CHAPTER 8. RECREATIONAL STREAMS - Indiana Statutes

IC 14-29-8
     Chapter 8. Recreational Streams

IC 14-29-8-1
"Stream" defined
     Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "stream" means a natural or an altered river, creek, slough, or artificial channel that has:
        (1) definable banks and a bed capable of conducting confined runoff;
        (2) visible evidence of the flow or occurrence of water; and
        (3) a watershed in excess of one (1) square mile.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

IC 14-29-8-2
Use of recreational stream
     Sec. 2. (a) A person may use a stream that is capable of use by a watercraft for boating, fishing, or other recreational purposes if the stream is designated as a recreational stream by rule adopted by the commission.
    (b) The right of a person to use a recreational stream is limited to the water within the stream and does not do any of the following:
        (1) Authorize the use of the bed or bank of the stream, except in an emergency.
        (2) Establish a right of access to the stream over private land.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

IC 14-29-8-3
Designation as recreational stream; hearing
     Sec. 3. (a) The commission shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 for the designation of streams or parts of streams as recreational streams.
    (b) Before a hearing on the designation of a stream as a recreational stream and in addition to the notification requirements under IC 4-22-2, the commission shall do the following:
        (1) Publish notice at least twenty-one (21) days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where a stream is located that the commission proposes to designate the stream as a recreational stream. The notice must state the time and place of the hearing.
        (2) Conduct a separate hearing in each county where a stream is proposed to be designated as a recreational stream.
    (c) If a stream:
        (1) is located wholly within one (1) county; and
        (2) is a regulated drain under IC 36-9-27;
the county drainage board must concur in the designation before final adoption of the rule.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

IC 14-29-8-4
Use not affecting owner or navigability
     Sec. 4. The use of a stream designated under this chapter does not

do any of the following:
        (1) Impose a duty upon the riparian landowner or tenant to provide for the safe use of the stream.
        (2) Affect ownership of the bed of the stream.
        (3) Affect a determination of the stream's navigability.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

IC 14-29-8-5
Littering and trespassing
     Sec. 5. A person who:
        (1) throws, dumps, or leaves refuse in the water or on the banks of a stream designated under this chapter; or
        (2) crosses private land to gain access to a designated stream without the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land;
commits a Class B misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.