Dear Members and Friends,
2012 is shaping up to be an eventful year in our fight to restore public access to, and lawful use of, Utah’s public waters.
This message is to let you know that in the coming days we are expecting a ruling from Utah’s 4th District Court on the Public Waters (Provo River) case. This case challenges the constitutionality of the so-called “Public Waters Access Act” (a.k.a. HB141). We will keep you posted and let you know more about the ruling after it has been issued, and studied by our attorneys. Please stay tuned for a follow-up message soon.
It is important to note that regardless of the outcome of this case at the District Court level, the issue of stream and river access in Utah is far from over. We are hopeful that the ruling will be in our favor and will overturn HB141. But whether we “win” or “lose,” this case will be appealed to the Utah State Supreme Court, who will ultimately have the final say on the constitutionality of HB141. Also, while we expect to receive this ruling within a few days, we might not know the exact implications of it until some time has passed. So, no matter what you may hear or read about the this ruling, please understand that this is only one battle in a war that will be waged for many years to come – and know that USAC intends to lead this fight for as many years as it takes.
To help our members understand the implications of this forthcoming ruling we are scheduling a meeting of the general membership with the USAC legal team. This meeting will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Conference Room “C” at the Salt Lake City Library (210 East, 400 South). We hope to see you there.
Meanwhile, thanks for your support, and thanks for helping us keep this issue alive in the hearts and minds of our members, families, friends, and neighbors. Please remember that this struggle for restoring public access to, and use of, Utah’s public waters is going to continue for some time to come, and we will need your continued support in order to prevail!
The Board of Directors
Utah Stream Access Coalition
Working to restore public access to, and lawful use of, Utah’s public waters.