|
Public Land Users Committee P. O. Box 5012, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801 |
|
|
Monthly Meetings January 8, 2007 The meeting was called to order by president, Bill Adsit. The treasurer's report was given as the static amount of $146.60, followed by the reading of the minutes from the December, 2006 meeting. With no corrections to be made, the minutes stood approved as read with unanimous vote. Discussion of web cam was the first item of old business. Bill suggest that this could be done over Direct TV for a cost of $50 monthly. Ted commented that the idea of piggy back use was viable and that such services are dependable. Ted had looked at a large variety of equipment with prices from $2500 down to $500. He said that low end would have less lifetime. Discussion followed pertaining to buying equipment or using Direct TV. Direct TV has a history of dependability. Mike Kuzara offered to check on camera prices. Cascade Earth Science uses cameras on pivots to phone lines. The business of tax exempt status was reported by Mike Watkins. He brought the idea of a grant from NRA, but such a grant would be connected to shooting sports. Ted stated that three pieces of literature were needed - state tax free statement, which we have purchased already through donor contribution, and other listing under 501 (c) (3) . A committee of Bill, Mike and Ted will serve to take care of this need. The next item on the agenda was discussion about business cards. Ray suggested cards to educate - what we are, what we do - cards could be given out with sale of licenses. Bill suggested selling business cards, for example, $10 for 250 cards. Ray suggested sending out the small "brochure" mailed out to all on our mailing list. Bill said it would be a good was to teach to report abuses of land with phone number on the card. The cards could be passes out to businesses as another way to generate interest in PLUC. Cliff Clevenger asked what the purpose of raising the money was. Bill explained that so far signing the land has been done voluntarily, signing so that the public would be aware of where the land that can be used is located. We have talked about getting Red Grade on the national TRAILS system. We need to support getting a state park on the non-historic land near Ft. Phil Kearny, working to establish the Kleenburn area for recreational use. Then he explained how this group got started trying to get bike/ATV trails. He stated that we are an advocacy group. Ron Etchemendy asked if we are going to have to pay for the land that our tax dollars have already bought. Access loss is the big issue that we are all addressing. Mike related how the sheriff's department educated the group on how to collect evidence. The attorneys explained the process and the need for greater fines. This last legislature enacted $750 dollar fines for land damages which put teeth into enforcing land damage cases. Ron stated that Acme now is the only place to ride and that area is small. Mike Watkins then stated that the best way to influence the state officers is numbers - show up for the up-coming meeting. Mike Kuzara reminded us that the land office's mission is to manage the lands. Mike said this group is pressuring law enforcement to ticket those who abuse the land. He reminded us to teach everyone we know to use Crime Stoppers. Ron expressed the frustration at the amount of time that has elapsed. Group support for that frustration was exchanged. Discussion followed about uses and ideas which lead Bill to read the letter from the Office of State Lands and Investments written by Fred Pannell. Again the need for recreation in our area was expressed. Ted brought forth that leasing is making multiple amount for the land. He wondered where the complaint about "mud bogging" on the Three Poles area had come from. What amount of lease payment does the state get from that land, what is the amount of payment from CBM for that land because there is a lot of development there. Bill asked all parties to be in attendance at the up coming meeting and be prepared to have ideas, to assist in managing so that those who are damaging the land will be prosecuted and we won't lose use of those lands. Ray told the history of Keyhole and Cook Lake where a cast iron box was set up for the money that was the daily charge. The state managed its own land in those instances. Recreation was discussed as a need for the young people of our area. It was then pointed out that our county has a population that is aging and older people are less likely to be physically able to walk to use the accessible by foot only areas and that there is a large number of older people who use ATV's for that reason. This need pointed to the pressing issue to get bike/ATV trails set up. Mike emphasized to all that we should attend the meeting January 24th with plans and also get others to come with you. A motion from the floor to adjourn was made, seconded and passed
unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m JELo 06/25/2007 |