You may have read that there is a new access fee requirement for public boat access sites such as at the Port Republic Boat Launch. The new fee would not affect any sites on Middle River, because Middle River access sites are all privately owned.
The legislation that went into effect on January 1, 2021, has proved to be controversial and the law is being reviewed. At the time of this writing, it is unclear whether the fee will continue, be amended or be terminated.
From an article in the News Virginian on February 10, 2021, it states: "The state budget, which the General Assembly released Wednesday, includes an amendment to squelch that fee until next fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2022. Meanwhile, a study group will look at the costs, benefits and impacts on recreational users, then submit a report to the General Assembly by Oct. 1."
Read about the new fees that went into effect on January 1 at https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/access-faq/
Read the News Virginian article HERE. | 
