Public invited to comment

Written By Town Clerk

Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Changes to Vermont’s Use of Public Waters Rules and Wakesports Regulations

 Montpelier, Vt. – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is seeking public input on proposed changes to Vermont’s Use of Public Waters Rules. ANR will host two hybrid public meetings on January 27 and February 4. The public is welcome to provide feedback during these meetings or through written comments.

 “The Use of Public Waters Rules protects the uses and natural resource values of all public waters for this and future generations,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. “The proposed changes clarify new wakesports regulations and update language on topics such as petition review. We invite members of the public to share their comments on these proposed changes.”

 In 2024, Vermont adopted new wakesports regulations that limit wakesports with a wakeboat to the wakesports zones of inland lakes. There are 30 inland lakes where wakesports can occur within a specific wakesports zone.

 The proposed changes to the Use of Public Water Rules and wakesports regulations:

  • Update the language on how to delegate to municipalities, review and submit petitions, and inspect and decontaminate (or clean) watercraft,

  • Increase safety offsets between wakesports and other recreational users,

  • Revise the wakesports zone definition, and

  • Require hot water decontamination for wakeboats moving between water bodies.

 The public can submit written comments through an online form, or attend a public meeting in-person or online:

 January 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

    • In-person: Brandon Town Hall, 49 Center Street, Brandon, VT 05733

    • Online: Join via link or by phone at 802-828-7667, code: 780771711

February 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

    • In-person: VTrans Dill Building, 2178 Airport Rd Unit B, Barre, VT 0564

    • Online: Join via link or by phone at 802-828-7667, code: 684567032

 Learn more online about the proposed changes to the Use of Public Waters Rules, the rulemaking process, and opportunities for public participation.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at ANR.CivilRights@vermont.gov or visit ANR’s online Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 Stephanie Brackin (she/her) | Communications Director

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3901

802-261-0606 | stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov

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