Public Access: Rivers

“Hello!

I came across an interesting page on law about public access to rivers:

http://www.adventuresports.com/river/nors/us-law-public.htm

River Access

It essentially says that on many rivers the public has immutable rights to walk and camp along rivers up to the normal high water mark.

I was just curious if anyone had ever tried to make use of this right.

Oh, and sorry for being so esoteric in the morning.”

“MI law says the water way has to be considered "navigable" which means that a log must be able to be floated down it. There was a big debate with the DNR and MI United Conservation Club awhile back. A bunch of fishermen wanted to fish on "private" property.”

“Good Morning, Joy!

Thanks for the quick response. So, I imagine the fishermen lost?

BTW, I do recall reading something about the "log test". So, I guess Michigan hikers and fishermen should pack a tree with them to prove their right to access. Funny that such an old standard is still operable.”

“The fishermen won I believe.

You don't carry a log in your backpack?! I wrap my duct tape around mine. :o)”

“Virginia also has navigable water rule. I don't know how they determine it though.”

“BTW, Joy, I also read someplace that the Great Lakes states own land under the great lakes to the high water mark. This, technically, makes a lot of shoreline public.

I'd love to see a court fight over that one. No one in Michigan would survive.”