CHARLOTTE, Vt. - The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is notifying anglers and recreational boaters that it will be starting a renovation project at the Converse Bay Fishing Access Area (locally known as Cedar Beach) on Lake Champlain in Charlotte.

Construction activities will begin on August 10, but the ramp will remain open through the weekend of August 22 and 23. The boat ramp and entire access area will be closed beginning August 25, and remain closed until mid-October.

"The reconstruction of the Converse Bay Access Area will improve boat launching, offer more organized access and parking, and provide a public facility that meets environmental and ADA standards so that all recreationalists will be able to enjoy this area of Lake Champlain," said Mike Wichrowski, facility and lands administrator with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.

When finished, the improved access area will feature a longer and deeper launch ramp, as well as ADA accessible parking and a path down to the ramp and dock area. The improvements will also include green infrastructure upgrades to reduce storm water run-off into the lake.

"The ultimate goal of the project is to make the access area safer and more user-friendly, while protecting water quality," said Wichrowski. "Taking into consideration the amount of use the access area sees each year and the needs of anglers and boaters, it was critical for us to redevelop this area for future use."

The Department will announce when the access area reopens for public use.

To view a complete list of all Vermont fishing access areas, including maps and additional information, visithttp://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Fish_Accessareas.cfm.

To learn more about fishing in Vermont or to purchase a Vermont fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

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Media Contact: Mike Wichrowski, 802-917-1347