ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603070053
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RICHMOND
The state Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether centuries-old grants from the King of England are still valid when it comes to trout fishing in Virginia.
Last fall, an Alleghany County Circuit Court judge ruled that residents along three miles of the Jackson River could keep that stretch of water off-limits to public fishing, or could charge people to fish it.
The landowners claimed title because of two crown grants - issued by King George II in 1750 and King George III in 1769 - that gave them control of the land and everything on it, including the river.
A three-judge panel of the high court originally declined to hear an appeal by anglers, but the court issued an order Friday changing that position.
Anglers worried that the Jackson River ruling could be used by other landowners in the state to close streams. Most of Virginia was settled under crown grants.
``We're just tickled to death that they're at least going to hear it and decide one way or another, and give us a good state decision,'' said Jim Brewer, owner of Jim's Fly Shop in Charlottesville.
About 19 miles of the Jackson River, from Gathright Dam on Lake Moomaw to Covington, is considered one of the finest trout fisheries on the East Coast because it is consistently cold and clear, and the state stocks it regularly. About three miles of river just below the dam is affected by the ruling.
No date has been set for arguments.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB