The public meeting at Richmond Free Library is the first of 2 statewide meetings for you to respond to a petition by a hard-working, statewide citizen's group, Responsible Wakes for VT Lakes (RWVL). RWVL is asking the VT Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to use existing public water rules to create enforceable, common sense and science-based operating conditions for Wake Boat (WB) watercraft on smaller lakes and ponds in VT such as Lake Iroquois and Shelburne Pond. The public comment period is in June and July. A decision is expected by ANR in August.

WBs have powerful engines and features designed to create wakes of up to 4'. Large wakes are required for wake surfing and wake boarding, sports becoming increasingly popular in VT and in many other states and provinces. For more information on the petition and the Public Meeting process go here: https://dec.vermont.gov/content/public-meeting-use-public-waters-rules.

Many dangerous and unpleasant encounters with these large wakes have been reported by swimmers, paddlers, persons who like to fish and property owners. Disruption to loon nesting, lake bottom sediment (releasing phosphorus) and shoreline erosion are also concerning. RWVL seeks more stories from local residents with negative experiences on any lake or pond from an encounter with a WB. This is your chance to raise awareness to these experiences. We are looking for folks interested in signing our petition and writing letters of support. Please go here for more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh5-r3JOwLDIleO5AERFmKbtfk8hhZcySWc3fxvAa59pfEWg/viewform

Hope you can make the Public Meeting and will consider signing the petition, making the most of this unique opportunity. The petition is designed to preserve all popular forms of water recreation, while protecting the health of our lakes and ponds and keeping them safe for ALL users, both human and wildlife. The Wake Boat industry predicts continued rapid growth of this sport.

Thanks for reading.

Ed

Early Literacy Storytime - All Ages Welcome!

Jan 2, 2025, 11:25 AM to 12:25 PM

That's That Thursday with Nasteeluvzyou at Alchemist

Jan 2, 2025, 6 to 9 PM

CVU Music Dept. Annual Christmas Tree Pickup

Jan 4, 2025, 9 AM to 5 PM