Rep. Lynn Smith Provides Update on Recent Meeting of the House Study Committee on Navigable Streams in House District 70

ATLANTA - State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), chair of the House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters, along with members of the committee, recently held a meeting to discuss strategies for expanding public waterway access, advancing conservation initiatives and addressing challenges related to water systems. The meeting, hosted in Rep. Smith's home district, House District 70, took place at The Donald W. Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, which serves Coweta County schools and students. The meeting also featured visits to two public parks along the Chattahoochee River, McIntosh Reserve in Carroll County and Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Coweta County, as well as testimony, updates and insights from state agencies, nonprofits and local organizations.

"The discussions at this meeting highlighted the critical need to protect Georgia's waterways and tackle the unique challenges facing our rural communities," said Rep. Smith. "I deeply appreciate the experts and stakeholders who shared their insights and experiences with us. Places like Chattahoochee Bend State Park and McIntosh Reserve exemplify the kind of results that can be achieved through collaboration among state agencies, nonprofits and local leaders. These projects showcase the power of conservation and public access efforts in enhancing our region. I look forward to translating the committee's findings into meaningful legislation in the upcoming session."

During the meeting, the study committee received an overview of projects that aim to enhance public access and conservation across Georgia, including Chattahoochee Bend State Park, which provides seven miles of public river access, and the McIntosh Reserve, a Carroll County project offering an additional three miles-both of which were acquired through a combination of public and private funds for public use. The discussion emphasized the importance of respecting private property rights by acquiring private properties from willing sellers, with the participation of non-profit conservation groups and government initiatives. Presenters highlighted state-led voluntary conservation efforts that involve collaboration among private landowners, non-profits and government partners. Speakers included Erin Kenner, State Park Manager at Chattahoochee Bend State Park; Phil Larue, President of the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park; Brian Gibson, Region One, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Emily Camargo, Chattahoochee RiverLands Project at the Trust for Public Land; Michelle Morgan, Chair of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners; and Stacey Blackmon from Tisinger Vance.

The committee also addressed the impacts of Hurricane Helene on rural water systems and the state's recovery efforts. Officials from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and the Georgia Rural Water Association provided updates on recovery strategies and ongoing support for affected areas. Other invited speakers included Soheila Naji, with the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program at the Department of Natural Resources; Monica Thornton, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy; and Stacy Funderburke, Vice President of the Central Southeast Region at The Conservation Fund.

Over the past several months, the study committee has worked to address concerns surrounding Georgia's navigable streams and related issues. Beginning their work in August with an initial meeting at the State Capitol, the committee reviewed the state's laws, case law and the history of Georgia's water challenges. In September, they convened at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia, to continue these discussions. A planned meeting in southwest Georgia was canceled due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. The committee is responsible for finalizing its findings and compiling a report of recommendations ahead of the 2025 legislative session in January.

More information on the House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters may be found here.

*Editor's note: photos from the meeting are attached.

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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