Vermont Fish & Wildlife Looking for Cobblers, Boot Sellers, Manufacturers Information needed to assist anglers comply with felt-sole ban

WATERBURY, VT – Felt-soled wading boots will be illegal to wear in all Vermont waters starting April 1, 2011 and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is compiling a list of places where anglers and hunters can purchase the needed footwear to comply with the new law.

Vermont-based cobblers that are re-soling wading boots with non-felt bottoms, local retailers of wading boots or waders and all manufacturers of rubber-soled wading boots are asked to send the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department the following information:

·         Business name
·         Business address
·         Type of business (retailer, manufacturer, cobbler)
·         Phone number
·         Website (if available)

The information should be sent via email to:  [email protected]

The information will be posted on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).  Vermont is the second state in the U.S. to ban felt-soled boots (Maryland’s ban began March 22) in an effort to help stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species and disease.

“We know anglers want to comply with the law the Legislature passed, and we know anglers want to take every step needed to protect our waterways,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry.  “With fishing season starting April 9, we need to let anglers know where they can get the necessary equipment or retrofit their existing gear.”

There is no charge for businesses to be part of the department’s listing.