From USAC:
In 2010, the Utah Legislature and Governor enacted the perversely-named “Public Waters Access Act,” which took away your rights to access and utilize thousands of miles of Utah’s public rivers and streams. Shortly thereafter, the USAC was formed to restore our access. In the past 4 years, we have gained support within Utah and beyond, from citizens and from industry, and we have grown our membership to over 3,700 strong. Here’s what we’ve been up to recently and where we’re going:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
For the past 2 years the USAC has brought reasonable, sensible compromise to the table. Based on Idaho law that has worked for nearly 40 years, Rep. Dixon Pitcher’s “Public Waters Access Act” (HB 37) sought to protect both property rights and public waters. Unfortunately, the legislature didn’t take the opportunity to champion compromise and put this issue to bed. Stand up against their inaction and indifference!
THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
This year, the entirety of the House of Representatives and half of the Senate are up for re-election. Already, several access opponents are not seeking re-election. It’s time to let your elected officials know that if they want your vote in this election, then you want their vote on stream access.
Here’s what you can do:
Look up your House & Senate districts: http://1.usa.gov/1frt35m
Look up who is running in your districts: http://bit.ly/1kuPiOW
CONTACT YOUR CANDIDATES Send them an email and give them a phone call. Ask them where they stand on stream access. Listen. Inform. Educate. Act.
Stay up-to-date: Look for our emails throughout the Summer on how to stay involved.
LEGAL UPDATE
Both the Public Waters (Provo) and Navigability (Weber) lawsuits are in their final preparations for trial at the District Court level. We are tentatively on track for both trials to occur this Fall. Our legal team is being exceptionally thorough – we want this done, and we want it done right. To do so requires research, experts, expert reports, depositions, and time.
If you care about stream access, and the ability of future Utahans to recreate on and in their public rivers and streams, consider making a donation.
Thank you for your interest, your action, and your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.
Board of Directors
Utah Steam Access Coalition
[email protected]
www.utahstreamaccess.org
