On Wednesday, February 15th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. the DEC will give the public an opportunity to react to their proposed rule on the use of wake boats in VT.
A meeting will be held in Greensboro at the Highland Center for the Arts and via Microsoft Teams. JoAnn Hanowski, co-chair of the Greensboro Association's Lakes and Environmental Stewardship Committee, will be representing the GA at this meeting. There are concerns that the DEC proposal of a 500' distance from shore requirement for wake boating is not enough to prevent harm to both the environment and other boaters and lakeshore owners. Sign-ups to speak at the meeting are closed, but there will be an opportunity to send in written comments. To attend remotely, see link below to DEC website, or call 802-828-7667 and enter the Conference ID number: 707 701 931#. Note: the call-in option provides audio only.
A group called RWVL (Responsible Wakes for VT Lakes) is pushing back on the DEC to consider getting closer to their proposed 1000' distance from shore requirement. RWVL is a group of concerned Vermonters, year-round and seasonal lake and pond residents. To learn more about the RWVL position, go to http://responsiblewakes.org/ Vermont Business Magazine has additional information on this issue https://vermontbiz.com/news/2023/january/31/vermont-dec-releases-draft-rule-wake-boat-regulation
As JoAnn has pointed out, "The state of Vermont has total jurisdiction over the use of public waters. Any change to public use on Caspian Lake requires a petition to the DEC. In any scenario (the current DEC revised petition, the original petition, or no ruling) Greensboro will be faced with managing wakeboat access and use on Caspian via our greeter program and through public education."
Please consider making your voice heard on this important topic!
JOINING REMOTELY--DEC website info: https://dec.vermont.gov/event/public-meeting-provide-update-proposed-draft-wake-boat-rules
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