LATEST EVENTS – 2/28/09

We’ve been lobbying at the capitol all week, thanks to everyone who has
taken the time to do so!! It has been another asset in this long-winded
battle and we gained significant momentum in doing so. We need to keep the
pressure on, especially this week.

• Rep. Ferry circled the bill (HB 187) – The bill is “on hold” –> http://le.utah.gov/~2009/status/hbillsta/hb0187s01.htm<http://le.utah.gov/%7E2009/status/hbillsta/hb0187s01.htm>
• There was a meeting Friday with Representative Ferry — A number of angling interests, URC, DWR, landowners, Farm Bureau, Real Estate, Attorney Generals office, a “listener” from the Governor’s office, half dozen Representatives, etc.

• Nothing was offered, no compromise took place. All angling interests spoke with a unified voice: The *process* was flawed.
• Rep. McIff tried to ram home that the Conatser, JJNP and most every other Utah Court cases that Conatser ruled on are “not accurate.” And we were told, in my opinion, misleading information.

• Rep. Ferry was surprised to hear that the Air boat, waterfowl, duck guys,etc, are upset – “Why are they upset? …It has nothing to do with them,” he said.
• They believe “navigable,” NOT easement, is the issue. However, “easement” IS THE issue!

In a nutshell -

Rep. Ferry did not offer anything other than the HB 187 as is. I believe that Representative Ferry might use this meeting against us/you/public:

(a) If nobody attended, it would have been twisted into an unwillingness to cooperate or communicate.
(b) Since we went and did not agree to HIS terms, we will be viewed as uncooperative.
It’s not that we didn’t listen to the other side or add genuine dialogue, but the bill remains the same, which is clearly unacceptable.

We all know something needs to be done. BUT right now, this late in the game, is not the time to scramble to get “something” passed. No band-aid is big enough to fix this. Observing the dozen amendments provides insight that the Representatives feel there are many significant flaws with HB187, as well as the fact that it’s just plain confusing.

We need to remain steadfast because these issues are too important to speed through or attempt to patch. This goes right back to the point about the entire “process”…Is this how important issues should be approached?

I must say that everyone should know that the DWR stood up for facts and we should all send them a note thanking them. I know lately the DWR in the public’s eye, unfortunately, has been a sore subject. Their actions and words have not always echoed one another, and it created tension. The public’s prompt heavy-handed response (to past weeks’ statements and articles) struck deep I’m sure. BUT the public should be just as quick to respond in a positive way, encouraging them if they stand on the foundation they represent, the public will stand behind them. It’s my humble opinion that a sincere thank you is a good gesture to show that the public is fair and recognizes integrity. I’m not suggesting they spoke out against HB 187 directly, but they voiced out loud and spoke facts, whether it was for one side or the other. And in this case it’s a positive thing for water users, as this is all we have, the fact and the honesty… *”It would be an enforcement nightmare,” said Mr. Karpowitz.*.

Bottom line – we are where we are today because of the masses, the public. If we lose momentum, interest and do not maintain pressure we will ultimately lose. We all need to keep going; the public as a whole cannot continue this without the masses. If you think that this Bill is dead, I assure you that the public has not won anything. The reality of this bill passing has not changed.

Get informed, knowledge is power, questions are the answer.