Recommendations released recently by a state legislative committee that, if signed into law, could have a major impact on recreational use of Georgia’s rivers and streams – including some popular ones in our corner of the state – are raising alarm among some of the state’s water enthusiasts.
The House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources recommended last month that the state determine and delineate the “navigability” of each of Georgia’s rivers and streams based on “a restrictive definition of navigability that dates to 1863 and is geared toward supporting barge traffic, not paddling.”
The waterways that could be impacted include popular paddling and kayaking sections of the Chattahoochee, Chestatee and Etowah rivers along with most mountain rivers and small and medium-sized streams throughout the state.
EARLIER STORY: Legislative committee files report on fishing rights in Ga. 97.5 Glory FM | North Georgia’s Family Radio Station (wgtjradio.com)
(STATE DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES PHOTO: FISHING ON THE CHESTATEE RIVER)
(THE ALBANY HERALD CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY)