In this episode of Following Waters, we sit down with Joe Cook of Georgia River Network to unpack one of the most important — and least understood — water access debates in the Southeast: Freedom to Float in Georgia.

Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful and biologically rich rivers in the country, yet paddlers, anglers, and river users often find themselves caught in conflict over where they are legally allowed to float, wade, or stop. At the heart of the issue is a murky mix of 19th-century law, modern recreation, private property concerns, and public trust — and a growing movement to clarify what access really looks like in a changing state.

Joe helps us understand:

1. How Georgia’s river access laws evolved — and why they’re so confusing today
2. What “navigable waters” means in Georgia (and why that definition matters)
3. Where conflicts between landowners and paddlers most often arise
4. Recent legislative efforts and advocacy work around Freedom to Float
5. What’s at stake if access continues to be restricted or left unclear
6. How everyday river users can stay informed, engaged, and respectful

This conversation isn’t about winning arguments — it’s about finding balance: honoring private property rights while protecting rivers as shared public resources that connect communities, ecosystems, and generations.

Whether you paddle every weekend or have never thought about who “owns” a river, this episode offers a clear, thoughtful look at why access matters — and how it shapes our relationship with water.

Find out more at Georgia Rivers

Mentioned in this episode:

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