Vermont
The 15 Best Lakes to Visit in Vermont
Far within the Northeast of the US is Vermont. From the majestic mountains, and forests, to shadow-filled valleys, you could have each motive to savor Vermont’s charming magnificence, making it among the best locations to go to for nature lovers. It additionally has many lakes with loads of water-related actions like kayaking, boat rides, fishing, or just enjoyable on the shores. If you happen to’re searching for a surprising place to trip throughout summer time or some other season, these 15 finest lakes to go to in Vermont may help you slender your selection.
15. Lake Elmore- Lamoille County (Greatest for picturesque magnificence in Vermont)
Dubbed “The Magnificence Spot of Vermont,” Lake Elmore is without doubt one of the most visited lakes within the area. Elmore Mountains engulf the surroundings with colourful timber at its northern finish. Additionally, you could have the Elmore State Park dealing with the lake’s north to reap the benefits of. It’s an incredible hub for picnicking, tenting, bird-watching, and different nature-related adventures. One other promoting level of Lake Elmore is the hearth tower which you should use to get a transparent view of the panoramic options. The actions you will get concerned in whereas on this lake embody kayaking, boating, water browsing, swimming, windsurfing, and fishing. Contained in the waters are fish species like panfish, northern pike, bullhead, and small mount bass.
14. Maidstone Lake-Maidstone, Essex County (Greatest for searching fishes)
If a lake in a distant and refined location is your thought of the last word journey, it is best to go to the pristine Maidstone Lake. In response to Taste Vase, this lake is in Vermont’s Essex County. Close to the lake is the Maidstone State Park with a ravishing seashore, providing an ideal alternative for teenagers and adults to play, go tenting, and set up picnic tents. Round Maidstone Lake is a boreal forest, excellent for searching adventures. If you happen to aren’t into searching, the forest is a superb place for bird-watching and different nature-related actions. So, if you’re into birds like loons, that is the chance you’ve been ready for. The lake can also be dwelling to all kinds of fishes just like the Atlantic salmon, perch, lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Nonetheless, you may wish to verify with the native marina officers first to equip you with the precise fishing gear. You’ll be able to interact in climbing, tenting, boating, swimming, ice fishing, and kayaking if fishing isn’t your factor.
13. Lake Bomoseen- Castleton and Hubbardton, Rutland County (Greatest for water journey)
In response to New England With Love, The Inexperienced Mountain State is dwelling to Lake Bomoseen, a great spot for nature lovers. Tracing this lake means you drive close to the New York border within the western half. Hubbardston and Castleton are one of the best spots, permitting you to savor the lake’s magnificence. Close to the lake is the Bomoseen State Park, with many trails for climbing and tenting. You can begin with Half Moon Pond State Park for those who’re into tenting and picnicking. If the 2 actions don’t match your vibe, it’s also possible to flex your muscle tissue by swimming, boating, water snowboarding, or kayaking.
12. Caspian Lake- Greensboro (Greatest for water recreation)
Caspian Lake is one other magnificence spot that Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom boasts, in addition to the Inexperienced Mountains. The waterbody is a superb attraction for vacationers and locals who’re obsessed with water recreation. Among the many actions lined up are crusing, water snowboarding, tubing, and crusing, offered you don’t surpass its 40-mile-per-hour pace restrict. One factor that makes Caspian Lake stand out from the group is ice fishing, which is frequent throughout winter. Additionally, it’s in Greensboro, an ideal excuse to go to the native breweries and cheesemakers who supply their elements from the locals. There are properties, cabins, and small camps the place you possibly can chill out because the solar units. Additionally, prepare to look at loons gracing their presence within the lake every passing day.
11. Lake Saint Catherine- Wells & Poultney cities, Rutland County (Greatest for public boating journey)
Lake Saint Catherine is one other lovely waterbody to discover for those who’re close to Wells and Poultney. The lake connects to Lily Pond and Little Pond waterways, dwelling to many locals. The lake has attracted a number of trip dwelling buyers to make your keep snug for those who’re planning a lengthier keep whereas savoring the lake’s magnificence. The properties are massive, excellent for households or trip teams with like-minded pursuits. Like different lakes on this listing, Lake Saint Catherine is the place to go for those who get pleasure from tenting, swimming, jet-skiing, biking, and seeing the wildlife glide throughout it. To get began, attain out to the marina’s officers, and they’re going to e book one of many two public boats that can assist you navigate the waters simply.
