ATLANTA – State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), chair of the House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters, along with members of the study committee, recently adopted the committee’s final report via signature.
“The study committee held three public meetings across the state, making stops in Atlanta, Unicoi State Park and Newnan,” said Rep. Smith. “A fourth meeting was scheduled in Nahunta but was unfortunately canceled due to the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These hurricanes caused widespread damage throughout the region, emphasizing the critical importance of this committee’s mission to prioritize and protect Georgia’s streams and waterways. The final report, carefully reviewed and unanimously approved before the December 1st deadline, underscores our deep commitment to preserving Georgia’s waterways. We look forward to continuing the important conversations initiated by this committee during the upcoming legislative session, ensuring these critical issues remain a top priority.”
In the months leading up to now, the study committee has focused on developing comprehensive recommendations to address concerns surrounding Georgia’s navigable streams and waterways. Through an in-depth review of state laws, case law and the history of Georgia’s water challenges, the committee identified a number of areas as priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Despite disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, the committee’s work culminated in a final meeting in Newnan, Georgia. The resulting report, adopted by signature, outlines the committee’s recommendations to guide the 2025 legislative session in prioritizing the protection and management of Georgia’s water resources.
The committee’s final recommendations are as follows:
- Maintain the definition of navigability set forth in O.C.G.A. §44-8-5(a) and the right of passage for navigable streams as found in O.C.G.A. §52-1-31;
- Refrain from a statutory delineation of navigable and non-navigable streams;
- Incentivize and strengthen tools to foster collaboration and partnerships between landowners, nonprofits and local/state government that increase opportunities for public access and conservation of Georgia’s waterways;
- Preserve the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program;
- Urge the Department of Natural Resources to further publicize and fund new technologies that assist in tracking and resolving disputes on waterways; and
- Protect Georgia’s fishing, hunting, trapping and outdoor recreation traditions, as well as those reliant on waterways such as logging and farming, by carefully analyzing the impact of any potential legislation on these sectors.
For more information on the House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters, please click here. To view the full final report, please click here.
Representative Lynn Smith currently represents the citizens of District 70, which includes portions of Carroll and Coweta counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. She also serves on the Special Committee on Election Integrity, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Creative Arts & Entertainment and Rules committees.
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