Committee hears public calls for partial-call flexibility and pitches review of Bureau of Reclamation lands

A public commenter and the State Treasurer urged the Joint Select Water Committee to explore two related interim issues: whether Wyoming law and practice allow partial calls during drought so neighbors can share limited flow, and whether the state should review federal ownership of land beneath reservoir waterlines.

An unidentified public commenter described holding the "number one" right on a creek and said current law requires making a full call for the entire right, which prevents splitting flow to help downstream neighbors in drought. The commenter asked the committee to study "optional partial calls" and legal protections that would allow rightsholders to share smaller portions of a call without triggering abandonment proceedings.

Treasurer Meer and other members discussed whether exchanges or partial calls are presently possible under existing rules and whether such changes would be limited by state law or require statutory action. The State Treasurer urged committee discussion with the State Engineer and recommended staff involvement to assess legal and administrative feasibility.

Separately, Senator Driscoll suggested a short review of Bureau of Reclamation land ownership under reservoir wet lines ("Brack lands"), noting potential impacts on recreation and grazing and asking staff to coordinate with State Parks and federal officials. The committee agreed to pursue both items during the interim and to engage agency staff for technical briefings.

No formal action or votes occurred; members directed staff to incorporate these items into the interim package and to consult the State Engineer and relevant agencies for technical input.