Lake Parker Association encourages all lake users to be respectful of the environment and considerate of other people while they’re enjoying their time at the lake. Each year the LPA Board fields many questions from folks around the lake seeking information on a variety of subjects. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers we’ve been able to provide.
Q: What do the buoys signify on the lake?
A: The State’s “200-foot Law” requires powerboats to travel at a speed of 5mph or less within 200 feet of a lake’s shore, person in the water, a canoe, rowboat or other vessel, an anchored or moored vessel with a person on board, or an anchorage or dock. LPA places buoys in the lake each year to remind boaters of the no-wake zone and provide a visual perspective of 200 feet.
Q: Who has the right of way when boating and paddling on the lake?
A: Per US Coast Guard guidelines, sailboats under sail, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and other human-powered watercraft all have the right-of-way over boats powered by motors.
Q: Is there anything that can be done about motorboats that create wakes which may endanger paddle craft and sailboats?
A: Provisions of the State’s “200-foot Law” require powerboats to travel at a speed of 5mph or less within 200 feet of a lake’s shore, person in the water, a canoe, rowboat or other vessel, an anchored or moored vessel with a person on board or an anchorage or dock. While this law is intended to minimize the potential of a wake’s harmful effects to others on the lake, LPA is not authorized to enforce this law if violations occur.
Q: Are personal watercrafts (PWCs) allowed on the lake?
A: Per Vermont statute, the use of PWCs (jet skis) is prohibited on lakes, ponds and reservoirs that have a surface area of less than 300 acres. At 239 acres, PWCs are not allowed to operate on Lake Parker.
Q: Is there anything LPA can do to make sure people, especially children, use their life jackets?
A: There are laws that govern the use of personal flotation devices (life jackets) which Lake Parker Association is not authorized to enforce. LPA can only encourage all boaters and paddlers to become familiar with and comply with these important safety regulations which are explained in full in the Resources section on the LPA website at https://www.boat-ed.com/vermont/studyGuide/Specific-PFD-Requirements/10104902_48995/
Q: Is there a noise ordinance in Glover?
A: Glover does not have a universal noise ordinance. However, please remember that sound carries remarkably well on the lake, especially when the wind and water are calm.
Q: I’ve seen a boater steer their boat, seemingly on purpose, toward a loon on the lake. Can anything be done to stop this from happening?
A: Vermont and Federal laws protect all migratory birds from harassment. This, of course, means protecting the loons, ducks, geese, gulls and cormorants on Lake Parker from such actions of people and their pets. While LPA cannot enforce these laws, it’s important for everyone to know that individuals have the right to report violators directly to the local Game Warden at 802-748-3111 or the State Police Barracks at 802-334-8881.
Q: Can anything be done about people fishing so close to my dock?
A: The public waters of the State of Vermont and the lands lying underneath them are held in “public trust” and are therefore preserved and managed by the State for the public good. Since the people fishing close to your dock are doing so on State property, they are permitted to do so.
Q: There’s a dog that frequently comes on my property frightening my children and messing on my lawn. I’ve spoken to the owner, but it keeps happening. What can be done to stop this?
A: According to Glover’s Dog Ordinance, all dogs must be confined to the owner’s property or clearly under their verbal control. In addition, dogs cannot be running at large (defined as unleashed and not on the owner’s property). If one-on-one discussions with the dog’s owner has not stopped this from happening, you may contact Glover’s Animal Control Officer (First Constable) at 802-525-1305. For more information on this ordinance, visit www.townofglover.com.
Q: What can be done about the annoying noise of ATVs I hear racing up and down the road at night?
A: According to Glover’s ATV Ordinance, ATVs may only be operated between the hours of 7am and 10pm and must abide by the posted speed limits, which never exceed 35mph. Any violations may be reported to a Glover Town Constable at 802-525-1305 or 525-4234. For more information on this ordinance, visit www.townofglover.com.
Q: Do I need a permit for a campfire or fire pit?
A: Glover has an Open Burning and Incineration of Solid Waste Ordinance, which determines what may and may not be burned and which types of burning requires a permit. As a general rule, campfires and fire pits can be used without a permit, burning of household trash is never allowed and other allowable burning will typically require a permit. Refer to the ordinance for more information (www.townofglover.com) or contact the local Fire Warden at 802-525-4416 for advice.
Q: I’m planning to expand my deck and need to remove and cut back several trees to open my views. Do I need a building permit?
A: Building permits are not required in Glover, but your project may need approval from the State before you proceed. Since 2014, Vermont’s Shoreland Protection Act places restrictions on some formerly allowable lakeside improvement activities. Protected activities in the Act include the creation of additional cleared areas or impervious surfaces within 250 feet of the mean water level on lakes and ponds over 10 acres. Before embarking on your project, please read the Shoreland Protection Act handbook available in the “Resources” section on the LPA website (www.LakeParker.org) which describes the permitting process.
Q: Are my dues and contributions to Lake Parker Association tax deductible?
A: Lake Parker Association, Inc is a 501(c)(4) organization. Contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations generally are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
