TVA, Lakes, Boats, and docks

[n24wheel]

With title 70 being amended and allowing carry on TWRA lands is was thought that boat ramps would also be allowed as well. According to TWRA law enforcement it is ok but beware. TVA does not allow it even though TWRA does. If you are at a TVA boat dock (even if it is posted with a TWRA sign) with your carry gun you can be fined, your firearm confiscated and they can also take your truck and boat. More on this later. Following are TVA regs.

Mr.Borum --

Officer Jack Paul asked me to respond directly to you about your questions regarding possession of firearms on TVA land.

Possession of firearms for lawful purposes generally is allowed on undeveloped TVA recreation land. Possession of firearms generally is not allowed on developed TVA property such as TVA dam reservations, campgrounds, picnic pavilions, day use areas, and boat ramps, except that firearms usually may be possessed at TVA campgrounds and boat ramps if the possession is associated with an in-season hunting excursion and the firearms are unloaded and properly cased. In specific situations, TVA land may be posted with signs about whether possession of firearms is allowed.

TVA has established these policies in accordance with its authority under the TVA Act to manage the land under its custody and control.
There are no published regulations on the subject. Rather, TVA implements these policies through internal TVA management guidelines and appropriate signage. TVA likely would consider it to be a trespass if someone were to carry a firearm on TVA property in violation of a posted TVA sign or contrary to direction from a TVA Police Officer or land manager.

Mark Hastings
Senior Attorney

[n24wheel]

Here is the latest below in the next paragraph. How can you help? read on
This is NOT a law but rather an internal TVA policy that needs changed to conform with state law and gov't land to the Heller vs DC decision. Contact your US Senator and House member and POLITELY ask them to help get this policy changed. www.congress.org Contact TVA and POLITELY ask them to change this also consider changing this policy (which they are now looking into) info@tva.gov TVA is looking into the matter so be helpful in your letters.


Officer Paul:

Our Land Resources attorneys are doing a complete review of this with the various Land Managers. They are trying to determine if there are some TVA lands (e.g., undeveloped lands where hunting is permitted) where properly permitted handguns should also be permitted.”

[n24wheel]

Another update,

TVA General Council just called me. They are looking into the problems with the boat ramps and TVA public lands. Hopefully progress will be made. I will be talking more with them next week.

David

[lilredhunter]

We have about 1,000 acres of undeveloped land close by. If you have a firearm on the land the land manager will have you arrested and confiscate you vehicle and your weapon. At one time the tva was considering boat ramps to be developed land. I don't know if it has been changed or not.

[n24wheel]

Yes TVA Boat Ramps are still considered "Developed" land. You need to e-mail info@tva.org and ask them to look into allowing anyone that can legally carry a gun to be allowed and you need to ask them about the "undeveloped" land and exactly where the land is located that you are having a problem and tell them about it with so they can investigate it.

[n24wheel]

As of today TVA still has not reached a decision on boat ramps and other areas. I will post any more information I get on the matter.

[n24wheel]

This was sent to me today by the General Council. As I hear more, I will pass it along.



“Officer Paul:



Our Land Resources attorneys are doing a complete review of this with the various Land Managers. They are trying to determine if there are some TVA lands (e.g., undeveloped lands where hunting is permitted) where properly permitted handguns should also be permitted.”





Thanks,



Officer Paul

[n24wheel]

Now would be a good time to visit with your local congressman and Senator on this issue.
David

[xlr8]

Another important point to remember is that this would be only for TVA lakes such as Douglas, Norris, Chickamauga, and Kentucky Lakes, etc. Federal water resource projects in the Cumberland River watershed (with the exception of Great Falls Lake) are owned and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Corps lakes in Tennessee include: Lake Barkley, Cheatham, Center Hill, J. Percy Priest, Old Hickory, Dale Hollow, etc. Accordingly, recreation use of Corp's land is governed by Title 36 of the Federal Regulations.

Title 36 Part 327.11 States:
327.13 Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fireworks.
(a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons is prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, state or local law enforcement officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under 327.8, with devices being unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.
(b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind, including fireworks or other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the District Commander.

A copy of Title 36 regulations can be found at the following URL:

http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/pubdata/o ... itle36.pdf

While we might be glad that CWP/HCP licensed individuals may now legally carry in National Parks in Tennessee, lets not forget that there are a number of other Federal lands where these freedoms are currently restricted such as Corps of Engineers and TVA lakes.

Time to bring this matter to the attention of everyone's U.S. Congressmen and Senators.