SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — An appeals court won’t overturn a misdemeanor conviction for a southern Utah county commissioner who became a cause celebre in a movement challenging federal management of Western public lands.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday rejected arguments that Phil Lyman’s trial was tainted by the judge’s friendship with a conservation group lawyer.

The panel decided U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby didn’t treat Lyman unfairly and could not have been expected to know that the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance had given information to prosecutors before the trial.

Lyman and blogger Monte Wells were convicted for their roles in organizing an ATV ride though a closed southern Utah canyon as a protest of federal control of public lands.

Wells says he’s disappointed in the ruling. Lyman did not immediately return a message seeking comment.