February 19, 2008

Dear Supporters of Wildlife and Open Space,

The Subdivision bill is heading to the House Corporations Committee this evening (Tuesday the 19th).  An email sent, to the legislators listed below, today (or this week) would help prevent (or at least regulate) out-of-control subdivision of open spaces across Wyoming. 

It's too late to prevent the Wild Horse Ranch subdivision in the elk crucial winter ranges at the base of Sheep Mountain west of Laramie, but this bill could help county commissioners prevent such projects in the future.

Send an e-mail to your legislators today, including your name and address in your personal email.

History of Subdivision Bill:  In January, the Governor hosted the conference “Building the Wyoming we Want” with over 500 people in attendance the conference demonstrated that the people of Wyoming are interested in the long-term future of Wyoming and open space is an important value. Our elected officials heard the message and are currently debating Senate File 0011, an act which seeks to "provide for regulation by counties of subdivisions of thirty-five to one hundred forty acre parcels as specified; requiring recordation of subdivided lots sold under contract for purchase; and providing for an effective date". SF 0011 gives counties a tool to check land speculators from recklessly carving open spaces that provide important wildlife habitats into 35 acre ranchettes.

How does SF 0011 help to protect wildlife and lead to responsible land-use planning?
1) By reducing the potential for land speculation, it can help reduce habitat fragmentation benefiting wildlife by reducing the amount of fences and development.
2) Allows counties to shift many of the costs of non-urban residential development away from taxpayers and onto developers (e.g. water development and continued maintenance).
3) Requires developers to disclose the actual infrastructure (or lack thereof) of their development to buyers.  Buyers that are told that property does not come access to drinking water or other services might discourage the sale of properties where home construction is impractical.

4) Gives counties the option to regulate subdivisions of 35 to 140 acres in size (currently this is set at 35 acres and anything above is not regulated).

SF 0011 is historic because it proposes to allow us to help plan our use of the land and thus our future.  It is neither comprehensive nor perfect.  For example, it doesn't require counties to adopt its provisions but it does allow them to do so.  It is a reasonable first step to create a responsible environment for rural development.
This act will continue to proceed through the legislative process for the next week or two.  On its way, it will be threatened by a variety of interests.  With your support, it can survive its journey through the Wyoming House and be approved by Governor Freudenthal (who should be recognized for his leadership in addressing this problem).  Please stay informed, email legislators, and be prepared to encourage your county commissioners to embrace its provisions when it becomes law.

Key legislators to email include –
Pete Illoway (R – Cheyenne) pete_chloeilloway3@msn.com
Kermit Brown (R – Laramie) kermitbrown@wyoming.com
Mary Meyer Gilmore (D – Casper) mgilmore2@house.wyoming.com
Marty Martin (D – Rock Springs) mmartin@house.wyoming.com
Saundra Meyer (D – Evanston) slmey@wyoming.com
David R. Miller (R – Riverton) davidmiller@house.wyoming.com
Lorraine Quarberg (R – Thermopolis) lquarberg@wyoming.com
Tim Stubson (R – Casper) tim@stampedeforstubson.com
Dan Zwonitzer (R – Cheyenne) dzwonitzer@wyoming.com

Thanks for taking action on behalf of wildlife and open space!