USAC Rally

Freedom bitch!!!

Utah Rally for Public Water Access

Occupy Salt Lake!

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.

If you can't make the rally you can support USAC by contacting the Utah House Rules and Natural Resource  Committees.

Send Lawyers Guns and Money

The proverbial shit is hitting the fan (again) in Utah when it comes to public access. Last week lawyers representing the Utah Stream Access Coalition argued 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.

LINK (via: The Salt Lake Tribune)

"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.

LINK (via: The Salt Lake Trib)

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.

Utah judge says streams are public assets

A Utah judge agreed Monday with anglers arguing that all rivers and streams are public waters, but he has yet to decide whether a law restricting access to them went too far.

Both sides saw hope in the ruling.

LINK (via: The Salt Lake Tribune)

Kudos again to the Utah Stream Access Coalition for fighting the good fight.

Provo River - Ault Easement

The Utah Stream Access Coalition continues to fight the good fight when it comes to the rights of anglers to fish public waters in Utah.

In this case they investigate trespass citations given to anglers on the property of Steve Ault and discover that there is legal public access, something Mr. Ault disputes.

You should cough up some dough for these guys.

AFFTA announces matching fund for Utah Stream Access Coalition

 

The fight to restore Utah stream access is heading to court and AFFTA, the fly fishing industry trade association, will match any member donations dollar for dollar up to a total of $2500.00.

The Utah Stream Access Coalition has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Utah’s Public Waters Access Act passed last year. The coalition filed the suit because the Act effectively prohibits public access to hundreds of miles of rivers and streams in Utah. The money raised will be used by the coalition for court costs, witnesses and other related litigation expenses.

To read the full press release head over to Angling Trade. LINK

So all you AFFTA members, pull out your check books and write a check to support public access.