Candidates for Laramie Rivers Conservation District (LRCD)

The LRCD is a special district mandated by state statute encompassing all of Albany County. A one mill levy was adopted by voters that is permanently in place until a petition drive to recall it. There are five members who serve four-year terms on the board, three Rural, one At Large, and one Urban. Currently there are two Rural and one Urban vacancy. One candidate for a rural seat (Chariti Fisher) has officially withdrawn though her name is still on the ballot. Therefore, the write-in candidate with the most votes who qualifies (lives outside the boundaries of Laramie or Rock River) will win election. There is no salary, but mileage reimbursement for district-related travel is provided.

1. What is your background, and what qualifies you for this office? (100 words)

Larry C. Munn (Rural): I have worked for the Ag College at UW as a Professor of Soil Science for 27 years and during that time I have worked on a wide variety of natural resource issues. My educational experience included training in soils for crop production, forestry and rangeland systems and I have done research and outreach education in all of those areas, in addition to classroom teaching, over the years. I believe that everyone benefits from good resource management and that we all have an interest in maintaining the quality of our water, air and soils and of maintaining open space.

Chariti Fisher (Rural): Withdrawn

Carl A. Shaffer (Urban): I have been a resident of Rock River for 26 years and previously served eight years on the LRCD Board.  I have a degree in agronomy from UW.  I have ranched in Albany County all my life.  I understand the value of sustainable agriculture as well as the lure of life in the country.  I value the need for good water for both agriculture and all residents of our state.

2. What role can LRCD play in assisting the City of Laramie with development plans for the Monolith Ranch? (75 words)

Larry C. Munn (Rural): The LRCD can, in coordination with the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the UW College of Agriculture, provide to the City of Laramie expertise in water quality and rangeland management issues to help with management of the Monolith Ranch. I have personally been to the Monolith several times as part of UW outreach and I think the Monolith will be a major asset to the Laramie community in the future.

Carl A. Shaffer (Urban): The LRCD can advise the City on appropriate species of plants for reclamation of the irrigated lands after the water is transferred for municipal use.  The LRCD can also help them find the expertise to manage and monitor the resources they have.

3. What do you see as the major issues facing the LRCD in your term of office? (75 words)

Larry C. Munn (Rural): The major challenge for the future is maintaining open space and preserving a healthy landscape for future generations. LRCD can help this effort through technical support of commercial agriculture, through education of youth, and through technical support for rural residents on small acreages. We all benefit from maintaining a viable ranching community; we also need to recognize that rural growth will occur and provide technical expertise to support rural residents as they plan snow fences, weed control, etc.

Carl A. Shaffer (Urban): The major issues facing LRCD are how to effectively utilize its staff and resources without duplicating the services provided by the Weed and Pest and the County Extension Service.  LRCD needs to follow their Mission Statement: To provide leadership for the conservation of Albany County’s soil and water, and promote sustained use of Wyoming’s water and all other natural resources.  LRCD needs to spend the taxpayers’ money wisely and efficiently.