Not much in the way of news Friday on the controversial House Bill 187 which would limit river access on many Utah waters. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corinne, did come before the entire House of Representatives but was circled, a tactic that will keep it alive for perhaps a vote week.
Meanwhile, according to Ted Wilson of the Utah Rivers Council, Rep. Ferry called anglers, river enthusiasts, real estate concerns, private property advocates, farm groups and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources together for a meeting Friday afternoon to find out if any compromise might be reached between the groups fighting on the legislation.
Many recreation enthusiasts seem to think the bill will be tabled this year and sent to a task force or interim committee for further work.
– Tom Wharton