10. Lake Seymour- Morgan city, Orleans County (Greatest for clear lakes)
In case you are a kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or water recreating hobbyist, Lake Seymore in Morgan city is one of the best lake to tour. It covers as much as 1,769 acres, making it the second-largest lake in Vermont. Additionally, it was named after the primary grantee, Israel Seymour. The lake boasts sandy shores and public boating, providing seasonal and all-year-round adventures. Apart from native campgrounds, there are lots of inns and ski resorts providing eating choices from close by cities for those who really feel hungry after having enjoyable on the campsite. Its proximity to many golf programs must also be an ideal excuse to go there.
9. Crystal Lake- Barton city, Orleans County (Greatest for fishing)
In response to The Loopy Vacationer, Orleans County is dwelling to a 309 glacial Crystal Lake. Positioned in Barton village to the south, this lake is without doubt one of the most visited sights within the northeast part of Vermont. Locals know of it as being the department of the Barton River that vacationers use for recreation. Probably the most important promoting factors of this river is the cold-water fishery. Yow will discover the likes of smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, rainbow trout, rock bass, and so on. All you might want to do is to entry the Crystal Lake State Park and different trails alongside its shoreline. The park across the lake additionally boasts varied adventures like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and plenty of others. You could have round 80 picnic tables, play areas, a cottage, and charcoal grills to get you began. The cottage is designed to accommodate no less than six folks.
8. Lake Memphremagog- North of Newport (Greatest for a house to 21 islands)
Have you ever ever needed to be in a cushty lodging facility with a ravishing lakefront view? In that case, you might want to go to Lake Memphremagog to decide on which one to board. The lake occupies the biggest a part of Quebec, regardless of three-quarters of it being in Vermont. As Vermont’s third-largest lake, it homes round 21 islands. 5 islands are inside the state. There’s a seashore referred to as Prouty Seaside, which has greater than 70 campsites, altering services, and a beachside pavilion. Get able to get pleasure from actions like climbing, shuffleboard, swimming, fishing, and climbing. There are dozens of lodging services for those who want to keep longer.
7. Lake Carmi-Franklin County (Greatest for an enormous of campsites)
Think about tenting close to a lake with one of the best cabins on the planet. That’s the perk you get for visiting Lake Carmi in Franklin County. Although it’s rated one of many smallest and shallowest lakes in Vermont, it’s a superb hub for fishing, significantly walleye and northern pike. The lake solely occupies 556 hectares of the Canadian and the US border, making it a safer place for hydrophobic adventurers. Whereas there, you possibly can get pleasure from boating, biking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Plus, do you know there are round 140 campsites with cabins and motorhomes to look ahead to? Different nature lovers have been there, so what’s holding you from doing the identical?
6. Silver Lake- Barnard city, Windsor County (Greatest for households)
Among the many sights Windsor County boasts, Silver Lake tops the listing. It’s the finest place to be, no matter whether or not it’s summer time or winter. Each seasons entice varied fishing adventures whereas on the lake. Nonetheless, you might want to go to the lake in summer time to reap the benefits of the water leisure actions it affords. The opposite attraction that this lake boasts is the Silver Lake State Park occupying its north shoreline. There’s a sandy seashore, tenting grounds, and picnic spots. Immerse in several actions resembling kayaking, boating, fishing, and canoeing. If you happen to’re tagging your youngsters alongside, there’s a playground and meals concession designated for them.
5. Somerset Reservoir- Stratton city, Windham County (Greatest for quiet getaways)
In response to The Loopy Vacationer, the Somerset Reservoir is in Windham County, dwelling to the Inexperienced Mountains. The one factor lacking across the lake is an lodging construction. Which means you possibly can supply your undivided consideration to the pure surroundings round it. One factor you’ll discover about this reservoir is the dam as a result of it’s 700 meters above sea stage. You’ll be able to solely entry it by driving the south finish in the direction of it. Alternatively, you possibly can hike or cycle round 15 kilometers alongside the path to achieve it.
4. Griffith Lake- Peru & Mount Tabor cities (Greatest for close by wildlife)
One of many lakes to go to whereas touring the Inexperienced Mountain Nationwide Forest is Griffith Lake. It covers a part of Bennington and Rutland Counties in Vermont. Simply so you recognize, the Inexperienced Mountain Membership manages the nationwide forest, encouraging campers and sight-seers to reap the benefits of the Appalachian and Lengthy Trails. To entry the lake, you might want to stroll or shoe within the snow. Begin by parking on the Griffith Lake Trailhead and stroll for round 12 kilometers. Actions within the retailer embody picnicking, tenting, and swimming. Animal lovers additionally get to see wildlife lounging and hovering across the space.
3. Harvey Lake- Barnet city, Caledonia County (Greatest for Vermont’s wealthy historical past)
Do you know that the unique Barnet city settlers have been the explanation Harvey Lake got here into the limelight? The lake sits within the northeast of Vermont, and historians pay tribute to it as a lake that early settlers like SCUBA buyers used to hone their abilities. Anybody round this lake can attest that Jacques Cousteau first practiced his underwater respiratory capabilities on this lake within the Twenties. Every little thing you wish to get pleasure from on this lake is at your disposal from the seashore, picnic spots, and tenting grounds. In case your trip falls between June and August, the Harvey Lake Seaside welcomes you for barbecue grills and seashore volleyball.
2. Lake Dunmore- Salisbury & Leicester cities, Addison County (Greatest for pure glacier adventures)
In response to Taste Verse, Lake Dunmore boast glaciations which have given rise to a dam, regardless of it being a pure freshwater lake. Consultants declare it’s on non-public property. Nonetheless, it nonetheless boasts public utilities just like the Moosalamoo Nationwide Recreation Space and the Branbury State Park on its japanese shoreline. If you happen to’re into fishing, Lake Dunmore affords many kinds of fish, together with catfish, northern pike, lake trout, perch, salmon, and bass. Different actions to look ahead to at Lake Dunmore than fishing embody tenting, sandy seashores, and climbing. The Lana Falls additionally affords a great spot for sightseeing and different waterbody-related adventures.
1. Lake Willoughby- Westmore city, Orleans County (Greatest General)
In response to Solely in Your State, Lake Willoughby carries the “Too lovely to be actual” badge in Vermont. It’s each water recreation fanatic’s dream to catch a glimpse of one of many world’s clearest lakes. Positioned on the northeastern facet of Westmore city, the lake boasts a wide ranging pure surprise that appears surreal. You must be there to clear your doubts. The lake’s crystalline waters are so clear that you may see the reflection of the skies. Its blue water is an epitome of an oasis of pure magnificence. It’s 5 miles lengthy and 320 toes deep, making it the second deepest lake within the state of Inexperienced Mountain. Whereas there, immerse your self in water recreation like fishing, boating, swimming, and bird-watching.
Vermont
U.S. attorney for Vermont announces resignation: Who will replace him?
United States Attorney for Vermont Nikolas Kerest announced his resignation Monday. This is common practice pending a presidential inauguration and party change. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in January 20 and will select his own pick for attorney.
Kerest was appointed to the position by President Joe Biden in 2021 and oversaw a group of 51 employees during his time.
In a press release from his office, Kerest said “representing the United States as a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office team for over fourteen years and as its leader for the past three years has been the highlight of my career. Public service is a gift.”
Kerest previously served as an assistant United States attorney in Burlington since 2010.
During his tenure in the position, his office focused on addressing violent crime, something that had spiked in Vermont. He supported the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force, and worked with local law enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations to remove violent offenders from the streets.
Kerest’s office also focused on enforcing federal civil rights laws, as well as educating Vermonters about their rights under these laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also taken significant steps to address elder financial fraud in Vermont, prosecuting offenders of those crimes.
