Ginnie Springs

[Dnaber]

Hi All, have a curious question...... Who actually owns the springs? I understand the folks who run the parks but do they also own the springs? I ask because I have seen folks in boats come up and dive without paying the entry fee.

 

[kensuf]

Devil's Ear is in the Santa Fe River, which is a navigable waterway. As long as you don't touch land, you can ride up in a boat and dive it.

 

[SWAMPY459]

Even spring runs or creeks, anything you can get a water craft into, even a kayak, is a navigable waterway under the Equal footing doctrine.

River Law Poster-Handouts - National Organization for Rivers

It's my understanding the company that was contracted to run Poe Springs Park was challenged on this a few years back when they tried to keep canoes out, and lost in court.

Anything below the natural high water mark counts.