A coalition of outdoor recreation groups representing thousands of boaters across Georgia will rally on March 18 at the Georgia State Capitol to urge legislators to protect Georgia’s outdoor recreation heritage and record-setting tourism economy by supporting policies that keep the state’s rivers and streams accessible to the public.
The Freedom to Float Coalition encourages boaters to attend the free event and speak with their legislators. The coalition consists of Georgia Rivers, Georgia Canoeing Association (GCA), Tennessee Valley Canoe Club (TVCC), American Whitewater (AW) and American Canoe Association (ACA).
Boaters Day begins at 8 a.m. in the Capitol with a briefing by coalition leaders. Attendees will then meet with their state senators and representatives between 9 a.m. and Noon to educate them about Georgia’s outdoor recreation industry and the importance of protecting public access to the state’s rivers and streams.
Interested parties can register for the event at: https://georgiarivernetwork.regfox.com/freedom-to-float-boaters-day-at-the-state-capitol-2025 or call 706-409-0128 for more information.
A press release from Joe Cook of Georgia Rivers says The Freedom to Float Coalition has urged state leaders to adopt legislation that affirms the public’s right to pass down streams that are capable of floating recreational watercraft. Neighboring states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida all have similar policies, and asserts that “right of passage” laws have been part of Georgia’s legal tradition since statehood and in the modern era the ability to float down streams supports the state’s outdoor recreation economy and record-setting tourism industry.
Cook says In December, a special House Study Committee on Navigable Streams issued a report recommending no changes to Georgia’s existing laws, and legislators have stood by those recommendations.
The groups say that during the past two legislative sessions, legislators have grappled with where the public can boat, fish and hunt on the state’s streams. In 2023, a measure supported by Gov. Brian Kemp was adopted, declaring that Georgians had the right to boat, fish and hunt on all of the state’s navigable streams.
But, the state’s 1863 definition of “navigable streams” has been a point of debate for years. Georgia code says that a stream is navigable if it is capable of floating a “boat loaded with freight in the regular course of trade for the whole or part of the year.”
The groups planning to rally at the Capitol building March 18th include:
Georgia Rivers, formerly known as Georgia River Network-a statewide non-profit river advocacy group with the mission to connect people with and protect Georgia’s rivers. Georgia Rivers is GA DNR’s non-profit river recreation partner coordinating the statewide water trails program and created the Georgia River Guide free mobile app.
American Whitewater - a national non-profit river conservation organization with the mission to protect and restore America’s whitewater rivers and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.
American Canoe Association - a national non-profit organization that serves the broader paddling public by providing educational programs, supporting stewardship initiatives that affect paddlers and offering competition opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Georgia Canoeing Association is a non-profit organization that promotes public river access, boating safety and canoeing and kayaking opportunities across the state.
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club is a 501(c)(7) organization based in Chattanooga/North Georgia that brings together a diverse population of people who are interested in canoeing, kayaking, and related activities; to increase the knowledge, safety, and appreciation of paddle sports; and to support conservation and preservation of recreational waterways.
For more information, you can contact Joe Cook at 706-409-0128 or [email protected]
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