By Robert Rowe

Longstanding federal law provides that public waterways belong to the people, not just adjacent landowners. However, Illinois has lagged behind other states in recognizing these rights, leading to unnecessary restrictions on river access, stifling both business and recreational opportunities in communities throughout the state.  House Bill 1873 would affirm that any river capable of supporting canoes or kayaks for a significant part of a year is public unless proven otherwise.

Efforts have been underway for several years to clarify the public’s right to use Illinois rivers and to align state regulations with long-standing federal protections and with those of neighboring states of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.  

The River Access Bill (HB 1873) would ensure the rights of anyone to enjoy Illinois rivers for recreation. It would bring tourism dollars to Illinois communities. Businesses providing recreational rentals have been served or threatened with legal action for providing accommodations for recreation on clearly navigable waters. It would also increase conservation awareness of the condition of Illinois rivers. The more people enjoy and appreciate our rivers, the more they will support efforts to protect them. This bill does not alter property rights, and it does not give people the right to trespass on private land. Littering and trespass laws remain in effect.

Learn more about this issue:

Drew Kazenski, co-chair of the IL chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, will be speaking on the issue of right of access to Illinois Rivers on May 21st  at 7 p.m. to the Oakbrook Chapter of Trout Unlimited. This will be streamed live via zoom.  Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is an organization that “seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife."   ( Note: This is not a Sierra Club sponsored event)

Register to receive the Zoom link for the presentation.

To support increased access to rivers in Illinois, contact your state legislators and let them know that you support the provisions of bill HB 1723 that reinforce the rights of citizens to use Illinois’ rivers for recreation.