(a) During the season of navigation, parties engaged in handling logs upon the river shall have the right to sluice, drive, and float logs in such manner as may best suit their convenience: Provided, A sufficient channel is maintained at all times for the navigation of steamboats, flatboats, and other small craft.
(b) A sufficient force of men must accompany each log drive to prevent the formation of log jams and to maintain an open channel for navigation.
(c) This section shall remain in force until modified or rescinded.