SUBLETTE COUNTY – Local citizens have the opportunity to attend and comment on several important wildlife issues in the near future.

Sage-grouse

Last month, Gov. Mark Gordon extended the public comment period for proposed revisions to the state’s sage-grouse core habitat area maps as offered by the state’s Sage-Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT). SGIT proposed the changes after the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision to revise its 2019 greater sage-grouse management plans.

The Governor’s Office cited “the significant public interest from landowners and other stakeholders” for more meetings.

Some sought a federal listing under the Endangered Species Act, which Wyoming and other western states sought to avoid by calling on many partners.

The Sublette County meeting is set for Friday, July 21, at 9 a.m. in the Pinedale Library’s Lovatt Room. A meeting is planned for the same afternoon, July 21, at 3 p.m. in the Uinta County Commissioners Chambers in Evanston. A public meeting took place earlier in Gillette.

Elk feeding

Wyoming Game and Fish released its Phase II Draft Elk Feedground Management Plan for comments through Sept. 10. Public meetings are planned for 6 p.m. on July 24 at the Teton County Library in Jackson, online via Zoom on July 25, on July 26 at the Pinedale Library’s Lovatt Room and July 27 at the Afton Civic Center. The draft plan,a summary, Zoom link and comment portal can be found at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/get-involved

Hunting regs

Also on July 26, Game and Fish’s Pinedale Region Office will hold a public meeting, also at 6 p.m., for comments on proposed changes to Chapter 2: General Hunting Regulations, Chapter 28: Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird or Gray Wolf Damage Claims and Chapter 42: Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons.

Public information officer Mark Gocke acknowledged the simultaneous meetings, advising people interested in both to consider attending the July 25 Zoom meeting for the elk feedground draft management plan and the July 26 meeting in person.

Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m., Aug. 4, at any of the public meetings or by mailing Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Regulations, 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82604 or online. Copies of the proposed regulation changes are available on the department website. Written comments shall be presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission prior to its September meeting in Gillette.