A controversial bill that would limit recreational access to Utah riverbeds advanced late Friday after a 10-4 vote by the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and and Environment Committee.

But the committee made two changes to HB187, sponsored by Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corrine. Portions of the Logan and Blacksmith Fork rivers were added to the list of 14 rivers that will be open to anyone if the bill passes. And homeowners could prevent access to a streambed only if their home is 150 feet from the water, rather than 500 feet.

A Utah Supreme Court decision in July of 2008 said Utahns should be allowed to walk on any stream beds in the state, which the law currently allows. Private landowners weren't happy with the ruling and hope to change the law through Ferry's bill, which has been vocally opposed by recreation interests.

While praising the amendments as slight improvements, opponents still vowed to fight the bill, which now goes to the House for a vote. It still must pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Jon Huntsman to become law.

Anglers and river users charge the bill was written without enough input from recreationists.

"This bill is not fair," said Bob Dibblee, state chair of Utah Trout Unlimited. "It was done in haste. Sponsors said we were shown the bill ahead of time but it was four days before the bill came out. We should have had an idea of what the bill contained."

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has taken no position on the bill. But the agency's legislative liaison, Robin Thomas, praised the amendments.

"There is a long way for this bill to go," she said. "We appreciate Rep. Ferry and his willingness to get involved in a complex and controversial bill. And we are glad to see anglers involved and voicing their opinions to legislators."