Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0346

Introduced
2/23/23  

Caption

An act relating to the use of sluice boxes for recreational mineral prospecting

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to alter existing statutes concerning the management of watercourses in Vermont. By allowing sluice boxes under specific conditions, the legislation aims to balance recreational opportunities for prospectors with the need to preserve aquatic habitats. It sets clear guidelines that limit excavation activities to the streambed and prohibits disturbances to the banks of watercourses, thereby reducing potential environmental harm. However, the bill is contingent on obtaining appropriate permissions, which aligns it with current environmental protections but may also place a burden on recreational prospectors to navigate these regulatory requirements.

Summary

House Bill 346 aims to regulate the use of sluice boxes for recreational mineral prospecting in watercourses throughout the state of Vermont. The bill specifies that individuals must obtain approval from the Secretary of Natural Resources to conduct mineral prospecting using sluice boxes. Importantly, the legislation seeks to delineate the conditions under which these sluice boxes may be utilized, emphasizing that this activity should not disrupt the natural water flow or the ecosystem surrounding these watercourses. This initiative is positioned within a broader context of conservation and environmental protection laws that govern alterations to streams and rivers.

Contention

Debate around H0346 may arise from various stakeholders concerned about the implications of recreational mining on local ecosystems. Environmental advocates may argue that, despite the bill’s restrictions, any form of mining could lead to detrimental impacts on water quality and sedimentation patterns. Conversely, proponents of the bill, including recreational miners, may advocate for their rights to utilize natural resources for leisure while emphasizing an eco-friendly approach to prospecting. As the bill advances, discussions are likely to focus on how to effectively implement the regulations without imposing excessive constraints that could hinder legitimate recreational activities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT H0825

An act relating to authorizing municipalities to conduct maintenance of waterways

VT SB156

Regards designation of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers

VT H0147

An act relating to establishing the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee

VT S0079

An act relating to establishing the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee

VT HB114

AN ACT relating to landowner liability for recreational use permission.

VT SB969

Mineral Mine Safety Act; definition of "surface mineral mine," use of cyanide or cyanide compound.

VT HB1887

Mineral Mine Safety Act; definition of "surface mineral mine," use of cyanide or cyanide compound.

VT H0687

An act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection through land use

VT H0424

An act relating to the donation to the State of managed forestland enrolled in current use

VT S0308

An act relating to updates to land use planning

Similar Bills

TX HB271

Relating to the procedure by which a state agency may issue an opinion that a watercourse is navigable.

TX HB352

Relating to the procedure by which a state agency may issue an opinion that a watercourse is navigable.

TX HB298

Relating to the procedure by which a state agency may issue an opinion that a watercourse is navigable.

TX HB2892

Relating to the procedure by which a state agency may issue an opinion that a watercourse is navigable.

CA AB1164

Dams and reservoirs: exclusions: publicly owned or operated regulating basins.

CA SB69

Ocean Resiliency Act of 2019.

CT HB07174

An Act Concerning Riparian Areas.

CA AB727

Dams and reservoirs: exclusions.