WCCA Natural Resource Program
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Engaging federal land management at the local level
Wyoming counties are committed to meaningful engagement with federal agencies to address the wide array of federal natural resources issues that affect the health, safety, and welfare of their communities. The WCCA serves its membership through a range of services, including education and outreach, cooperating agency training, sharing of information on changes to relevant federal and state laws or regulations, coalition building with other counties and national associations, collaboration with the state of Wyoming, our delegation, and the governor’s office, and assisting in litigation, all to support county efforts to be active participants in the decisions that affect the lands within their borders.
Strengthening county engagement
In 2010, Governor Dave Freudenthal awarded the WCCA a grant from the FNRPA account to build internal legal capacity to provide legal assistance to more fully participate in federal land management project and planning processes. This grant has been renewed ever since, to institutionalize local government expertise in natural resource matters.
In 2024, the Wyoming legislature included a footnote to the Budget Bill, to formalize the Governor’s grant out of the FNRPA account to maintain two full-time employees hired by a statewide association. In addition to a natural resource attorney, the WCCA has retained an employee with technical science-based expertise to enhance Wyoming’s counties’ capacity to address natural resource issues with the federal government at the local level.
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What Wyoming's Counties are Doing
While federal law provides the legal basis for county engagement in natural resource management decisions, the practical basis stems from county commissioners’ responsibility to represent Wyoming communities most impacted by federal planning and projects.
Federal Coordination
with Local Plans
Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), the federal government is required to coordinate federal planning efforts with officially adopted local plans. In Wyoming, these planning documents are typically called Natural Resource Plans, and they are used by the federal government to maintain consistency with local priorities and objectives.
Serving as
Cooperating Agencies
In addition to coordination requirements in FLPMA and NFMA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) allows local governments the opportunity to meaningfully engage in federal environmental reviews for planning and projects. Counties are authorized to serve as cooperating agencies by law based on Wyo. Stat. § 18-5-208(a) and maintain special expertise in all subject matters directly or indirectly related to the health, safety, welfare, custom, culture, and socio-economic viability of a county.
Participation in Collaborative Groups
Beyond coordination and cooperation, Wyoming counties actively participate in working groups and collaboratives to support federal agencies on federal land management implementation. These groups bolster federal efforts and strengthen relationships between jurisdictions. Currently, this includes the Thunder Basin National Grassland Working Group, Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, Bighorn Mountain Coalition, among others.
Participation in NACo
The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents the interests of America’s counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation’s intergovernmental system. The WCCA National Resource Staff and county commissioners have long been involved with NACo as part of its goal to create a thriving future for Wyoming. This includes participation in the including the Western Interstate Region, Public Lands Policy Steering Committee, and the Environment, Energy & Land Use Policy Steering Committee.
WCCA Natural Resource Education and Outreach
The WCCA provides education and outreach to strengthen county leadership and engagement in natural resource management. Through hands-on training, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, WCCA helps county officials navigate complex federal and state land management processes that shape Wyoming’s land, water, and community futures.
NEPA
Training
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) training is integrated into Wyoming’s new commissioner orientation. The WCCA regularly hosts in depth NEPA trainings for commissioners and coordinates these trainings with other local, state, and federal partners. If we do NEPA together, we should learn NEPA together.
Federal Partners Day + Special Topics Training
The WCCA is committed to assisting Wyoming counties maintain and strengthen their relationships with federal partners. These relationships are foundational to successful natural resource management throughout Wyoming's federally managed lands. Additionally, The WCCA hosts topical natural resource trainings and discussions for its members as needed to address contemporary challenges.
Wyoming Public Lands Handbook
The Wyoming Public Lands Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the history, management, and policy framework governing Wyoming’s vast public lands. Developed by the WCCA, it equips county officials and stakeholders with practical tools and background information to effectively engage in federal and state land management decisions.
WCCA Policy Work
