An 83-Year-Old Colorado Fisherman Fights for Public Access to Rivers
An 83-year-old Colorado fisherman, Roger Hill, is reigniting his 12-year battle for public freedom to wade in the state’s rivers. He is risking conflicts with landowners by returning to a disputed bend in the Arkansas River, seeking arrest as a form of civil disobedience.
Hill recently hiked across federally managed public land to access the river, where he peacefully cast his dry-fly line on the privately owned stretch. He is urging other anglers across the state to join him in asserting a public right to fish and float on navigable rivers, a freedom recognized in other western states.
This latest development is a continuation of a legal battle that began in 2012 on the same stretch of the Arkansas River. Hill faced aggression from landowners, including rocks being thrown at him and shots being fired at his friend. Despite winning a lawsuit claiming a public right to wade on riverbeds, the Colorado Supreme Court dismissed Hill’s case in June 2023, citing a lack of legal standing to proactively establish public access.
As a result, Hill cannot progress with his legal case unless he can raise the public access issue as a defense. He intentionally went fishing last weekend, hoping for an arrest or ticket for trespassing to provide the legal standing required by the Supreme Court.
Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are monitoring the situation, with landowners expressing their stance on the issue. Despite the legal complexities, Hill remains steadfast in his quest for public access to rivers.
Public access to riverbeds has become a contentious issue, particularly in Colorado, where private ownership of riverbeds is allowed. Hill’s efforts, supported by organizations like Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, aim to challenge the status quo and advocate for increased public access to rivers for recreational activities.
This ongoing battle highlights the clash between private property rights and public access to natural resources. Hill’s determination to challenge the legal barriers reflects a broader movement advocating for increased public access to rivers and streams for recreational purposes.
As the debate continues, the future of public access to Colorado’s rivers remains uncertain, with stakeholders on both sides expressing their perspectives on the issue. Hill’s actions symbolize a larger struggle for the preservation of public rights in the face of increasing privatization of natural resources.
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