His office also successfully represented the Federal Highway Administration against challenges to the construction of Burlington’s Champlain Parkway.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher will become acting attorney when Kerest officially steps down on inauguration day. Kerest’s office stated he hasn’t determined his next career steps yet.
Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.
Vermont
Outgoing Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman says he expects Vermont lawmakers will affirm John Rodgers’ victory in special vote this week – VTDigger
SOUTH BURLINGTON — Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman said Monday that he expects Vermont lawmakers to affirm John Rodgers’ victory in the race for the state’s second-highest office when the Legislature convenes later this week.
Zuckerman, a Progressive/Democrat, won fewer votes in November’s election than Rodgers, a Republican. But neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, triggering a constitutional process whereby the Legislature crowns the winner.
In the days after the election, Zuckerman conceded the race, though he nodded in a radio interview to the possibility that legislators could, technically, still name him lieutenant governor — and that they might have good reason to do so. His comments drew sharp criticism at the time from current and former state political leaders.
Zuckerman said Monday at a press conference in South Burlington — which he convened to offer parting thoughts, he said, before leaving office — that he had not been in contact with legislators about how they would vote “since a few days after” the election.
“The Legislature will make its decision. I suspect they will elect John Rodgers. I haven’t heard anything otherwise,” Zuckerman said in response to a reporter’s question.
Zuckerman has frequently criticized Republican Gov. Phil Scott — with whom Rodgers is a close ally — throughout his tenure in office. And he took aim again at the governor in his remarks Monday, calling on Scott’s camp to bring “real options” to the negotiating table with legislators on key issues, including reforming the state’s education funding system and making housing and other aspects of life in the state more affordable.
That hasn’t always been the case over recent legislative sessions, he argued.
“The governor has hundreds of staff to develop policy proposals, and the Legislature has no individual staff and is part-time for less than half the year,” Zuckerman said. “It is up to the governor, after eight years, to lead — not by pointing fingers at the Legislature, but by coming up with policies that reflect Vermonters’ wishes for good local public schools and affordable housing.”
Zuckerman encouraged policymakers, too, to consider increasing taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents and many second-home-owners, highlighting aspects of progressive economic policies he has championed in the state for decades.
In response to a question, the three-term lieutenant governor told reporters that he had not decided whether he would run for political office again. But he said that, at least in the short-term, he planned to stay active in politics by hosting a public-affairs radio show.
“It’s not what I’m here to advertise,” Zuckerman said. “But I’ll be talking about issues every week with people, having Vermonters on to talk about what their struggles are, and trying to get out there what’s going on in the Statehouse.”
Vermont
Vermonters hunted fewer bucks in 2024 than 2023, preliminary estimate finds – VTDigger
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department estimates that hunters in Vermont harvested more than 17,200 deer during fall 2024 — but the final tally won’t be released until March.
That translates to roughly 3.4 million servings of venison, according to a Monday press release from the department.
The buck harvest tally is expected to decline slightly in 2024, with hunters taking an estimated 9,200 bucks compared with 9,848 in 2023, and an average of around 9,500 in the previous three years. Officials attributed the drop to a slower November hunting season, which was down 10% from the previous year, according to the release.
Although the department relies on hunting data to assess the deer population, Nick Fortin, the department’s head deer biologist, said he wouldn’t conclude that the population is declining.
“The change from one year to the next really doesn’t mean a whole lot,” Fortin said. “It’s the longer-term trends that will be important.”
Fortin said climate-related changes are playing a role in shaping deer populations and influencing hunting results. However, he emphasized that the decline in the buck harvest was likely driven by a combination of factors, with milder winter temperature only being one of them.
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One other factor is that this year, the department prioritized harvesting more antlerless deer, issuing more permits than previous years. The total of harvested antlerless deer, a group primarily composed of females, is expected to reach around 8,000 — an increase from the previous three-year average of 7,188.
The reason for that change: “We’re just trying to control deer numbers in response to those milder winters,” Fortin said, adding that mild winters are good for deer as they have better food availability.
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