GROTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont is poised to implement some of the most restrictive wake boat regulations in the country. After a nearly two-year heated debate, rules restricting their use on all but 30 inland waterbodies are nearing a crest.
Lake Groton is one of the most recent lakes that was added to the new ban, a concerning development for some locals.
“It will deprive them of something that they’ve enjoyed,” said Richard Guy. While he doesn’t personally ride the wakes, Guy says he joins neighbors on their boats and sees their passion for the various sports. “They like the freedom to do it, like the ability to get out there and bring their children and so on. And it’s quite a sport to watch.”
Wake boating involves a powerboat maneuvered to create a large wave — or wake — surfable by board. But opponents say the boats can damage shoreline ecosystems and disturb other non-motorized users. The new rules would ban wake boating on 43 of the state’s 73 inland waterbodies where motorsports are allowed.
“It’s been really fascinating to be part of this process,” Laura Dlugolecki with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Her team reviewed scientific data to better understand the impacts of wake boating. “Some lakes are just too small to support this without having some detrimental effects to water quality and recreational conflicts.”
The new rules would allow the boats to create wakes in zones with 50 contiguous acres, 500 feet from the shoreline, and where the water is at least 20 feet deep. Some opponents who had pushed for a 1,000-foot buffer from shore remain disappointed the rules didn’t go further.
At 48.9 acres, Lake Groton squeaks into the list of banned lakes. “There’s going to be some people upset because they’ve got literally $100,000 boats out there,” Guy said.
Dlugolecki sympathizes but says there are still many places to wake boat. Plus, she says the rules could have a ripple effect on water quality and recreation across the country. “There’s a lot of a lot of other states are experiencing similar recreational conflicts and they’re looking to Vermont as a model.”
Dlugolecki says the amendment is under an appeals phase until March 28. She expects the rules to go into effect this summer.
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