Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) applauds and supports the decision by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to move forward with rulemaking and establish a new Public Water Use Rule, thereby recognizing the importance of protecting our inland lakes and ponds. RWVL strongly supports the rule drafted by DEC and recommends its further strengthening to better protect water quality, lake shorelines, property resources, and human safety, both now and in the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifically, RWVL recommends employing a wake sport operational distance from shore of 1000 ft\u2014the distance originally proposed by the RWVL\u2014not the DEC\u2019s proposed 500 ft minimum distance. After researching and evaluating scientific evidence, discussing possible solutions, and anticipating future growth of wake boat sales, wake boat size, weight, horsepower, and wake height, RWVL continues to recommend its original rule, coupled with the addition of the DEC\u2019s Home Lake Rule. This recommendation builds on Vermont\u2019s commitment to protecting its natural resources but does not prohibit wake sports in appropriate locations and is therefore mindful of the rights of all Vermonters. As boating popularity continues to grow, proper management of Vermont\u2019s lakes and ponds becomes essential to protect these fragile, vulnerable, and economically important natural treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A wake boat can generate large, surfable wakes. When wake surfing occurs too close to shore or in water that is too shallow, these heavier, more powerful watercraft can inflict environmental harm, damage property, and create safety risks for other lake users and negatively impact Vermont\u2019s vibrant tourist economy. Inappropriate wake boat operation is also inconsistent with several Vermont laws, rules, and policies that reflect the State\u2019s longstanding commitment to preserving water quality, protecting lake and pond ecosystems, and safeguarding traditional lake uses (e.g.,\u00a0Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules<\/a>; Vermont Shoreland Protection Act<\/a>;\u00a0 Water Quality Standards<\/a>;\u00a0Aquatic Invasive Species Transport Law<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n RWVL\u2019s Petition<\/a>\u00a0filed with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) on March 9, 2022, asks the State of Vermont to honor\u00a0its commitments by reducing the adverse impacts of wake sports while continuing to provide appropriate opportunities for wake sport enjoyment. Specifically, the Petition asks the State of Vermont to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Increase the distance from shore for enhanced wake surfing activity from the current, outdated 200 ft (required for all motorized boats) to the scientifically supported, safer, protective distance of 1000 ft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Allow enhanced wake activity to occur only at lake depths greater than 20 ft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Require wake sports to occur only in areas of at least 60 contiguous acres that meet the 1000-ft distance from shore and the 20-ft depth requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 2023, the DEC issued a draft rule for wake surfing recommending:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 An operation distance from shore of at least 500 ft\u2014half of RWVL\u2019s proposed distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 An operation depth greater than 20 ft\u2014the same as RWVL\u2019s proposed minimum depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 An operation area of 50 contiguous acres\u2014less than but close to RWVL\u2019s recommended 60 acres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 A \u201cHome Lake Rule\u201d restricting each wake boat to one lake only, its designated \u201cHome Lake,\u201d unless undergoing decontamination by a DEC-approved facility before entering another Vermont waterbody. This additional requirement is designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species associated with wake boat ballast tanks and has RWVL\u2019s full support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like to be kept informed of the progress of the rule making, please go to the\u00a0News page<\/a>\u00a0and sign up to receive our newsletters by email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n