John Grace has put together this little clip to bring a very touchy subject to light for public awareness. The clip explains the jist of what is happening in Colorado right now- Basically, private land owners are trying to prevent the right of passage on public waterways that are flowing through their land, and is creating quite a stir as you can imagine, as the rafting and whitewater industry is a major contribution to the CO economy each year, and a huge part of the whitewater market in the US- the decision that the courts make in this case could have a pretty large effect on the WW market in the US if this passes. AW is playing a huge part in raising public awareness and standing up in this argument. It will be interesting to see how this all pans out.
You can also visit the Vimeo webpage for this clip for links to contact the appropriate people regarding this issue: Click HERE
Having a right to use a river is simple nonsense: nonsense upon stilts.
Why is it simple nonsense Mr Bentham? Do you actually believe you (or anyone) owns the water that coming from upstream?
From my understanding; no private purchase agreement in this situation specifies any rights whatsoever to the waterway for the owner of the lands adjacent to the waterway. So therefore the waterway must be public property, If not, why not sue the state for damaging your private property for the embankment erosion going on?
How is public access to float on a river any different than access to undisputed public lands or parks for hikers or campers? (That is to say access through public lands not via a private property).
Question: What is the prevailing legislation throughout the rest of the US in this matter? Or is Colorado just a "tempest in a teapot"?
Living in NWT of Canada access and private property have never been and issue During our last budget canada lost the NWPA our Navigatable waters protection act Candas oldest standing piece of legisaltion. This has many repercussions and they will be felt by many. You have and we have the right to use our rivers. having been to the UK where access has been a huge problem for years I realize how lucky we are. Do all that you can to save the right to float, Sincerely , Greg Loftus