Utah House Bill 187 Protest

Today we took Liv to our first protest, surprisingly to myself, it was a first for all of us, (apparently, I am only an activist in my mind). My mans is an avid fly fishermen, so he was dead set on going to the Capitol to the rally, and I had to bring the camera.

To be honest, I REALLY loved it. The energy, the lack of direction, the anticipation of a shot you see coming. It was quite refreshing. Just the charge I needed...and I supported my fishing peeps.

All updated information concerning the bill's action can be found here.
Online petition here, please sign if you are against this bill!!!

House Bill 187

Use of Public Waters

CREATES CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES FOR THE LEGAL ACTIVITIES YOU ENJOY ON PUBLIC WATERS

TAKES AWAY WATERS YOU’VE ALWAYS HAD ACCESS TO

ALLOWS PRIVATE LANDOWNERS TO KEEP YOU OUT OF PUBLIC PROPERTY

SEVERELY DAMAGES THE ECONOMY OF UTAH’S OUTDOOR INDUSTRY

PUTS PRIVATE INTERESTS OVER THE INTERESTS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC
WASTES DOLLARS AND EFFORTS ALREADY SPENT ON IMPROVING FISHERIES AND HABITAT

CREATES CONFUSING AND CONFLICTING RULES THAT COULD RESULT IN YOU GETTING CITED FOR PARTICIPATING IN A LEGAL ACTIVITY

CREATES A COMMITTEE THAT CAN FURTHER REMOVE WATERS FROM PUBLIC ACCESS

Users of this resource have not had the opportunity to contribute or exchange ideas on this issue. Any proposed legislation should have the backing of an intensive planning committee, within the parameters outlined by the Utah Supreme Court’s ruling, with representation of all interested parties.

Essentially, if you are walking downstream fishing and happen to walk through private property via the river, you can be criminally charged.
Apparently this limits public access down to 10% of Utah's rivers...no good for fisherman, kayakers, tubers (they are out there, I once knew of a tubing club), birdwatchers, and tourism.

Pretty much, this is a bummer.

A few shots from the morning...

ACCESS, ACCESS!

Please help by contacting your representative (if you live in Utah) and/or contacting the following (provided by Bryan Gregson):

Person(s) of Interest

The Governor’s office:

Amanda Smith - Legislative Affairs Advisor - amandasmith@utah.gov
Michael Mower - State Planning Coordinator -mikemower@utah.gov

KEY POINTS

o Let them know that Ferry’s bill, HB 187, does not speak for your (public’s) interest.

o Any effort to diminish, limit, or reverse the public’s right to an easement on public water is a direct assault on our rights as defined by the Utah Supreme Court.

o You believe in respecting private property, and that water is a public resource–it benefits everyone and is “owned” by us all. The legislature’s obligation is to defend the public’s rights to use that resource while continuing to protect the rights of private property owners

o You do not support legislation that attempts to list specific “allowed” and “un-allowed” streams.

o Users of this resource have not had the opportunity to contribute or exchange ideas on this issue. Any proposed legislation should have the backing of an intensive planning committee, within the parameters outlined by the Utah Supreme Court’s ruling, with representation of all interested parties.

o In 2006, 1.1 million residents and non-residents participated in some form of fish and wildlife -related recreation in Utah. These anglers, hunters and wildlife viewers spent $1.24 billion in retail sales creating $651.9 million in salaries and wages, and supporting more than 24,000 jobs. The total economic effect (multiplier effect) from fish and wildlife-related recreation was estimated at $2.3 billion.

Update -- The bill failed to pass, despite numerous sneaky attempts. Look for to 2010 legislation for it to return and get ready for a brawl.

-Exit soap box