Keep the Conversation Alive!

For the first time in over a decade, a concerted and organized effort to create and submit a bill was made through the hard work of many individuals and organizations. The result of this hard work was SB 737 which was sponsored by Senator Chap Peteresen (Fairfax).

On February 5, 2013 SB 737 was voted down on a 18-21 vote. Here’s how the vote broke down:

• YEAS–Alexander, Barker, Colgan, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Herring, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, McEachin, Miller, Northam, Petersen, Puller, Saslaw, and Watkins
• NAYS–Blevins, Carrico, Deeds, Garrett, Hanger, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Puckett, Reeves, Ruff, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, and Wagner
• Abstain–Black

SB 737’s failure in the 2013 General Assembly does not mean that paddling on Virginia streams is illegal. It does mean that the right to paddle is not yet clarified and established. Keep on boating, keep talking to other boaters about the issue, and continue to present our activity as the positive recreation it is to everyone in your community.

But we’re not done yet!  Those involved with this bill are committed to getting a bill passed that benefits paddlers, and we knew that this was not a one time try. We knew that the odds of passage were not great, but through the process we would learn what the opposition to the bill would be. And knowing these concerns we could then adjust the language of the bill to meet these concerns, spend time educating the legislators, and continue to build community support. And come 2014 we will submit a newer, stronger, bigger, better version of the bill.

For now, the best way to help is not to let the conversation die:

• Join the Facebook Group Virginia Stream Navigation Bill
• Find out how your Senator voted and later this spring schedule a meeting with them. If they supported it, get their thoughts on what we can do to improve the bill. If they opposed it, ask them what needs to be done to win their support.
• Find more supporters: talk to your Chamber of Commerce, economic development, and tourism offices. Talk to outdoor stores, user groups, and clubs
• Send a thank you note to Senator Chap Peteresen. He’s the one who sponsored this bill in the first place and he needs to know we’re not going anywhere.
• Send a note to Delegate Greg Habeeb. He is a co-patron of the bill and says he will sponsor the bill in 2014. Between Peteresen and Habeeb we have a great chance at a joint bill next time around,.
• Post ideas and suggestion on this site as well as the Facebook page

SB 737 passed committee – Take Action NOW

UPDATE – SB 737 was voted down on Feb. 5, 2013 (18 yeahs – 21 nays). But we’re not done. We knew that most likely we’d have to do this more than once. First time we learn what the opposition is, we then refine our bill, get more support, and submit a second bill in 2014. Keep fighting!

Great news…but our work has just begun! It’s time to make those phones ring!

SB 737 passed the Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee in a vote of 8-7.

• Here is how the Senate Agriculture Committee voted
• Click here to track SB 737

The 25 senators who are not on Senate Agriculture Committee need to hear from you, and everyone you know – whether they live in Virginia or not. Out of state calls are helpful because you represent tourists who want to come to Virginia (and spend money).

Steps to Take NOW – a full vote by the Senate takes place February 5th. After it passes, it will move to the House of Delegates…which means it will be time to call our Delegates.

1. Contact your Delegate and tell them to vote yes for SB 737. Odds are you won’t actually talk to the Senator; you’ll talk to an aide who is fielding lots of calls from people regarding lots of bills…they keep a spread sheet on each bill and make notes on how many constituents call in favor (or against) a bill. Just tell them you want the Senator to vote in favor of SB 737.
2. Contact the Delegate that represents the rivers you paddle. Let them know that you spend money in their districts. Let them know how valuable a resource their rivers are.
3. If you are a member of, or know of an organization that can speak in favor of SB 737, now is the time to speak up. We need a unified message sent from all user groups. Examples: Blue Ridge River Runners, Float Fisherman, Blue Ridge Voyagers, ACA, Carolina Canoe Club, Sierra Club, Coastal Canoeists, American Whitewater, University Outdoor Clubs, Parks and Recreation Departments, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Groups, Outfitters & Guides (who make their living on the outdoors), etc. Contact bill sponsor Senator Chap Petersen with your support, as well as your own Senator/Delegate.

Virginia law has not been concerned with recreational paddling in the past. Many people – paddlers, landowners, lawyers, and legislators – are confused and uncertain about what is permitted and what is not. SB 737 is an opportunity to provide guidance. Paddling is a healthy and wholesome activity and Virginia should not discourage it.

It is important that legislators understand that this bill is about more than just paddling – it’s about economic development. The outdoor industry is a $646 billion dollar industry, supporting 6.1 million jobs, $80 million in tax revenue. Our current laws put Virginia at a disadvantage over other states. This bill costs nothing, but puts Virginia in a better position to grow river-based economies.

Talking Points:

• SB 737 would clarify and establish the right to simply float in a canoe or kayak on streams in Virginia, so long as you access the stream from property where you have permission to do so and do not trespass on adjacent land.
• SB 737 does not change or challenge property rights.
• SB 737 does not apply to very small streams, only those of Second Order or larger, those formed by the confluence of perennial streams. The bill has a mechanism to exclude stream sections for conservation or safety.
• SB 737 provides a legal framework for the enjoyment of Virginia streams and rivers, to better benefit the many thousands who enjoy canoeing and kayaking, landowners who want their property protected, and communities who want to know what is legal and proper.
• The paddling community is always ready to work with landowners to work out details so everyone’s rights are protected.