New stream bed access bill favors property owners

(Daily Herald) Accessing public rivers on private land will get harder based on a bill that passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Representatives easily stopped a bill on Monday that was considered a compromise bill on stream bed access and just as easily passed House Bill 141.

"As I look at the issues involved in these two pieces of legislation, I find myself even drawing closer and closer to those things outlined in our constitution," said Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan.

Debate centered around the rights of the property owners vs. the right of public access to the water that is considered state property. The issue has been a hot button since a Utah Supreme Court ruling in 2008 that it was OK for the public to touch down on stream beds on private property under certain circumstances. The decision was cheered by fishermen and other recreation groups while jeered by property owners.

"We have that right, the absolutely responsibility to stand up and clarify that," said Rep. Kerry Gibson, R-Ogden.

Original Article