The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has officially filed the new wakesports rule with the Secretary of State. The rule takes effect on June 11, 2026.
More information is available here:
https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/lakes-and-ponds-rulemaking
What the New Rule Does
The rule limits wakesports to lakes and ponds that contain a designated Wakesport Zone (WSZ).
A WSZ must:
- Be at least 100 acres in size
- Be at least 500 feet from shore on all sides
- Be at least 200 feet wide
- Have water at least 20 feet deep
Wakesports are prohibited on lakes and ponds that do not meet these criteria.
Eighteen of Vermont’s lakes and ponds will have a WSZ under the adopted criteria:
- Harvey Lake
- Fairfield Pond
- Island Pond
- Little Averill Pond
- Salem Lake
- Lake Morey
- Echo Lake
- Lake Dunmore
- Lake St. Catherine
- Maidstone Lake
- Crystal Lake
- Caspian Lake
- Great Averill Pond
- Lake Carmi
- Lake Willoughby
- Seymour Lake
- Harriman Reservoir
- Lake Bomoseen
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who supported this effort by submitting comments, attending public meetings, contacting officials, and helping raise awareness about the impacts of wakesports on Vermont lakes.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the staff of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, who spent years reviewing petitions, conducting research, holding public meetings, and working through the concerns of many stakeholders to develop and refine these rules.
Our Work Continues
Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes has led this effort for the past five years. In March 2022, we filed the petition that began the process of adding a statewide wakesport rule to Vermont’s Use of Public Waters Rules.
While the updated and improved rule represents significant progress, important concerns remain — particularly the risk of spreading invasive aquatic species through ballasted wake boats and enhanced wakesports activity.
Many of the 18 lakes that remain open to wakesports are pristine and free of invasive species. Protecting the water quality, ecological health, and natural beauty of these lakes must remain a priority for the state and all lake users.
Our mission continues.