RANGELEY — Inland Fisheries and Wildlife held a public hearing in Rangeley June 30 regarding a public petition to allow ice fishing on five local ponds.

The petition read: “To allow for an ice fishing season on additional selected waters to include: West Richardson Pond (Adamstown Twp.), Gull Pond (Rangeley), Round Pond (Rangeley), Loon Lake (Rangeley, Dallas Plt.), Saddleback Lake (Dallas Plt.). The season to run from Jan. 1 to March 31, sunrise to sunset, with a two-hole limit, artificial lures and worms only, daily limit: 2 trout, 1 salmon.”

Proposed restrictions included “Use of motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles and ATVs (where permitted) prohibited. Use of fishing shacks prohibited (portable shacks permitted, but must be removed daily).”

Commissioner of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Dan Martin stated that IF&W does not have the authority to act upon the proposed prohibitions on motorized vehicles and fishing shacks. If the proposed ice fishing season were approved, use of motorized vehicles and shacks would be allowed, unless specific legislation was proposed and passed by the Maine Legislature.

The supporters of the petition stressed that the proposed changes would have a positive impact on the local economy by bringing additional business to sport shops, restaurants and motels. In addition, the change would provide more fishing opportunity for sportsmen during the winter.

Those opposing the regulations noted that the 150 petition signers did so assuming that the proposed prohibitions on motorized vehicles and shacks would be implemented. They also expressed concern over possible introduction of illegal species, increased trout and salmon mortality due to hooking injuries and exposure to cold temperatures, difficulty for game wardens to enforce the regulations, and the litter associated with ice shacks.

Commissioner Martin expressed appreciation for the comments and the courtesy of those attending the hearing. He indicated that anyone may submit written comments, pro or con, by emailing IF&W at andrea.erskine@ maine.gov before 5 p.m. July 12.