carry on a TVA lake

[Guest m&pc9]

Is it legal to carry on the tva lakes. I know at the boat ramp at Cherokee dam they have a sign no guns. But once you get out on the lake is it legal. I looked on twra website but couldnt see any thing.

[Fallguy]

Does the sign only apply to the boat ramp of the lake?

Can't say for sure, but would seem to me, that they mean for it apply to the lake. The boat ramp is the entrance to the lake so to speak, right?

[Guest m&pc9]

I always thought it was for the campers and the boat ramp.

[TripleDigitRide]

Get dropped in by helicopter, and you'll be good to go.

[Guest m&pc9]

They do have private boat launches

[Fallguy]

There is no TN law that prohibits carry on the water or TVA property itself. But the TVA is like any other property owner in TN, in that they can post their property.

Does the sigh specify the area where firearms are prohibited?

Is there a sign in the area where the campers are? If so what does it say?

Again....IMO, and that's all it is....is my opinion. A sign at boat ramp would apply to the body of water it is posted next to. Just like the fishing regulation signs at some boat ramps.

[Guest 2HOW]

I always thought TVA was just like state parks, I may be wrong .

[Marswolf]

TVA is a Federal agency.

I can't say for sure, but suspect you fall under Federal law. I doubt you can legally carry, but I need to do some research.

[Marswolf]

Only thing I see is from http://www.tva.gov/river/landandshore/pdfs/v1_appen.pdf (2007-07-24)

Incompatible Recreational Uses (1.10.8)

Some persons were concerned about improper or incompatible recreational uses. The examples

mentioned were large, fast-moving watercraft, unregulated informal camping, jet skis, and off-road

motor vehicles.

Response

TVA has taken steps to control incompatible water uses around its developed recreation areas by

requesting states to designate waters in the immediate vicinity of heavily used swimming beaches

and boat ramps as no-boating and no-wake zones, respectively. All Valley states have laws defining

proper and safe use of watercraft that apply to waterways within their jurisdiction. Boat operators who

do not adhere to boat guidelines or who operate their craft in a reckless manner are subject to arrest

and/or fining.

Informal camping and such activities as bank fishing, swimming, picnicking, and walking are permitted

on most TVA fee-owned lands. Many undeveloped TVA tracts receive heavy, concentrated public

use because of their accessibility, physical characteristics, or other factors. Some of these areas

have been subjected to abuse, including dumping of trash and damage to trees, and to inappropriate

activities, such as alcohol abuse. TVA has regulations prohibiting these abuses of public land, and

enforcement is provided by TVA Police as well as some local law enforcement personnel. In some

areas, specific use restrictions have been implemented to control abuse. The restrictions most often

applied are prohibiting alcohol, firearms, and night use, including camping. These special restrictions

are enforced primarily by TVA Police. In a few instances, road access to TVA land has been physically

blocked to control persistent abuse problems.

[Fallguy]

That would seem to about answer it.

[Guest dotsun]

Well they don't really enforce the alcohol thingie unless you're boating drunk.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

is it a navigatable waterway... if so then you can, but I dont think it is.

[Marswolf]

is it a navigatable waterway... if so then you can, but I dont think it is.

Good point Glockmeister. Around here, the lakes are not navigable.

[Guest Boomhower]

Good point Glockmeister. Around here, the lakes are not navigable.

...Your joking, right?

[Marswolf]

...Your joking, right?

Uh....no.

You do understand the definition of "navigable" in US law?

[Guest Boomhower]

Uh....no.

You do understand the definition of "navigable" in US law?

Apparently I do not, but I do understand the definition of "navigable" in the English language.....In the mean time, enlighten me as I search it out.

[Guest MrsS]

Hope this helps....I spoke to a TWRA agent (Shawn) at Sevier Hunter Education Center a few months ago and he told me that if TWRA stops the boat, show the same courtesy as you would if pulled over in your car while armed......you can carry on the lake, so long as wherever you dock/disembark is not state/federal park land.

Edited May 24, 2008 by MrsS

[Guest nraforlife]

But what if your boat is your home of record.

[Guest Boomhower]

From my understanding of everything I have read here in the past 20 min., the definition of "navigable" in US law seems to be, in my mind, pretty much the same meaning as it is a dictionary. The lawful meaning just trys to complicate matters, as usual.

Here's my source information:

US Army Corps of Engineers Part 329.4

Tennessee Code "Navigable Streams"

I'm not trying to start a war here, just wanting to learn. If I'm wrong or looking in the wrong places, correct me........My whole argument on this is about lakes not being navigable. To me, according to all that I have just posted, navigable means being able to transport something on water with a watercraft of some type.

[Guest dotsun]

Hope this helps....I spoke to a TWRA agent (Shawn) at Sevier Hunter Education Center a few months ago and he told me that if TWRA stops the boat, show the same courtesy as you would if pulled over in your car while armed......you can carry on the lake, so long as wherever you dock/disembark is not state/federal park land.

That's great info, thx for posting. I've always wondered if I was legal when boating.

[Mike.357]

can I carry while on water skis?

[Guest dotsun]

can I carry while on water skis?

Yeah just wear 2 of your hi points so you'll sink, er I mean be balanced.

[Guest GLOCKGUY]

can I carry while on water skis?

yes as long as its a GLOCK you can get them wet and they still shoot like new

[GLOCKMEISTER]

as long as you are navigating a navigable waterway, Basically Cumberland or Tennessee River, lake or tributary you are good to go. I have a letter from the Dept of Safety and TWRA concerning this.

[Guest Boomhower]

as long as you are navigating a navigable waterway, Basically Cumberland or Tennessee River, lake or tributary you are good to go. I have a letter from the Dept of Safety and TWRA concerning this.

Any way you could share that here as an attachment? Unless you feel it's to personal of a letter.