Pennsylvania Disputes Club's Rights

Because the Little Juniata likely qualifies as “navigable water,” under state law access can’t be prohibited by the Spring Ridge Club, which wants to continue to practice stewardship over it and other nearby waters. “The Little J, as the river is known, is different, though, because it’s a “historically navigable waterway” that was once used for commercial purposes, he said. Like a public highway, any water that meets that definition is open to use by the public, according to laws that date back to the late 1700s. Several sportsmen’s groups, including the Pennsylvania Chapter of Trout Unlimited, support the state’s stance.” Bob Frye in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.