In a letter mailed Tuesday to officials of the School Institutional Trust Lands Administration, DWR said it would deny access across its land adjacent to the 365 acres in question along the Green River, said Assistant Attorney General Marty Bushman.

It's not clear whether it's a deal killer for the proposal by a Georgia-based developer to build a private retreat on Utah's most famous fly-fishing river. But one thing appears certain: It will spur more debate between the two state agencies, as well as fishing enthusiasts.

The SITLA parcel already had been the topic of intense exchanges since the agency announced earlier this year that it was considering leasing the acreage to Flint Timber, a development firm. The preliminary plans outline a private resort with 10 cabins and a restaurant.

Fishing interests argue the development would spoil the ambience of the rugged Green River and even harm spawning waters of cutthroat trout. The DWR wants the land for big-game winter range.

DWR is denying use of the road that crosses its land to SITLA's parcel for environmental reasons, said Bushman, who declined to make the letter available until SITLA officials have received it.

"This is an issue," he said of the access road. "My understanding is there have been ongoing discussions between DWR and SITLA. I expect there will be more discussion."

According to the DWR, SITLA earlier had turned down its proposal to lease the land at current market value for "critical" winter range for elk and deer. Details of Flint Timber's offer for a proposed 30-year lease are not public, but SITLA is charged with making the most it can on its lands for the state's education fund.

The dirt road across DWR's land stops about 200 yards short of SITLA's parcel. In addition, Bushman said, the road is not suitable for large trucks and other construction traffic.

"It's steep and narrow," he said. "Our concern is that they would have to widen the road."

SITLA officials had not received the letter by late Tuesday afternoon, according to spokesman David Herbertson.

"I'm surprised DWR is being so aggressive with this," he said.

Herbertson was unwilling to concede that access to the property would be an issue. SITLA could be entitled to a prescribed right of way, he said, adding, "There may or may not be an access problem."

Fishers want DWR to get the land, said Paul Dremman, chairman of the governor's Blue Ribbon Fishery Advisory Council.

"We feel there is an opportunity for DWR's original proposal [to go forward] without SITLA's parcel going to public auction," he said.

"Quite frankly, we don't feel there was enough cooperation between SITLA and DWR in the first place."

csmart@sltrib.com