I received this Email It needed to be posted.
Hey gang, I'm sending an email to inform you that there is a hearing scheduled for Friday, February 8th at 1:30 pm, room 0107 of the capitol building. This bill is a response to a texas developer who wants to close the upper Taylor river, near Gunnison to the three outfitters that have been running this stretch commercially for as much as 33 years. While the bill deals only with commercial rafting, should it fail it will have much broader consequences to private boaters/fisherman as well. I've pasted a little background info on the dispute and the bill for you to read, as well as a copy of the letter sent by the developer to the rafting companies. The arrogance and utter contempt for boating rights is nothing short of disgusting. Janet and I are also working on a petition which we intend to circulate to all members of the Colorado Bar, which would basically support the passage of HB1188 and further pledge to oppose any future attempts to privatize OUR RIVERS. I intend to present a copy of the signed petition to each and every state lawmaker, as well as the Sheriffs and DA's of every county in the state.
If you share my love for fishing, rafting, and rivers in general, please join me in making our voices heard. Call or email your state representatives and urge them to support HB 1188.
The rivers of this state belong to ALL THE PEOPLE of this great nation. I'll sooner die fighting than allow OUR RIVERS to become the playthings of the rich and powerful.
THE LETTER (must read): http://www.croa.org/viabilityAct/jackson_ShawProperty.pdf
The representative just sent this to me. I thought I'd share it.
Colorado River Outfitters Association
SUPPORT HB 10-XXX
Commercial Outfitters Floating Act
Sponsors: Representative Curry and Senator Hodge
Commercial river running contributed $142 million to Colorado’s economy in 2008 when more than 500,000 people enjoyed our scenic rivers. Yet, the ability to provide commercial river running is under serious threat because wealthy out-of-state landowners want to prohibit licensed outfitters from providing trips on historically rafted rivers. The 2010 Commercial Outfitters Floating Act protects Colorado’s tourism industry by clarifying the rights of commercial guides to operate on Colorado’s historically run rivers.
Background
Commercial rafting contributed $142 million to Colorado’s economy in 2008 while providing river trips to more than 500,000 people.
Current state law is unclear regarding the ability of commercial outfitters to float through private property.
Problem
A new landowner purchased property to subdivide into ranchettes on the Taylor River near Gunnison and is threatening expensive legal action against commercial river outfitters, who have been providing river trips on the stretch of river for more than 20 years.
Another out-of-state landowner drove a small commercial outfitter out of business on the Lake Fork near Lake City under similar circumstances in 2000.
Commercial outfitters, the guides they employ, and the local economies that they support are at risk if landowners successfully prohibit them from floating on Colorado’s rivers.
What the Bill Does and Does Not Do
Establishes that licensed outfitters, floating on historically commercially floated rivers, cannot be charged with civil trespass if they make accidental contact with the bed or banks of Colorado’s rivers, or portage around hazards that would put their passengers at risk.
Makes no changes to the rights that private boaters currently have.
Clearly protects landowners from liability if a rafter is injured while passing through their property.
Does not change the ability of landowners to construct facilities on their property.
Consequence If Not Approved
The ability of Colorado’s $142 million river rafting industry to operate on Colorado’s rivers would be put at serious risk.
For more information please contact Adam Eichberg (303-204-6930) or Will Coyne (720-308-7931)
Thanks for your time,
You have just been Hooked
~Andy Huber
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