A coalition of outdoor recreation organizations is set to gather at the Georgia State Capitol on March 18, urging lawmakers to protect public access to the state’s rivers and streams.
The Freedom to Float Coalition, representing thousands of boaters across Georgia, is calling on legislators to support policies that uphold the state’s outdoor recreation heritage and bolster its tourism economy, according to an article by accessWDUN.
The event, known as Boaters Day, begins at 8 a.m. with a briefing by coalition leaders, followed by meetings between attendees and their state senators and representatives.
The initiative seeks to educate lawmakers about the significance of Georgia’s outdoor recreation industry and the need to preserve public access to waterways.
The Freedom to Float Coalition comprises several advocacy groups, including Georgia Rivers, the Georgia Canoeing Association (GCA), Tennessee Valley Canoe Club (TVCC), American Whitewater (AW), and the American Canoe Association (ACA).
These organizations emphasize that Georgia’s legal tradition has long supported the public’s right to navigate waterways, and they are urging legislators to affirm that right through legislation.
Neighboring states like Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida have policies recognizing public passage on rivers, and the coalition argues that Georgia should follow suit to support the outdoor recreation economy.
Joe Cook of Georgia Rivers stated that in December, a special House Study Committee on Navigable Streams recommended no changes to existing laws, and legislators have since upheld that stance.
However, the debate over waterway access remains unresolved, particularly regarding Georgia’s 1863 definition of “navigable streams.”
Under state law, a stream is deemed navigable if it can float a “boat loaded with freight in the regular course of trade” for at least part of the year.
The coalition contends that this outdated definition threatens recreational access to numerous waterways across the state.
In 2023, a measure backed by Governor Brian Kemp affirmed the public’s right to boat, fish, and hunt on Georgia’s navigable streams.
Despite this, discussions on waterway access continue, as outdoor enthusiasts and conservation advocates seek clearer protections for recreational use.
The coalition is encouraging boaters to attend the rally to voice their support for legislation that ensures public access to Georgia’s rivers and streams. The event is free to attend, and interested participants can register online or contact Joe Cook at 706-409-0128 for further details.
The outcome of this advocacy effort carries significant implications for Georgia’s outdoor recreation and tourism sectors.
Protecting public access to waterways is crucial for sustaining the state’s thriving outdoor industry, which draws visitors, supports local economies, and fosters conservation efforts.