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More Comments Needed by Friday
The Department of Environmental Conservation has extended the comment period for its amended Wakesports Rule to Friday, February 27 at 4:30 PM. Enactment of this rule is critically important to many of our lakes. Even if you have commented before, please take this opportunity to comment again (link below). Please also ask your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same…
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URGENT: Act Now to Protect Vermont’s Lakes from Wakesports
Submit your public comment by the Feb. 20th 4:30 PM DEADLINE! The Vermont DEC has proposed improved wakesports rules that, if implemented, will prohibit wakesports on an additional 13 Vermont lakes and prioritize safety and lake health over industry interests. However, wake boat industry lobbyists are pushing back hard. Your voice is crucial to ensure these protections cross the finish…
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Comment time is here
Vermont needs your help just now to strengthen the regulation of wakesports on our lakes. The Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed amendments to the rule passed two years ago, that would make it stronger, and add another 13 lakes to the list of those where wakesurfing is prohibited. If you’d like to help, please …
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Your Voice Matters: The future of Vermont’s lakes is being decided right now
The boating industry is fighting to stop essential improvements to statewide wakesports rules designed to protect our lakes and our safety. Don’t let corporate lobbying drown out the voices of Vermonters and others who come to our state to enjoy recreating here. Please take a few minutes to submit your comments and help ensure the…
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Final DEC Revised Wakesports Rulemaking Process Begins – Your Support Will Be Needed Again
On December 8th, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received approval from the Interagency Committee on Administrative Rules (ICAR) to move forward with its plans to revise the Use of Public Waters Rules (UPWR) regarding wakesports. The DEC’s proposed modifications address public concerns about safety and the environment by doubling the minimum size of…
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DEC Comments Deadline Aug 19—Please Act Now to Support Stronger Wakesports Rule
Action Requested Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) supports most of the DEC’s proposed statewide UPW Wakesports Rule revisions but urges additional improvements based on new safety and water quality data. We ask you to: To: ANR.WSMDLakes@vermont.gov Subject: Wakesports (You must include “Wakesports” in the subject line.) RWVL’s Group Comment Letter to ANR/DEC To: ANR.WSMDLakes@vermont.gov From: Responsible Lakes…
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CALL TO ACTION: Time to Share Your Comments About the DEC’s New Proposed Revisions to the Use of Public Waters Wakesports Rule
With the July 30 and 31 Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) public meetings behind us, the deadline to submit your written comments — 4:30 pm Tuesday, August 19 — is fast approaching. To help you do that, we have prepared a Comparison Table of Wakesports Rule Topics (click HERE) that summarizes the current wakesports rule and changes proposed by the…
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What You Need to Know About the July 30 and 31 DEC Wakesports Meetings
In the words of Yogi Berra, “It’s deja vu all over again.” Barely a year after implementing its first-in-the-nation statewide rule for managing wakesports, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced its intention to update the 2024 Vermont Use of Public Waters (UPW) Rules. Two pre-rulemaking meetings are scheduled for July 30 and 31 to solicit public comments. Why is this happening? Per the…
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DEC Denies All Nine Lake Petitions to Prohibit Wakesports – Proposes Changes to Statewide Rules
On Friday, June 13, nine Vermont lake associations (representing 10 lakes) learned that their petitions to prohibit wakesports and/or wake boats on their lakes were denied by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In its decision, the DEC explained that rather than address issues on a lake-by-lake basis, it makes more sense to reopen the Agency…
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“Justice too long delayed is justice denied” — Vermont ANR’s Foot-Dragging on Their Own Wakesports Rule
In his 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that “Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” After attending the May 6 Vermont Senate Natural Resources and Energy (NR&E) Committee hearing, Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) members saw that justice continues to be denied when it comes to the ANR-DEC’s enactment…
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