House Bill 2338: Felt sole wading boot ban in Oregon state legislature

This bill would take effect in 2015.

LINK (Via: The Caddis Fly: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog)

One of the best quotes I've heard on the felt ban movement sweeping the nation.

"It is the equivalent of trying to ban shot glasses to prevent drunk driving."

Maybe we should start a new grassroots organization to fight this big government intrusion into our private sector angling lives?

Remember, If felt is outlawed, only outlaws will wear felt.

R.I.P. - Utah Stream Access

A tip of the hat to all of you who made their voices heard regarding this flawed piece of legislation.

From Bryan Gregson at the Utah Water Guardians.

Subject: Gov will sign HB-141

Yesterday, we learned of the Gov's decision to sign HB141 today. Recognizing it's flaws he will ask the AG to not interfere with any injunctions. Outside of the issue, which has personal ramifications, the Governor support for a flawed process, closed door politics and for a bill that will eventually cost tax payers time and money, shows a glaring lack of leadership at a time when we can ill afford such.

Its a shady blow I think most of us saw coming... it just sucks to know your going to get punched in the face, and you got to just "take it" like a fisherman. Small defeat, but the long term will be an overall victory.

FISHERMEN AND FISHERWOMEN --->THANK YOU ALL!! Locals and non-residents alike!! In the end, we are all fishers, thanks for banding together and fighting along side us.

Bryan

Here's an interesting tidbit from the post mortem in yesterday's Salt Lake Trbune.

Governor Herbert's sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Steve Ault, own about a mile-and-a-half stretch of the lower Provo River, some of the premier fishing waters in the country, and were actively involved in lobbying the Legislature to pass HB141.

Weekly Dick

Utah House sinks stream access bill for second time

The bill went down this time by an even larger margin.

A bill that would define which streams on private property are open to public access sank for a second time in the House on Monday.

Lawmakers have been flooded with e-mails and phone calls, mostly from bill opponents.

LINK (Via: The Salt Lake Trib)

Utah Stream Access Bill Back from the Dead

Like a bad horror movie, the Utah House of Representatives resurrected a controversial stream access bill Wednesday afternoon in a close vote.

That means the House will likely vote again during the session on HB187, which would close some Utah rivers to recreation. House members voted down the measure on Tuesday.

LINK  (Via: The Salt Lake Tribune)

Down Goes Utah House Bill 187!

Dreaming of the Take is reporting that the Utah House of Representatives has voted down HB187 which would have blocked public access to most Utah streams and rivers.

LINK