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 line.
This is our last chance to get these highly favorable DEC rules enacted!
How You Can Help (Takes 2 Minutes)
Follow the link below to the DEC Online Comment Form. There are only 5 short questions.
When the DEC tabulates the responses, we must show overwhelming support!
👉 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT
Quick Guide for Your Response
For Question 3:
You can provide a “Simple” or “Detailed” response to Concerns. Choose what works best for you:
- The Simple Approach: State that you support the DEC’s changes in response to your concerns about boater & swimmer safety and shoreline erosion.
- The Detailed Approach: Mention these specific proposed improvements:
- Increasing the minimum wakesports zone to 100 acres (with a 3,000-foot run). Support as written without flexibility or compromise.
- Expanding safety buffers from 200 feet to 500 feet from other users or in water structures.
- IMPORTANT: For either approach, sharing a personal story about a wake boat encounter or how wakesports have impacted your enjoyment or access to your lake is the most effective way to be heard!
For Question 5:
To ensure maximum protection, check the box that says:
“I support these proposed changes, but they do not go far enough.”
Concerns to Share in Your Response to Question 3:
- Public Safety: Massive wake waves can suddenly overwhelm swimmers, children, and other boaters.
- Infrastructure Gaps: The DEC plans to replace the “Home Lake Rule” with hot water decontamination but lacks the necessary funding and timeline to build the required decon stations.
- Environmental Damage: High-impact wakes erode shorelines and destroy loon nests. Residual water in ballast tanks can spread invasive species.
- Limited Visibility: Heavy aft ballast weight lifts the boat’s bow, significantly impairing the driver’s view of others on the water.
The Deadline is February 20th. Please take a moment right now to protect the lakes we love.
Your voice matters! For more information, review the graphic below and visit the RWVL website.
