Wish I'd seen your post earlier today. Someone (reading same early this AM) a link that covered just that. Also added an up date to States considering the ban.
I'll see if I can find the post/link.
Fred
---------- Post added at 06:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:49 PM ----------
Here you go. This lap top doesn't allow me to lift links (no idea why not) but can do a cut and paste.
Jump Directly To:
States With Felt Bans
Alaska
Maryland
Missouri
Nebraska
Rhode Island
Vermont
States Which Have Considered Bans
Idaho
Maine
Montana
New Mexico
New York City
Oregon
Status of Felt Restrictions in the United States
Since 2009 there has been an increasing move toward restricting the use of felt soled waders and wading boots. As of January 1, 2012 four states (Alaska, Maryland, Rhode Island & Vermont) have implemented bans. Other states are discussing possible restrictions or are in the process of implementing a ban at a future date.
There are two basic approaches to creating these restrictions. In some states the bans are created through legislative action. That is, their legislatures have debated and passed a law that has been signed by the Governor. Other bans are created by administrative action. These bans are implemented by the action of a Fish & Game Commission, by Agency rule making authority or through other administrative action. Understanding the process through which new regulations are developed is important for anyone who wishes to have a voice in the process.
The following tables offer a brief overview of the status of felt restrictions in the US. This page is updated with any significant changes in an attempt to provide a comprehensive listing of felt restrictions. If you have information about any felt restriction proposals that are not included please contact us with information.
States With Felt Bans In Place
State or Jurisdiction
Alaska
Proposal
Statewide ban on use of felt
Proposal Status
Adopted by unanimous vote 3/19/2010
Implementation Date
January 1, 2012
Type of regulation
Administrative - State Fisheries Commission
Bill Number
N/A
Additional information
Last Updated
2-25-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Maryland
Proposal Status
Styatewide ban implemented March 21, 2011
Proposal
Bans use of felt in all Maryland waters
Implementation Date
3-21-2011
Type of regulation
Administrative
Bill Number
Additional information
News Story
Last Update
2-25-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Missouri
Proposal Status
Ban Approved subject to final implementation
Proposal
Ban use of felt
Implementation Date
3-1-2012
Type of regulation
Administrative Rule
Bill Number
Additional information
The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved a regulation change banning the use of porous-soled waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a porous sole of felted, matted, or woven fibrous material when fishing in trout parks and other specific trout waters. Pending public comment through the Secretary of State’s office, the new regulation will go into effect March 1, 2012, the opening day of catch-and-keep fishing at Missouri’s four trout parks
Last Update
10-20--2011
State or Jurisdiction
Nebraska
Proposal
Statewide ban on use of felt
Proposal Status
Effective January 1, 2013 as published in 2013 Fishing Regulations
Implementation Date
January 1, 2013
Type of regulation
Administrative
Bill Number
N/A
Additional information
2013-2014 Fishing Regulations
Last Updated
3-21-2013
State or Jurisdiction
Rhode Island
Proposal Status
Statewide ban in place
Proposal
It is prohibited that any person use foot gear with external felt soles in any state waters, inclusive of freshwater, tidal, or marine. This shall include any waters shared with adjacent states in which any Rhode Island Fishing Regulations apply.
Implementation Date
January 1, 2012
Type of regulation
Administrative - Regulation Change
Bill Number
Additional information
2012/2013 fishing regulations Regulation 1.17, page 9
Last Update
12/28/2011
State or Jurisdiction
Vermont
Proposal Status
Passed and signed into law on 5/12/2010
Proposal
Unlawful to use external felt-soled boots or external felt-soled waders
Implementation Date
April 1, 2011
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
H. 488
Additional information
Bill Text and Status
Last Update
2-25-2011
Other Felt Related Legislation - No Current Restrictions
State or Jurisdiction
Idaho
Proposal Status
Resolution Adopted 4-7-2011
Resolution
Idaho congratulates those fishing tackle manufacturers that offer alternatives to felt soles, for their foresight and efforts to offer products that reduce the threat and potential transfer of aquatic nuisance species. Other manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, are encouraged to engineer, develop, manufacture and sell similar products that reduce and/or help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
Implementation Date
Immediate
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
Senate Concurrent Resolution 101
Additional information
Bill Status Bill Text
Last Updated
4-30-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Maine
Proposal Status
Signed into law 4-25-2011
Proposal
Law states: The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection shall examine issues related to the control of invasive aquatic species, including but not limited to the use of felt-soled waders and the spread of invasive aquatic species, and report to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by January 15, 2012. The report may include any recommendations concerning legislation. News Story
Implementation Date
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
HP 205, LD252
Additional information
Bill Text News Story
Last Update
4-30-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Montana
Proposal Status
Did not pass from Committee - 2/24/2011
Proposal
Ban on sale and use of felt
Implementation Date
October 1, 2012
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
SB230
Additional information
Bill Status Bill Text
Last Update
2-25-2011
State or Jurisdiction
New Mexico
Proposal Status
Tabled by Commission - December 2009
Proposal
Ban on use of felt
Implementation Date
N/A
Type of regulation
Administrative
Bill Number
Additional information
Fish & Game agency requested approval from commission who tabled request. Press Release
Last Update
2-25-2011
State or Jurisdiction
New York City
Proposal Status
Active - agency has authority to implement Ban if desired
Proposal
Rubber bottomed boots only in City owned waters
Implementation Date
TBD
Type of regulation
Administrative
Bill Number
Additional information
New York City owns sections of many popular Catskill waters which supply water to the City. News Article
Last Update
2-25-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Oregon
Proposal Status
Died in committee
Proposal
Ban sale and use of felt by 2015
Implementation Date
Jan 1, 2015
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
2338
Additional information
Bill Status Bill Text
Last Update
4-30-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Vermont 2
Proposal Status
Died in Committee
Proposal
Requires stores to educate about felt ban
Implementation Date
TBD
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
H. 210
Additional information
Bill Status Bill Text
Last Update
3-25-2011
State or Jurisdiction
Vermont 3
Proposal Status
Died in Committee
Proposal
Changes implementation of felt ban to 4/1/2012 and mandates state education efforts
Implementation Date
TBD
Type of regulation
Legislative
Bill Number
H. 211
Additional information
Bill Status Bill Text
Last Update
3-25-2011
