Durante brought forth the need to get "a toe hold" at access points. There are thousands of public land acres which are several yards from roads. He purported using such fees as "access YES" funds to build a fund useable to buy the yards of private land to create access to the public land, using the Burgess land as an example. He said it may take years of offers to different ranchers around that public land, but eventually, someone would want the money bad enough as the account grew large enough for a very attractive offer. He encouraged the group to be thinking to the future and taking actions now toward those ends. The president opened the floor to discussion about our part in protecting the historic land around Fetterman Massacre, Ft. Phil Kearny and Father DeSmet monument access area at Lake DeSmet. Larry Durante informed the group that his information through the Wyoming Wildlife Federation is that there is a general consciences of support for the purchase of these lands and that it probably is not necessary at this time to do a blitz, but he stressed that attendance at the hearings March 3 in Sheridan and March 4 in Buffalo are necessary. All members in attendance were encouraged to contact others and do all they can to be sure the crowd is large. The numbers in attendance to these hearings will have a bearing upon the actions of the State Land Board. At this time, Phyllis Simon brought forth the information about the proposed land swap near Baggs where the Three Forks Ranch of Colorado headquarters wants to swap its 3,378 acres of land near the southern end of the Atlantic Rim about 27 miles north of Baggs in Dry Cow Creek drainage for 623 acres of prime mountain state land with road access that sits on the border of the two states and is near to the ranch headquarters. The trade is land with much BLM land around, has four large spring-fed reservoirs, two small reservoirs and two other springs and all water rights. Ray Simon stated that the trade was giving up some wonderful land for beauty, hiking, hunting and it does have road access. However, because this section is set apart from other state lands, is hard to manage, and that as hard as it is to give up such a beautiful piece, what is gained is other aspects is greater. When asked if he would think the trade wise, he said yes. A motion was made and seconded that the secretary write a letter of approval for the land swap. Motion passed. It was brought out that the swap would give access to four sections of BLM land and to one state section, remembering that a section is 640 acres this would mean added access of 3200 acres along with the 3378 of the land swap. Mike Watkins reported about meeting with Crime Stoppers. They have authorized $750 to make reflective signs that will be put up at access of state lands. Mike wanted to make the group aware that calls to Crime Stoppers is a anonymous call. The local group has a reward program in place. Mike emphasized that calls to Crime Stoppers accrue and create gathered information. There is a designated line at the local dispatch for crime stopper calls. Discussion followed on obtaining WDOT permission to place signs on highway right of way. Larry Durante report that an ATV/dirt bike trail is in the works and probabilities are high for success on this endeavor, and that our involvement is not necessary at this time. Working to hang more signs on state lands will be held February 26, meeting at Carl's corner with reminders to bring power screwdrivers and back up batteries. There was some discussion with Jim Lundy on ability to place locations of where we have hung signs on the maps which are on the PLUC web site. Jim stated that such a matter will take working it out. Meeting adjourned. JELo 06/25/2007 |