Our thanks to James H. Newsome of Save Georgia’s Anchorages, a group whose aim is to prevent unreasonable restriction to Georgia’s anchorages. See Anchoring Restrictions in Georgia.

Much thanks for Larry and Cruisers Net for publicizing the ongoing issue with infringement on anchoring rights in Georgia. Please visit Save Georgia’s Anchorages on Facebook for the latest news in our efforts to have HB201 rewritten in the next legislative session starting in January.

Since publication of proposed rules for HB201 in late May, many individuals and boating groups have voiced strong opposition to the intent of the law and subsequent rules. Following a public meeting in June, a record number of public comments submitted to GA’s Coastal Resource Division of DNR, and a Stakeholders’ Meeting at CRD headquarters in Brunswick in late July, it became apparent that changes were needed in HB201. Following weeks of review and exchange of ideas between several boating stakeholder groups and individuals, areas of concern in HB201 were identified and suggested revisions were developed.

Stakeholders representing Waterway Guide, a coalition of membership organizations (including America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA), Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), Marine Trawler Owners’ Association (MTOA), and Defever Cruisers), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and Save Georgia’s Anchorages contributed to the Suggested Revisions for GA’s Anchoring Law – HB201.

This document was submitted to key GA legislators, DNR Commissioner Williams, and Coastal Resource Division Director Haymans in November, and now has been sent to the Legislative Council for review and to be drawn into a bill for submittal to the 2020 General Assembly.

A complete copy of the Suggested Revisions for GA’s Anchoring Law is now uploaded to files here on Save Georgia’s Anchorages for your review.

While we do not know what changes will be made in the final bill, we are pleased that GA legislators, DNR Board members, DNR Commissioner Williams and Director Haymans are working with us to find a solution to the problems in HB201.

And a special thanks is extended to GA Representative Ron Stephens from Savannah District 164 who has been instrumental in helping our coalition of boating groups move this process through the negotiation and filing process. Representative Stephens is also a Great Loop Cruiser.

We will keep members informed here on SGA when any developments arise. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaveGeorgiasAnchorages/ where you can download a complete copy of Suggested Revisions to Georgia’s Anchoring Law, HB201.