No access, no future generations of anglers, no flyfishers, no boaters, and no jobs. The public’s lawful access to nearly half of Utah’s rivers and streams was lost in 2010. How do you build an industry if the infrastructure isn’t there?
The Utah Stream Access Coalition will be holding a press conference and rally to fight the proposed House Bill68 and to support a new bill (yet to be numbered) sponsored be Rep. Dixon M. Pitcher to offer compromise.
HB68 was written by Rep. Kay L. McIff as an attempt to protect the HB141, also known as the "Public Waters Access Act" which slipped through the legislative process by McIff without time for public scrutiny. HB141 made public access to over 400 rivers and waterways closed off and susceptible to criminal trespass offense for the public to recreate in public waters that flow over private property, with the exception of floating as long as the bottom of the river is not touched.
The press conference and rally will be held February 15th at 10:00 AM on the South Steps of the Utah State Capitol Building located at 350 North State Street in Salt Lake City.
The proverbial shit is hitting the fan (again) in Utah when it comes to public access. Last week lawyers representing the Utah Stream Access Coalitionargued in a Heber City courtroom that HB141 violates the public trust doctrine by limiting public access for anglers, boaters. In all likelihood this case will ultimately be decided by the Utah Supreme Court.
Meanwhile as this battle plays out, a new bill has been proposed by Rep. Kay McIff, the Richfield Republican who sponsored HB141. His new bill, HB68, is being pushed by property rights groups and would limit the state’s public trust obligations to those spelled out only in statute and in the Utah Constitution.
"Some of the more problematic and controversial uses occurring in Utah are not addressed," he said. "Stream access is an area of concern.
OIA President Frank Huglemeyer raised the issue of stream access as part of the unveiling of Utah Governor Herbert's unveiling of "The State of Utah Outdoor Recreation Vision." prior to last week's Outdoor Retailer Show.
You can help by joining the cause, spreading the word and staying infomed. Head over to the Utah Steam Access Coalition Facebook page and give them a like, share with your network and sign up for their newsletter. They can use all the help and support they can get.
Friday, January 31, 2014 at 12:04AM 
