John Guilmette Access Update
John Guilmette Access Area
Vermont’s Fish & Wildlife Department reminds Lake Champlain anglers and recreational boaters of the continued construction at the John Guilmette Access Area in South Hero. The access area is not open for public use at this time.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife acquired the access area as part of its ongoing program to provide public access to public waters.
“The ultimate goal of the project is to make the access area safer and more user-friendly, while protecting water quality. Taking into consideration the amount of use the access area sees each year, the needs of anglers and boaters, and the protection of the lakeshore and abutting wetlands, it was critical for us to redevelop this area for sustainable future use.” ~ Mike Wichrowski, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, facility and lands administrator.
When finished, the improved access area will feature new ramp and dock structures, and will include a number of green infrastructure components including a pervious grass parking lot, grass-lined drainage swales and rock drains.
“The reconstruction of the John Guilmette Access Area will improve boat launching, offer more organized access and parking, and provide a public facility that meets environmental and ADA standards so that all recreationalists will be able to enjoy this area of Lake Champlain,” ~ Mike Wichrowski, Vermont Fish & Wildlife.
Additionally, new landscaping will occur. Trees will be replanted and “no-mow” sections will be established allowing the entire project to meet the state’s new shoreline protection standards.
“While we expect the construction phase to be complete in late-May, the access likely won’t be open until mid-summer. In order to protect water quality we need the storm water infrastructure installed at the site to work properly. In particular, we need to allow for a good grass turf to establish in the parking area. If used too soon, the turf could become damaged, creating nutrient and sediment runoff and resulting in future closures to repair the area…
We’d like to thank anglers and boaters for funding the Fish and Wildlife Department’s access area program, and for their continued patience during the reconstruction process. We would also like to recognize the various neighbors, local businesses, town officials and partnering agencies for their collaboration on the project, one which will benefit the access area’s many users for years to come.”” ~ Mike Wichrowski
Vermont Fish & Wildlife will announce when the access area is ready to open for anglers and boaters to enjoy.
To view a complete list of all Vermont fishing access areas, including maps and additional information, visit http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Fish_Accessareas.cfm.
To learn more about fishing in Vermont or to purchase a Vermont fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
Other Lake Champlain Fishing Articles:
- Vermont Fish & Wildlife Upgrading Fishing Access Areas
- Two fish certified as new Vermont state records
- Reel Fun Fishing Program Expands at Vermont State Parks
- Fishing Clinics – Introduction to Fly Fishing
- Vermont Free Fishing Day 2017