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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

With the 2025 summer boating season on the horizon, wake boating is back in the news — this time with the VT Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy hearing on “Wake Boats.” The meeting will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00 AM. You may attend In person (Room 8, VT Statehouse) or via zoom (click HERE) to…

In the words of Dani Sharpe — one of our most passionate founders, supporters and protectors of Vermont lakes: “What a year we have had! It started with our battle in Montpelier to get the first comprehensive statewide wakesports and is ending with a push for much-needed stronger regulation on the 10 lakes” that submitted…

The ANR’s new wake boat regulations went into effect on April 15th.  With summer in the rear-view mirror, how well did they work on your lake? The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has indicated there have been few violations involving wake boats reported to the VT State Police Marine Division and local game wardens (Fish and Wildlife) this…

Along with this summer’s hotter than normal temperatures nationally, wake boating issues have become hot topics in several states. Proponents for stronger, more effective regulation of wake sports have told our Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) group that Vermont’s first in the nation statewide wake sports rule issued by the Agency of Natural Resources/Department of Environmental…

As a RWVL newsletter reader, it’s likely you’re well aware the Agency of Natural Resources’ new wake boat/wake sport rules that went into effect on April 15th.  It’s also likely you’re wondering – as we are – how smoothly the rollout of the new regulations will be.  The DEC, charged with implementation of the new…