Litigation Filed on Johns Creek (VA)

Newspapers are reporting that several landowners filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia earlier this week, seeking to claim ownership of the riverbed of Johns Creek. The lawyer filing the lawsuit claims the case will set precedent that could impact other Virginia streams in future similar cases.

Johns Creek is a recreational treasure, and the right to travel it in canoes or kayaks belongs to all Virginians.  It is a large classic whitewater stream with exciting Class IV rapids of the highest quality in a scenic gorge, with a milder river trip available downstream. It is one of the premiere whitewater rivers in Virginia.

American Whitewater owns the takeout for the gorge on Johns Creek, which grants community members and visitors free access to a beautiful reach of the stream. The access area was recently recognized as a Virginia Treasure.

Outdoor recreation is an important facet of many Virginia residents' and visitors' way way of life. The Commonwealth of Virginia is acting wisely and responsibly in supporting its citizen’s long-held rights to travel the Commonwealth’s rivers.  In doing so the Commonwealth is supporting the many benefits provided by access to the outdoors. 

Litigation that in any way diminishes paddling rights could threaten Virginian’s cherished connection to their outdoors and public waters. American Whitewater has yet so see a copy of the legal complaint, and will review it when it becomes available. The paddling community will do all we can to defend the deeply valued freedom to enjoy and travel on Virginia’s rivers.