In an effort to curb increasing unauthorized visitation to tribal lands, the Confederated Tribe of the Goshute Reservation has passed a law against trespassing.

Non-tribal members must now obtain written authorization to traverse areas away from main communities, or face civil fines of $100 to $5,000 and possible seizure of property.

The 113,000-acre reservation is located about 70 miles southeast of Wendover in northwest Juab County and extends into Nevada.

The penalties also apply to unauthorized grazing on tribal land, along with hunting, vandalism, construction or any removal or use of any natural resource such as minerals, water or the antlers or hides of wild game. The regulations state that property, including motor vehicles, may be seized to secure payment for any fine or damage assessment.

Phone calls to tribal administrator Ed Naranjo weren't returned. A press release dated June 20 says all roads leading onto the reservation are marked.

However, Val Jones, chairman of the Juab County Commission, said the reservation borders Bureau of Land Management land in the Deep Creek Range, and it can be difficult to know when you cross the line. He said there are no fences or signs in that area, and people, particularly hunters, often travel on foot.

"I don't think it's too fair to be nailing people with a big fine," he said. "If they're going to do that, they need to define the boundaries."

The press release states that the regulations are designed to "control and regulate ... the unauthorized use of tribal lands by persons who are not members of the tribe." It says it is in response to "an increase in the number of unauthorized individuals and vehicles upon tribal lands."

Randy Hunter, state assistant attorney general, said trespassing is a problem for tribes, and many do have anti-trespassing ordinances. Such ordinances also exist for private, state and federal land.

In comparison to the new Goshute regulation, Utah law provides fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail for the class B misdemeanor of criminal trespass on state or private property, and the maximum penalty increases to $2,500 and a year in jail if the criminal trespass occurs in a dwelling.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com