BERLIN - A Vermont man is planning to hold an ice fishing derby later this month on a pond that the city of Montpelier keeps off limits to the public because it's the source of the city's drinking water.

Rick Barnett of Barre says the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued him a permit for a March 28 event on Berlin Pond.

Montpelier City Manager Bill Fraser tells the Barre Montpelier Times Argus the city will defend its right to restrict both access to and use of the pond.

The restrictions on public use of Berlin Pond have been in place since the early 1900s.

Barnett says the city's water filtration plant should allay concern about recreational use of Berlin Pond.