Gov. Herbert signs bill restricting access to streams on private property

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite pressure from anglers and others who advocate for access, Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a controversial bill that will establish new restrictions on where recreationists can access streams, rivers and other waterways located on private property.

The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, was hotly contested throughout the legislative session and at the center of a tug of war pitting recreationists against farmers, ranchers and others who have streams and other waterways that cross their property.

"I am signing HB141 because we need to begin the process of addressing the unfortunate gulf between outdoor recreationists and private property owners," Herbert said. "I recognize the potential conflict between private property rights and the right of public access to Utah's waterways."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon blasted Herbert for signing the so-called stream access bill, saying he wished Herbert had demonstrated "basic leadership" and had vetoed the measure.

"There is nothing more basic than access to the outdoors and Utah's bountiful outdoor resources. Utahns have always cherished our fundamental right to the use of our water ways," Corroon said. "HB141 will severely limit that access, economically harm Utah retailers, hotels and lodges, and send visiting anglers and hunters to neighboring states."

Supporters viewed the measure as a restoration of private property rights they believed were gutted by a 2008 Utah Supreme Court decision that ultimately tossed the criminal trespass convictions lodged against rafters on the Weber River.

Because Utah case law was largely silent on the issue of accessing public waterways that cross private property, Supreme Court justices held that public waterways should largely enjoy unrestricted access, but they did note that it was a matter that could be addressed through lawmakers.

At least two representatives did just that, running competing bills that attempted to establish new guidelines.

McIff's successful measure was viewed as the most restrictive and was opposed by anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. It sets up access if there has been a continual, historic public use of the waterway for 10 years, and it requires recreationists to get permission from property owners if they leave the water and touch the land.

Multiple farmers and ranchers and other property owners urged passage of the bill, with many testifying that they were held hostage by reckless rafters and anglers who left trash behind and overstayed their welcome.

One of the biggest supporters of the measures was the Utah Farm Bureau, whose chief executive officer, Randy Parker, praised Herbert and lawmakers.