State DEC pauses lake construction projects during spring fish spawning season

During the spring fish spawning season, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wants to remind Vermonters that permitted lake encroachment construction projects and non-chemical aquatic plant control projects on public lakes and ponds are typically not allowed from now through Wednesday, July 1.

The lakes and ponds in Vermont provide drinking water and recreational opportunities, as well as wildlife habitat. During spring spawning, construction is paused to support the health and breeding of fish populations throughout the state.

Examples of projects that are typically not allowed during this period include adding rock or other material to the water for shoreline stabilization (such as riprap or seawalls), boathouse reconstruction, dredging, bottom barriers, diver assisted suction harvesting or other projects that disturb the lakebed.

Lake encroachment projects that do not add rock or concrete to the lake and that do not disturb the lakebed (like installing docks, floats, rafts or buoys) can continue during spawning season.

Thousands of eggs, from species such as northern pike and smallmouth bass, develop and hatch during this critical time. Protecting them means not only a healthy environment for development, but also healthy wildlife populations which benefits tourism and local fishing enthusiasts.

Any project that proposes work at, below, or beyond mean water level of public lakes or ponds may require a Lake Encroachment Permit. Any project that proposes to control an aquatic nuisance species within waters of the state may require an Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit. To learn about other state environmental permits go to https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/lakes-and-ponds-permitting.

DEC staff will continue to accept and review permit applications during the spring spawning season. Staff review permit applications and assess any impacts to habitat, water quality, recreation, and other uses. After July 1, permitted construction and non-chemical aquatic plant control projects may resume or begin as identified in the permit. Permitted projects must minimize impacts to fish and wildlife habitat. Please reach out to your regional Lakes and Ponds Permit contact with questions.

If Misha Cetner is not available at Misha.Cetner@Vermont.gov or (802) 490-6199), contact Laura Dlugolecki at Laura.Dlugolecki@Vermont.gov or (802) 490-6133, or James Brady at James.Brady@vermont.gov or (802) 461-6507.