Bear River
As a result of a court decision, the Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands (FFSL) only claims fee title ownership to the summer channel of the Bear River from the Utah/Idaho border to Amalga Bridge near Amalga, UT. FFSL claims fee title ownership from top of the bank to top of the bank for the remaining portions of the Bear River located downstream of Amalga Bridge to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. FFSL manages the river under the Public Trust Doctrine for public use and enjoyment. To ensure effective implementation of Utah’s multiple-use policy, FFSL strives to assure public access to navigable waters for commerce, navigation, fishing, swimming, and recreational boating, while also working to preserve these lands in their natural state.
Bear River Management Plan
In October 2017, the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) finalized the first-ever comprehensive management plan for the Bear River, a sovereign land body, which flows through Cache and Box Elder Counties. Utah Admin Code R652-2-100 authorizes FFSL to prescribe land management objectives for sovereign lands.
The beds of navigable waters within the state, including the Bear River, are owned by the state but held in trust for the public. FFSL is required to ensure that all uses on, beneath, or above the bed of the Bear River are regulated to ensure the protection of navigation, fish & wildlife habitat, aquatic beauty, public recreation, and water quality.
Leases & Permits
For Leases and Permits related to activities on the Bear River, please reach out to Jessie Danninger at 801-657-8963 or by email at [email protected], or visit our Leases & Permits page.