Georgia’s outdoor recreation industry could face significant disruption if new restrictions on river access are imposed, outfitters and paddling advocates warned during a legislative hearing at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. The hearing was part of the ongoing work of the House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters, which was established to determine public access to the state’s waterways.
Amanda Dyson-Thornton, executive director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, stressed the importance of maintaining access to Georgia’s rivers and streams, calling outdoor recreation a critical driver of the state’s economy. “Public access to Georgia’s rivers and streams is crucial to sustaining Georgia’s outdoor recreation economy,” she said during Friday’s meeting.
The committee is tasked with defining which of Georgia’s rivers and streams are considered navigable and therefore open to fishing, paddling, and other recreational activities. This follows recent disputes over fishing rights on private property, including a high-profile lawsuit concerning the Flint River.
Outfitters, such as Andrew Bruce of Toccoa River Outfitters, expressed concern that the state’s proposed definition of navigability—which uses a flow rate of 400 cubic feet per second—could close off many smaller streams. Bruce noted that even shallow water can be navigable by kayaks, explaining that a kayak can float in just a few inches of water.
Local business owners and property owners alike urged lawmakers to maintain the current access policies rather than implement new rules. Outfitters warned that restrictions could hurt their businesses, while riverfront property owners like Joe Rose acknowledged that most paddlers are respectful and don’t pose issues.
However, environmental advocates such as Brad Coppedge, president of the Soque River Watershed Association, cautioned against hasty decisions to reclassify streams as navigable. He argued that such changes could harm river ecosystems, citing potential damage to the Soque River, a Chattahoochee tributary, if it were opened to unrestricted recreation.
The committee has until December 1st to complete its recommendations for the General Assembly.
Being able to canoe, kayak, and fish on creeks and rivers makes Georgia a great, livable place. We live in a beautiful place, state wide. The restrictions to or banning access to such watery places that are proposed/being considered would be So Hurtful to the quality of life in Georgia.
My hope is that Georgia will continue to keep access to our streams open and that rules and laws will be in line with the states around us.