New Rule Proposed for Use of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Lands
OutdoorHub 06.22.12
A proposed rule to regulate public activities on lands owned by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department was approved with the first of three votes by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board at its June meeting. The proposed rule would apply to public activities on more than 133,000 acres managed by the department for the conservation of fish and wildlife and to provide many public benefits and activities.
The proposed rule allows the public to engage in fish and wildlife-based activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, photography and more. It regulates activities on the land with particular attention to those activities that may be incompatible.
“The department owns and manages 87 WMAs, five fish hatcheries, two conservation camps, and thousands of acres of streambank properties to conserve habitat for Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources,” says Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. “These lands provide outstanding fish and wildlife-based recreational opportunities for the public to hunt, fish, trap and appreciate Vermont’s diverse fish and wildlife resources. This rule would allow the department to better protect the public’s use of and interests in these unique lands.”
On June 14, 2012, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed rule. This was the first of three votes the Board will take on it. Two public hearings are scheduled to provide opportunity for input about the proposed rule to the Board and the department.
The first hearing will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m., August 21, in Montpelier at the Pavilion Building, 109 State Street. The second hearing will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., August 23, at the Kehoe Conservation Camp, 636 Point of Pines Road in Castleton.
You can read and also comment on the proposed rule on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). Look under “Items of Special Interest” on the right side of the home page. Links take you to the rule and to a “comments” section.
