Amends Vermont’s wetlands rules by requiring a permit to conduct activities in naturally-occurring wetlands, but allowing activities in manmade wetlands unless otherwise prohibited by rule. “Manmade wetlands” are wetlands that were created solely as a result of human activity. Also repeals wetland designations except Class I.
Notes: A bill revising wetlands management in Vermont passed the Legislature during the last biennium – Act 31. The current bill would repeal key aspects of that law and would significantly weaken Vermont’s wetlands protection program. Many wetlands adjacent to lakes in Vermont were created when lake water levels were raised by dams. These wetlands would most likely lose protection under the proposed bill.
March 18, 2012: Still in House Fish, Wildlife & Water Resources
FOVLAP 2013 Vermont Legislative Updates
