ATLANTA – On October 4, 2023, House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross), chairman of the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources, convened the first meeting of this study committee at Towerhouse Farm near the banks of the Flint River in Meriwether County, Georgia.
“I am grateful to Towerhouse Farm and Representative David Jenkins for hosting our committee meeting in the 136th House District,” said Whip Burchett. “Our Committee was created by the House to hear from Georgians across our state with concerns about access to Georgia’s waterways by our anglers and outdoorsmen.
The House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources was created on March 29, 2023, with the passage of House Resolution 519. The committee is required to undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues and problems related to the ability of Georgians to access freshwater fishing in areas where streams and rivers abut or cross private property, issuing a report by December 1, 2023 should it produce any specific findings or recommendations.
“It was wonderful to welcome so many Georgians from the surrounding community interested in these issues,” added Whip Burchett. “While there were differences of opinion, it was clear that everyone present had the goal of protecting and preserving Georgia’s waterways for the enjoyment of future generations. I look forward to our upcoming hearings planned for Habersham County on October 12, 2023, Fannin County on October 18, 2023, and Bulloch County on October 25, 2023.”
For more information on the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources, or to view a video of the first hearing, please click here.
Representative James Burchett represents the citizens of District 176, which includes Atkinson and Lanier counties and portions of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and currently serves as the House Majority Whip. He also serves on the Ethics, Judiciary, Judiciary Non-Civil and Transportation committees and as an Ex-Officio member of the Rules Committee
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