41-3-1007. Acquisition of existing rights for instream flow purposes. (a) The state of Wyoming may acquire any existing water rights in streams of Wyoming by transfer or gift for the purpose of providing instream flows, provided that a change in use of the right acquired shall be in accordance with W.S. 41-3-104. Any right acquired and changed shall be in the name of the state of Wyoming and shall be administered by the state engineer and the board of control, who shall insure that the use of water for instream flows shall not interfere with existing water rights or impair the value of such rights or related property. The game and fish commission shall act as a petitioner in a petition for change in use under this section. (b) Any such water rights acquired and changed shall be limited to a specified stream segment by the board of control with priority date intact.
Wyoming Legal Code