Anglers, hunters, environmentalists oppose proposed fishing lodge
SALT LAKE CITY A Georgia development company is working with a Utah outfitter to build a private fishing lodge that has drawn angry opposition from anglers, hunters and environmentalists.
Utah’s state Division of Wildlife Resources also would like to see the site — on state schools land on the Green River east of Flaming Gorge Reservoir — left undeveloped.
Flint Timber, based in Ellijay, is working with Spinnerfall Guide Service to build the lodge in Red Canyon, across the river from Little Hole, Utah. Their long-term plan may include several cabins.
The developers want to lease 356 acres of land owned by the state Schools and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, which advertised the parcel for bid last year.
Utah wildlife resource director Jim Karpowitz said the site is important winter habitat for elk and deer and would be better left undeveloped. Flint Timber’s proposal has drawn strong opposition from Trout Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and individual anglers and environmentalists. The stretch of the Green River where the lodge would be built is a favorite of anglers seeking rainbow and brown trout.