Paddlers’ Access to Navigable Waters: Update

by Scott Hays, Advocacy Chair and President, IPC

In a decision inconsistent with federal law, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has determined that 98% of all rivers in the state of Illinois are designated as “non-navigable” and are the property of the landowner who owns the land along that section of the river’s banks. Paddling these “non-navigable” rivers (nearly all of which are quite navigable by canoe or kayak) risks a trespassing violation for paddlers, according to IDNR’s interpretation of the law.

For a map and listing of the small number of Illinois Rivers that IDNR designates as “navigable” public waterways, click HERE. If your river is not on this list, YOU risk a trespassing violation for paddling your river.

This session, Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr of Naperville has introduced HB 1873 which amends the Illinois Rivers., Lakes and Streams Act. This amendment clarifies that – like nearly all of our neighboring states – the rivers of Illinois belong to our citizens, who may paddle our rivers without fear of being accused of trespassing. 

For a link to this bill, click HERE.

The Illinois Paddling Council and our partner organizations continue to work with Representative Yang-Rohr and the Illinois legislature to pass HB 1873 in the Spring 2025 legislative session.

As of this writing, the bill was re-referred to the House Rules Committee from being referred and not voted on by the House Energy and Environment Committee. With no further committee meetings scheduled, our bill’s future is in doubt, but more changes may be forthcoming. Nothing is certain until the session ends, so stay tuned for more updates from the IPC! Watch your email and follow us on Facebook.