Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Issues Reminder: Open Fires and Swimming Prohibited at Fishing Access Areas
Marshfield, Vermont – As summer kicks off and anglers take to the shores, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has issued an important reminder regarding the use of state fishing access areas. Open fires and swimming are strictly prohibited in these locations, primarily for safety and environmental reasons.
Open fires can pose significant risks to both anglers and boaters, while also harming the local ecosystem. "The remnants of these fires not only create unsafe conditions but also adversely affect the wildlife in nearby waters," stated officials. The department incurs substantial cleanup costs each year to address these toxic waste remnants left behind by irresponsible users.
Swimming is also banned at these fishing access areas to ensure safety and maintain the primary functionalities of these sites, which include launching and retrieving motorboats and shore fishing.
Vermont is home to 205 developed fishing access locations on its lakes and rivers, funded through fishing licenses, motorboat registrations, and federal excise taxes on fishing gear. These funds are specifically allocated for activities supporting fishing and boating, explicitly excluding swimming and related activities.
Col. Justin Stedman, Vermont’s Chief Game Warden, emphasized, “Vermont State Game Wardens will be strictly enforcing the rules at state fishing access areas this summer.” He urged the public to help preserve these natural spaces by reporting any violations either to local wardens or the anonymous Operation Game Thief online report form available on the department’s website. For urgent matters, residents are encouraged to contact local State Police dispatchers.
For further information, visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website to ensure compliance while enjoying Vermont’s natural resources this summer.
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