The Ute Tribal Business Committee announced this week that they have adopted a Resolution terminating all current Tribal permits for non-Tribal members to hunt, fish, or engage in outdoor recreational activity on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. “This action, which applies to hunting, fishing, camping, swimming, and any other recreational activity on the Reservation, goes into effect immediately,” shares the announcement. “The Resolution also sets an indefinite moratorium on the issuance of any new Tribal hunting, fishing, or recreational activity permits to nonmembers of the Tribe. This Business Committee action is a response to recent events involving nonmember activities on Tribal land that gave rise to serious concerns over the safety of Tribal employees, officers, and members.” This stand aims to stop nonmembers from exploiting Tribal permits and ignoring Tribal rules and regulations. “As elected members of the Business Committee, we are duty-bound to take measures necessary to protect the health and safety of our members and our Tribal officers,” states Business Committee Chairman Julius T. Murray, III. “Nonmember hunting and fishing on our lands is a privilege, not a right. As long as there are individuals who disrespect Tribal jurisdiction and sovereignty and treat our homeland as a place of lawlessness, then we have no choice but to draw a hard line on all nonmember permits.”
