Still Cold -- And An Important Action Item

We are now getting a little snow - it's been pretty light all day, just very fine, dry, squalls moving through. The temperature hasn't moved up much - it was about -11 when I first looked this morning and I don't think it got above zero all day. I'm seeing -3.5F right now.

I had the following message from David Kidney (N. Shore Rd.) regarding proposed changes to the Wakeboat regulations. Here's what he said: 

I am writing to ask for your help in getting the word out that we need folks to weigh in and support the new proposed rule regarding wakesports.  The new rule, if adopted, would prohibit wakesports on Joe's Pond.  We are nearing the finish line and we need one final push to make this happen.  I have attached a document that sets out how people can make their voices heard on this matter.  If you could please publish it in your blog, it would be much appreciated.  The  more people who submit comments the better. Thanks.

David Kidney

 

JOE’S POND : VOICES ARE NEEDED FOR NEW WAKESPORTS RULEMAKING —ACT NOW!

The VT Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing changes to the Use of Public Waters (UPW) Rules, regulating wakesports. DEC has stated that these changes are needed to address safety concerns—an issue not addressed by the 2024 Rules. Wakesports advocates are expected to push back hard against these Rules. Safety should not be compromised to accommodate the few wakesports users. Your support is crucial to protect Vermont’s lakes and to ensure they remain safe for all.

If Adopted, DEC’s Proposed Rule Changes Would Prohibit Wakesports On Up to 13 of Vermont’s 30 lakes Currently Allowing Them By:

● Increasing the minimum wakesports safety zone (WSZ) from 50 to 100 acres

● Requiring a minimum wakesports run of 3,000 feet

● Expanding the safety buffer from other users and structures from 200 to 500 feet

● Eliminating the Home Lake Rule, which reduces spread of invasive species & replacing it with hot-water ballast tank decontamination for wake boats traveling between lakes

 Responsible Wakes for VT Lake’s (RWVL) Proposed Rule Changes to Strengthen DEC Changes:

● Increase the required minimum water depth from 20 to 30 feet

● Increase setback distances from shorelines, loon nests, structures, & lake users from 500 to 700 feet (for more information, see SaintAnthony Falls Lab study & DEC Staff email.

● Clearly state in UPW Rules that wakesports are not a “normal” (i.e., traditional) use of public waters and thus require the rule changes that RWVL proposes.

● Add Precautionary Principle language in UPW Rules to prioritize safety & the environment

 When Writing Your Comments to Submit, Please Emphasize

● The need for a minimum 100-acre WSZ & 3,000-ft run as THIS WILL PROHIBIT WAKESPORTS ON JOE’S POND

● Large wake boat waves can unexpectedly overwhelm boaters, paddlers, swimmers, etc.

● Your own personal experiences with wake boats on Joe’s or elsewhere (super helpful!).

● Your support of DEC’s proposal, but ask that it be strengthened by adopting RWVL’s rule changes.

 - Note: You can reuse your 2023 or 2025 DEC comments, but please update them.

 Public Hearings (In Person or Online) (For details see link in *footnote below)

● January 27: Brandon Town Hall, 49 Center St, Brandon, 5:30–8:00 PM SIGN UP to speak

 ● February 4: VTrans Dill Building, Barre, 5:30–8:00 PM SIGN UP to speak

 Written Comments: Deadline February 20th at 4:30 PM (For details see link in *footnote below)

● Submit using the DEC’s preferred online comment FORM

● For longer comments and/or attachments submit via email: ANR.WSMDLakes@vermont.gov

● Include “Wakesports” in the subject line

 For questions or help contact: David Kidney davidfkidney@gmail.com or 802-522-7775

*For details on public hearing & written comments visit VT Lakes & Ponds Rulemaking webpage: click HERE

 

 If you would like a copy of the above, let me know and I will send it to you in an email. I think I have activated all the links, but if something doesn't work, let me know and I'll try to fix it. I know it may be difficult to work here. Blogger.com hosts my blog, and it gets really obstinate sometimes about what it will or won't accept. It is very fussy about pdf files, so I have to convert them and activate any links. I hope I got everything up and running for you - please either join one of the meetings and speak up, ow write your comments as instructed above. 

 

 Thanks, David, for alerting us about the very important proposed changes.

 

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As I finished this I notice we are at -1.5F now! We just hope it doesn't warm up too much - that will mean a heavier snow accumulation which is more troublesome than the really dry, fairy-dust we get with colder temps. Stay safe and warm! Spring will come!!