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Show '.ti PAGE 28 THE ZEPHYR APRIL 1993 THE X COLUMN a government employee speaks hisher mind When I worked for the National Park Service, I found the work to be incredibly frustrating at times. Too often, I was required to defend a policy or decision that I personally abhorred. Since starting the Zephyr, I have discovered others in federal and state agencies experiencing the same conflicts of conscience that I endured, lust fall, a conversation with one of those kindred spirits planted the seal of an idea in my mind that has brought us here...to the X Column. This is not an opportunity for anonymous government employees to submit unsolicited diatribes against their bosses. But if you have a story to tell, one that you think should be shared with the public, and you are willing to talk to me personally about it, 1 will guarantee confidentiality. If your story levels accusations, be prepared to provide verifying information. House Bill 109 (Rep T. Matthews) Requires Division of Wildlife Resources to pay up to $3,000 per crop to fanners for crops damaged by Big Game animals. The current law allows the DWR to pay a maximum of $2,000 to landowners per year. This bill would have cost die DWR several hundred thousand dollars a year. The bill died in the Senate. It was obvious that Rep Matthews had an ax to grind with the DWR. He only introduced three bills and they all were wildlife related. It is also interesting to know that Rep Matthews and his relatives have been feuding with the DWR over these same issues. House Bill 150 (Rep David Jones, Salt Lake) Created a Wildlife Heritage License to be used for nonconsumptive wildlife management The license would be voluntary with adults costing $15 and children $5. This would provide funding for the DWR which could be used in watdiable wildlife programs, education, etc. This was a well intentioned bill which quickly drew the ire of die Cowboy Caucus. They believed this would give all them 'environmentalists' to much say in wildlife management In fact to quote Rep Bradley Johnson in his legislative report in a local newspaper "Today (Feb 18) we will debate the Wildlife Heritage Bill. It has been defeated once, but the environmentalists will attempt to bring it back for another hearing. They have also been lobbying legislators for its passage. On the surface, die bill appears to have a positive effect by allowing to contribute to the DWR. However, after further study it is apparent that this is an effort to gain additional g influences with the DWR. of The "Who is to license for a is, management big question going buy something that can be done legally without a licenser It is dear that the minimal amount of funds raised would go toward a newsletter to the groups and the support of an advisory board to further influence the Wildlife Board. The people that support the bill are radical environmentalist. On HB-15- non-hunte- Yhether the X Column dies on the vine after this issue is not up to me. 1 will not solicit contributions. But if you have a story to tell that you think can make a difference, call me at (801) or write to P.O. Box 327, Moab, ITT 84532. 259-777- 3, IS. 0, i rs policy-makin- anti-hunt-er This month's column deals with the Cowboy Caucus and the tragic effect its legislative efforts are having on Utah wildlife. The writer is an employee of the state of Utah. When you thought all was right with the world with the election of Bill Clinton and A1 Gore, the New Coundl form of County Government in Grand County, the Utah State Legislature took one giant step backward. During the 1993 session of the Legislature, 'Good 01 Boy politics raised its ugly headfor is that Cowboy Hat). In a year when education and social issues within the State were to be the main issues a group of rural Legislators who proudly named themselves the 'Cowboy Caucus' rode into the Legislature with six guns a blazing. Their motto was if you are not in support of our legislation then you must be one of them environmentalists. The Cowboy Caucus composed of mostly rural legislators came to the Capitol with personal agendas on everything from wildlife management to property rights. The most furious attacks were saved for the Division of Wildlife Resources and wildlife management. The Cowboy Caucus sat on the committees which heard legislation on wildlife issues and DWR's budget The following bills were introduced during the recent session: House Bill 58 (Rep Tom Matthews, Carbon & Emery Counties) This bill mandated the Utah Wildlife Board to have a Spring Bear Hunt. The Wildlife Board had decided not to have a spring bear hunt starting in 1993. This raised the hackles of rural counties, houndsmen and lives tockmen. It also just happens Rep. Matthews' relatives are in the sheep business. This bill g of brought out sportsman groups and environmental groups to protest the wildlife by the Legislature. The bill was finally circled in the House, a kind way of saying it was killed, and did not make it to the floor far a vote. House Bill 79 (Rep Bradley Johnson, Sevier, Sanpete be Emery) Allows the use of spotlights to hunt Red Fox, skunk, and raccoons where allowed by county ordinance. This bill in combination with House Bill 99 would allow Rep Johnson's constituents in Sevier County and Statewide to kill these animals at any time. The Utah Sheriffs Association was opposed to this bill. An individual can only hunt at night after receiving permission from the county sheriff. The residents of Grand county should encourage Sheriff Nyland to not allow this action. This r' micro-managin- bill passed. House Bill 99 (Rep Bradley Johnson, Sevier, Sanpete & Emery) Proposed deleting the Red Fox and skunk from the list of wildlife. This would allow anyone to kill me of these animals at any time without a license or a reason. These animals are being blamed for decimating the pheasant and waterfowl populations and prey on domestic animals. Rep Johnson's motto is the only good predator is a dead predator. This bill was amended to leave red fox and skunk as protected wildlife but they could be shot any time year round without a license. House Bill 101 (Rep T. Matthews) Requires farmers to obtain assistance from the Division of Wildlife Resources within 72 hours of being notified before killing big game animals that are damaging crops. This bill was passed. The DWR felt this particular bill would not impact the way they are doing business already. state-protect- J 4 "91 1 this basis alone, the bill is of major concern to me. This bill had broad support from sportsman groups and nonconsumptive groups. The bill passed with some amendments which would allow the money to be used for feeding big game animals in the winter. House Bill 177 (Rep Bill Wright, Utah, Sanpete, and Juab) Allowed those persons endangered by bears, cougars or rattlesnakes to kill the animals as long as a reasonable person believed it was necessary. Fortunately this bill was killed. DWR had never arrested anyone for killing one of these animals when it was in self defense. All wildlife groups were against the indiscriminate killing of wildlife as this till would of allowed. Senate Bill 92 (Sen Scott Howell, Salt Lake) Authorized a wildlife license plate where a minimum of $20 goes toward tig game habitat and trout stream protection. This license date would be similar to the one allowed for the various Universities and Colleges. The fee would be a yearly fee. BOOK CLIF HOMESTEADS V F0I? INFORMATION. WRITE 01? DROP TWE SILVEI? 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