Did you know that the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recently enacted rules that protect invasive panfish in Vermont's trout waters?  Yes, legislation introduced by the Panfish Team of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department protects invasive and non-native fish species in pristine ponds noted for native trout populations.  New rules protect daily take limits of yellow perch, pumpkinseeds, bluegills, bullheads, and crappies on a state-wide level.  These fish, while widely spread in large shallow lakes and ponds, are not native to pristine trout waters like Lewis Pond, South America Pond, Kettle Pond, Jobs Pond, Seyon Pond, and many others.  The newest rules enacted by the Fish and Wildlife Department protect these invasive panfish in the unfortunate event of an introduction.  Does this make any sense?  Protecting a non-native fish in our trout waters makes no sense.  Please sign this petition to voice your concerns.  Thank you for your support.  

Therefore, I urge the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to review and revise these catch limits. Implementing more targeted and flexible regulations can ensure that both our native trout fish habitats are preserved and our fishing traditions continue to thrive.

Join me in asking the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to remove the catch limits on Pumpkinseeds, Bluegills, and Crappies in pristine Vermont trout ponds.