Fish and Wildlife asked to narrow fee-making authority as department defends access-area license The Ways & Means Committee heard from Department of Fish and Wildlife officials about their statutory fee authority (41 32) and a proposed access-area license, asked the department to narrow the scope of delegated fee-making power, and requested revised statutory language; no formal votes were recorded.

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is facing scrutiny over its proposal for an access-area license aimed at ensuring all outdoor enthusiasts contribute fairly to maintenance costs.

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Panel weighs repeal of Fish and Wildlife fee‑setting authority amid access concerns Legislative counsel told the committee the miscellaneous tax bill would remove the commissioner of Fish and Wildlife’s delegated authority to set fees for use of lands, roads and facilities; environmental advocates urged transparency and warned fees could restrict public access. The department will report back with recommended fees in January 2027.

A proposed tax bill could strip the Fish and Wildlife commissioner of the power to set fees for public lands, raising serious concerns about access and equity for all Vermonters.

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Fish and Wildlife proposes access-area 'area license' to bolster dwindling license revenue Commissioner Jason Batchelder told the House Appropriations Committee the Department of Fish and Wildlife faces "mildly declining license sales" and proposed an area license (day and annual passes) for department access areas to raise revenue, with exemptions for motorboats and current hunting/fishing license holders and a soft QR-code rollout targeted for Memorial Day 2027.

Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Department is tackling declining license sales with a new area license proposal aimed at enhancing outdoor access and boosting revenue—could this be the key to preserving our natural treasures?

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Fish & Wildlife asks $200,000 to produce emergency action plans and meet dam-safety rules The Department of Fish & Wildlife requested $200,000 in cash to hire consultants to produce emergency action plans (EAPs) and operations & maintenance plans for high- and significant-hazard dams it owns; the department said it currently lacks the capacity to meet Act 160 (dam safety rule) requirements.

The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife is seeking $200,000 to develop crucial emergency action plans for its aging dams, highlighting a pressing need for safety amid regulatory demands.

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Legislature updates fish and wildlife laws with new tournament fees and damage reimbursements New amendments adjust fishing tournament fees and establish reimbursement for wildlife damage to farms

Vermont is set to overhaul its fish and wildlife laws, introducing tiered fishing tournament fees and a new initiative to support farmers against wildlife damage!

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