South Georgia Times

The House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources held its inaugural meeting at Towerhouse Farm near the Flint River on October 4, 2023. Chaired by House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett, the committee gathered to address concerns and gather insights from the community regarding access to the state's waterways for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources, led by Chairman James Burchett, commenced its first hearing at Towerhouse Farm to gather insights and concerns from Georgians about access to the state's waterways for fishing and outdoor activities.

House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett chaired the inaugural meeting of the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources, held at Towerhouse Farm in Meriwether County, Georgia, near the Flint River's banks. The purpose of the committee, created through House Resolution 519 in March 2023, is to address concerns and gather input from Georgians regarding access to the state's waterways for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The committee plans to conduct further hearings in various counties, aiming to produce a report with findings or recommendations by December 1, 2023.

According to the press release, the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources, formed on March 29, 2023, via House Resolution 519, is tasked with studying the accessibility of Georgians to freshwater fishing in areas where water bodies intersect private properties, aiming to issue a report by December 1, 2023, if specific findings or recommendations arise.

House Resolution 519, introduced by Representatives Jenkins, Burchett, Knight, Cheokas, Corbett, and others, creates the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources in Georgia. The resolution aims to examine the public's right to fish in the state's freshwater resources, potential conflicts between public fishing rights and private property rights, and proposes the creation of a committee to study and recommend actions or legislation addressing these concerns.

The bill states instances where Georgia courts have allowed private landowners to prohibit public fishing in streams on their property if their title can be traced to a valid Crown or state grant that explicitly grants ownership of the streambeds. However, it acknowledges the lack of clarity regarding whether the state can convey exclusive fishing rights to private landowners while upholding the public trust doctrine that states fish are held for public benefit. Recognizing the confusion among the public, law enforcement, and officials, the resolution emphasizes the need to examine the extent of the public's fishing rights, resolve legal conflicts, and ensure the preservation of fishing opportunities for the public good in accordance with the Georgia Constitution.

Recently reported by the Capitol Beat, landowners along trout streams in North Georgia voiced concerns to state lawmakers, emphasizing that opening these privately held streams to public fishing might harm the region's economy, particularly the fly-fishing guide businesses that support their livelihoods. These property owners believe that allowing public access could result in overfishing, negatively impacting the delicate balance of the fisheries. The landowners stressed the importance of preserving these streams to sustain their farms and prevent land sales or subdivision.

In a press release, House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett stated: "It was wonderful to welcome so many Georgians from the surrounding community interested in these issues. 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."

The press release states that Representative James Burchett, elected in 2019, serves as the House Majority Whip, representing District 176 covering Atkinson and Lanier counties and parts of Coffee, Lowndes, and Ware counties.