HB333 Boat Launch Permitting

Claudia Cottle

Executive Director
Bear Lake Watch, Inc.
801-243-8980

 

Here is an update on the HB333 as passed. When this bill went the Senate, Senator Hillyard proposed a substitute bill with language that clarifies and requires State Lands to issue a permit for launching from adjacent private property and to make the rules for the permits to be administered.

I think this cleared up the most controversial portion of this bill. There are a few other things to keep in mind regarding this legislative action:

• This portion of the law does not apply to any private property (aka: above the highwater line).
• It might help clear up other questions by seeing how these pieces of the code all fit together.   ("Sub-section 3" contains the changes at issue. Sub-sections 1 & 2 were amended in 2012)
• Another important thing to remember is that Utah law also required The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to administer Bear Lake through a "Comprehensive Management Plan" (CMP) which requires public process.
• The CMP will need to be amended to accommodate these new changes - this will be your opportunity to give input and have further impact on how the beaches will be administered. Be watching for notices of this action! We will get it out to you as soon as we know.