Know Mimimum Age Requirements Before Operating a Vessel

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources reminds boaters under the age of 16 that there is a minimum age requirement to operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on public lakes and waterways. Young boaters can satisfy the minimum age requirements of this law by taking a boating safety course or by operating a boat under the supervision or in the accompaniment of an adult.

Celebrate National Fishing, Boating Week May 31–June 7 by getting outside!

National Fishing and Boating Week is an annual event coordinated by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to help share the benefits of fishing and boating. Boating and fishing both offer valuable opportunities to reconnect with family and friends. Whether it is an afternoon full of excitement out on the water or a relaxing afternoon fishing from the pier, each year this annual event falls on the first week of June.

GAYouth Hunter Ed Challenge January 17, Open to All

Youth interested in the outdoors can test their knowledge, demonstrate their skills, and register to win a muzzleloader at the state’s first annual Hunter Education Skills Challenge event Jan. 17 in Walton County.

SC Watercraft service fees increase

New watercraft service fee increases began December 11, 2008.  The fee increases were incorporated into the boating bill recently passed by the S.C. General Assembly.  The revenue generated from the fee increase will help cover S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administrative costs of forms, decals and other operation expenses.

Abandoned watercraft law effective Dec. 16

The S.C. General Assembly recently passed a new abandoned watercraft bill into law which makes it a crime to abandon a watercraft or an outboard motor on public lands or waters of the state and also provides for the removal of abandoned watercraft at the expense of the owner. Fines upon conviction of this misdemeanor are between $1000 and $5000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days.
 

Lake Jocassee trout stocking to close Devils Fork remote ramps

In cooperation with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), these remote boat ramps will be closed to public access once fish stocking efforts begin in November or early December. From the time fish stocking begins in November through Dec. 31, both the Roundhouse Point and Devils Fork boat ramps within Devils Fork State Park will be closed until Jan. 31, 2009.