Weber Access Trial

[BigCountryUT]

I saw a story in the Trib about the Weber access fight. Thought I would give a heads up for those that did not see it.
Here is a link:
[url "http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249924-155/public-access-on-weber-river-hinges"]http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249924-155/public-access-on-weber-river-hinges[/url]
[signature]

[Turkeyneck]

thanks for sharing, I honestly don't follow these public access debates as much as I should but it seems like the majority of anglers are in favor of unrestricted access. Im not educated well enough on the subject to really give an opinion but I know if I had property on a river I probably wouldnt want to look in my backyard and see something like the middle provo on a sunday. From my experience if I enter through a public area or somewhere inconspicuous and mind my own business no one has bothered me. If these rivers turn public does that mean you can just walk right up through someones property? or will they build more parking areas with public trails? I would hate to see certain waters get crowded or trashed, not that it would happen, just a thought. I guess what im asking is what exactly happens when a water turns public?
[signature]

[downed_Phly]

Follow the Utah Stream Access Coalition (USAC) on facebook for updates on the trials:
https://www.facebook.com/utahstreamacces...ts&fref=ts

If you're not on facebook, sign up to receive updates directly from the USAC website:
http://utahstreamaccess.org/usac-wp/

The simplified version is this:
The public owns the water. Property owner owns the stream bed. BUT what is at stake is the EASEMENT on a stream bed - whether or not anglers and other recreationists like kayakers (and unfortunately tubers [mad]) have access to the water.

IF access is granted, trespassing laws remain the same. You cannot cut across private property to access water. That is the current law, and that will remain in force. BUT, if you enter a river from a legal/public access point, should the law be overturned, you would be able to fish water that flows through private property. As far as boundaries are concerned, you need to stay within the ordinary high water mark - which means the normal (not in times of flooding or such) high water mark.
[signature]

[Turkeyneck]

good to know! thanks for clearing that up for me ill have to check out that page.
[signature]