EPA is making things interesting

[flyguy_stl]

In the rule changes put out today by the EPA with the Army Corps of Engineers, there are several "clarifications" on waterways for the Clean Water Act. Of particular interest to anglers is clarification on the definition of "Traditional Navigable Waterways" they are putting forth. If it holds, there are certainly ecological protection implications of interest to us. I'm not sure it would help us regarding access, but it can't hurt.

http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-05/documents/rule_preamble_web_version.pdf Page 82.

For purposes of CWA jurisdiction, waters will be considered traditional navigable waters, and jurisdictional under (a)(1) of the rule, if they:

• Are subject to section 9 or 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899;

• Have been determined by a Federal court to be navigable-in-fact under Federal law;

• Are waters currently being used for commercial navigation, including commercial waterborne recreation (for example, boat rentals, guided fishing trips, or water ski tournaments);

• Have historically been used for commercial navigation, including commercial waterborne recreation; or

• Are susceptible to being used in the future for commercial navigation, including commercial waterborne recreation.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Well, I think I like the looks of that.