Lyman not protected by First Amendment in Recapture Canyon protest ride, judge says

In 2007, the agency closed the canyon, once inhabited by Anasazi communities, following the discovery that unauthorized trail construction had damaged archaeological sites.

In separate motions, Lyman and two of his co-defendants, blogger Monte Wells and Shane Marian, sought to dismiss misdemeanor charges arising from the May 10 event, while Franklin Holliday did not participate.

Lyman's attorney Jared Stubbs argued federal prosecutors failed to adequately outline the alleged conspiracy, which entailed extensive media coverage promoting the illegal ride.

But Shelby found the basis of charges to be plainly obvious.

"The allegation is the four of you conspired to illegally ride in the canyon and then you went and did it," he said.

bmaffly@sltrib.com

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Lyman not protected by First Amendment in Recapture Canyon protest ride, judge says