Turning Utah Streams Over to the Free Market

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Conservation Effort Gains Momentum in Legislature

(KCPW News) For the sake of preserving trout in Utah, state lawmakers are considering a plan to let private fishing groups lease water rights from ranchers and farmers. Angler groups like Trout Unlimited are prepared to spend thousands of dollars to keep more water in Utah's rivers for fishing and recreation by leasing so-called "in-stream flows."

Currently only state wildlife agencies can lease water rights for conservation. Turning Utah's streams lose on the free market gives many lawmakers pause, but after a year of study, state senators seem ready to give it a try. Members of the Utah Water Users Association are leery of change and say the current system works fine.

The measure creates a limited pilot project requiring state officials to approve and monitor private in-stream flow agreements. After ten years, the water will revert back to the original rights holders.

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