Here is a list of access areas that are currently closed due to flood damage and proposed improvement projects for the department's access areas. Use the lists to help you make plans for your next fishing outing.
Site Specific Access Area Closures
As of 9/13/2023
- Bald Hill Pond Access Area - The town of Newark is planning to replace the bridge on the road leading to the Bald Hill Pond Access Area and WMA. The road will be closed beyond the small bridge from September 18 to September 25. The public will not have access to Fish and Wildlife Department property. The town hopes to have the road open by September 26.
2023 Access Areas Improvement Projects
Tabor Point
162 Hog Island Road, Swanton, VT 05488 | map
- Project Date – TBD
- Project Purpose – Extend the ramp to match lake bottom
- Project Scope – This project will consist of the installation of a filter curtain and temporary coffer dam within the lake so contractors can complete all the work in a dry environment. The contractor will excavate the ramp area to achieve the desired slope then form and pour a reinforced concrete ramp.
- Access Impact – Entire Access Area will be closed.
2022 Completed Access Area Projects
Rock River - Completed
4220 US Route 7, Highgate, VT 05488 | map
- Project Date – COMPLETED
- Project Purpose – Install a new concrete ramp
- Project Scope – The project will include placement of a filter curtain to enclose the work area in the river. The contractor will excavate a portion of the river bottom, and install rails at the desired slope. Once the rails are set, pre-cast, steel reinforced slabs will be slid in and connected to one another with steel plates. The concrete ramp will be completed with a perimeter stone apron to protect against future erosion.
- Access Impact – Entire access area will be closed.
Lake Fairlee - Completed
3795 VT Route 244, West Fairlee, VT 05045 | map
- Project Date – COMPLETED
- Project Purpose – Rebuild the existing ramp
- Project Scope – This project will consist of the installation of a filter curtain within the lake to enclose the work area. The existing concrete ramp slabs will be pulled out and reset closer together to remove existing issues with the slabs separating. The gravel berm just beyond the ramp will also be removed at this time. The site will also include new ADA parking and a accessible route to the ramp and dock.
- Access Impact – Entire access area will be closed.
Joes Pond - Completed
3936 US Route 2 West, Danville, VT 05873 | map
- Project Date – COMPLETED
- Project Purpose – Rebuild and extend the ramp
- Project Scope – This project will consist of the installation of a filter curtain and temporary coffer dam within the lake so contractors can complete all the work in a dry environment. The contractor will remove broken concrete debris and the existing end of the ramp, then extend the ramp at a steeper slope to allow for a deeper ramp.
- Access Impact – Entire access area will be closed.
Marshfield Reservoir - Completed
5121 US Route 2, Cabot, VT 05658 | map
- Project Date – After Labor Day (exact date to be determined) - COMPLETED
- Project Purpose – Extend existing ramp and increase depth in front of the eastern shore fishing platform.
- Project Scope – This project will consist of the placement of a filter curtain and coffer dam in the work area so contractors can complete all the work in a dry environment. The contractor will excavate the ramp area to achieve the desired slope then form and pour a reinforced concrete ramp. After the ramp is extended, the contractor will remove material around the front of the eastern short fishing platform and install large boulders to increase fishing opportunities and create habitat.
- Access Impact – The western lobe of the access area will remain open but will have construction vehicles passing through.