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SB 209

Gooseberry Narrows State Park Designation

2026 General Session Introduced by Derrin Owens

Bill designates Gooseberry Narrows as Utah state park, triggering public land management and funding obligations amid committee disagreement over implementation.

Senate Comm - Motion to Recommend Failed [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]
#damsandcanals #departmentofnaturalresources #divisionofstateparks #naturalresources #parksandrecreation #publiclands #water #waterrights
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Bill Summary · SB 209

Legislative bill overview

SB 209 proposes designating Gooseberry Narrows as a state park in Utah. The bill has progressed through the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee, which issued substitute and amendment recommendations on February 4, 2026, though a motion to recommend the bill failed.

Why is this important

State park designations affect land use, public access, environmental protection, and local economic development through recreation and tourism. The designation determines whether the area will be managed for conservation, public recreation, or other purposes, and may impact property rights, development potential, and public funding allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Land management and access: Questions about what uses will be permitted (hiking, camping, vehicles, hunting) and whether current users or property owners face restrictions
  • Fiscal implications: The fiscal note indicates costs associated with park development, staffing, and maintenance that require public funding
  • Local stakeholder concerns: The failed motion to recommend suggests committee disagreement, potentially reflecting disputes with local landowners, counties, or competing land use interests

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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