House concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish culture program for the continued success of aquatic-resource sustainability and the availability of abundant recreational fishing opportunities in Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarita Austin and 28 co-sponsors

Vermont’s five fish hatcheries are essential to sustaining fish populations, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring abundant recreational fishing resources statewide.

Ceremonial Reading

Overview

Type: House Concurrent Resolution (H.C.R. 298)

Jurisdiction: Vermont

Session: 2025-2026

Purpose: Recognize the importance of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish culture program (fish hatcheries) for aquatic-resource sustainability and the availability of abundant recreational fishing opportunities in Vermont.

Main purpose and intent

Acknowledges that recreational fishing provides social, physical, and mental health benefits, supports accessible participation across Vermonters, and contributes to biodiversity, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and local economies.

Emphasizes that Vermont’s fish hatcheries are integral to sustaining fish populations, restoring species, and ensuring ample fishing resources for residents and visitors.

Seeks to highlight the broader positive impacts of hatcheries on food security, public support for clean waters, job stability, economic growth, and educational partnerships related to aquatic ecology and conservation.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition by the General Assembly of the importance of the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish culture program.

Specific statement that Vermont operates five fish culture stations (hatcheries): Bald Hill (Newark), Bennington, Ed Weed (Grand Isle), Roxbury, and Salisbury, which annually produce over 1.5 million fish for stocking statewide.

The resolution notes the hatcheries’ roles in:

Maintaining sustainable fish populations.
Restoring species where needed.
Providing abundant fishing resources for Vermonters and communities.
Supporting education and partnerships related to aquatic ecology, conservation, and responsible fishing practices.

Directive to the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the resolution to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Who/what is affected

Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife (Fish Culture Program) is formally acknowledged and recognized.

Vermonters and visitors who participate in or benefit from recreational fishing, aquatic-resource sustainability, and related educational programs.

Stakeholders involved in or benefiting from the hatchery network, including local economies tied to fishing and outdoor recreation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: On Consent Calendar as of May 14, 2026.

Sponsorship: Multiple representatives and co-sponsors listed; no substantive policy changes proposed, as a resolution rather than legislation.

Action: If adopted, the Secretary of State is directed to provide a copy of the resolution to the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Potential impact

Broad ceremonial and symbolic impact, elevating awareness of the hatchery system’s role in ecological health, recreation, and economic activity.

May influence public perception and continued support for hatchery funding and related conservation programs.

Serves as a formal linkage between state government and the hatchery system, potentially informing future policy discussions or budget considerations related to aquatic resources and recreation.