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Polk County guides face new rules as state tightens game land oversight

 

POLK COUNTY—New statewide regulations are reshaping how commercial operators conduct business in North Carolina’s game lands, including the popular Green River area in Polk County. While some see the new rules as a financial burden, others—particularly seasoned outfitters—welcome the changes as overdue measures that prioritize safety, fairness, and environmental responsibility.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission enacted the legislation effective Jan. 1, 2025, requiring businesses offering outdoor adventures such as guided hikes, whitewater rafting, tubing, rappelling, and birding excursions to meet a range of standards. These include maintaining $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate liability insurance coverage, complying with safety and equipment protocols, reporting participation data, cleaning up after patrons, and paying a $3-per-person activity fee.

The shift is substantial after years of minimal regulation. Yet, it comes at a time when stakeholders say it’s needed most.

The move follows massive flood damage and cleanup along the Green River corridor caused by Hurricane Helene. The area from Fishtop Access to the Lower Green River suffered significant destruction when floodwaters surged from the Narrows, scattering debris ranging from mufflers to lawn chairs. The recovery effort spanned months and involved dozens of heavy machines, the Army Corps of Engineers and local responders. Millions were spent stabilizing the area.

Now, as Polk County reopens its river lands to peak visitor levels, local businesses and emergency crews are eager to avoid a repeat.

“We’ve seen 1,500 people pack this river in a single weekend,” said a longtime outfitter. “And for years, there’s been no formal oversight — no standard for safety, and no accountability for cleanup. This changes that.”

Some operators, especially those already adhering to high safety and environmental standards, are embracing the new rules.

“This legislation might be a shock for businesses that haven’t been playing by the rules,” said Tim Bell, co-owner of Green River Adventures. “But for those of us who have always prioritized safety, insurance and sustainability, this is an opportunity to raise the bar for everyone.”

Bell said his company was among several outfitters consulted during a 2022 NCWRC focus group on commercial permitting.

“We were asked to provide feedback, and we helped shape the draft language,” he said. “The goal wasn’t to shut anyone down, but to bring order to a system that had none.”

Emergency responders say the regulations are also a matter of public safety.

Some of the region’s more established operators already had insurance in place, offered river safety education and maintained a close relationship with EMS. For them, the legislation formalizes a culture of responsibility they’ve long upheld.

“It’s not just about running trips — it’s about educating people on river safety, environmental awareness and being part of the larger system that keeps this place special,” Bell said.

The NCWRC expects the new rules to generate an estimated $117,850 annually. This includes revenue from permit fees and per-participant charges. While modest compared to the agency’s $65 million budget, the funds are critical, especially as license revenue from hunting and fishing has declined.

“There are only three people maintaining vast portions of these lands,” one agency representative noted. “This isn’t just about money — it’s about equitable participation. If you’re profiting off public lands, it’s fair to contribute to their upkeep.”

In the past, many users — including some commercial groups — avoided costs entirely, parking in private lots or staging tours without permits. The new structure seeks to close those gaps.

Not all business owners are on board. Some say the increased costs, reporting requirements and insurance mandates will disproportionately affect smaller operations or startups.

“There’s concern about how this will change pricing, accessibility and even the spirit of outdoor recreation,” said one rafting guide, who asked not to be named. “We don’t want this to become so regulated that it kills the adventure.”

Still, proponents argue that clear rules provide stability and open doors for future collaboration between businesses, the Wildlife Commission and local emergency services.

With an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 visitors passing through the Green River corridor each year, local outfitters say the focus should be on quality, not unchecked quantity.

“This isn’t about limiting access — it’s about improving the experience for everyone,” Bell said. “Fewer accidents, less trash, better tours. That’s good for business, and it’s good for the river.”

As the 2025 season unfolds, the success of the legislation may depend less on enforcement and more on cooperation.

“We see this as a chance to build a stronger connection between outfitters, the public, EMS and the Commission,” Bell said. “It’s not about government overreach. It’s about shared responsibility.”