CT Horse Council Note:
The CT Recreational Trails Plan Draft has been copied in
its entirety to this document. We have changed the colors to note our points of
interest in RED and have inserted our comments
in BLUE to distinguish from the original draft.
BLACK = DEP DRAFT
RED = DEP DRAFT - CHC HIGHLIGHTED POINTS OF INTEREST IN RED
BLUE = CHC
COMMENT TO
DEP DRAFT
Draft
Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan
Connecticut, though small in land area, is rich in natural, historical, and recreational resources. Weaving through and connecting the varied landscapes are trails of all descriptions, from the narrowest of hiking paths to multi-use corridors running through many cities and towns. Thousands of walkers, cyclists, equestrians, skaters, and others take advantage of these pathways each day.
While always recognized for their recreational value, trails today are also seen as a means to improve the health and economic vitality of the areas through which they pass. This plan is intended to ensure that ConnecticutÕs trail system is sustained and expanded in a way that supports these functions and meets the needs of trail users without compromising the Department of Environmental ProtectionÕs basic mission. An examination of the existing trail network and potential connections is needed, as is a look at how the system may be best improved in the future. This includes forging new partnerships beyond the traditional trail constituencies.
Trails and Greenways positively impact individuals and improve communities by providing not only recreation and transportation opportunities, but also by influencing economic and community development. Some of the many trails and greenways benefits include:
* making communities better places to live by preserving and creating open spaces;
* encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyles;
* creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation and non-motorized transportation;
* strengthening local economies;
* protecting the environment; and
* preserving culturally and historically valuable areas.
"To make a greenway is to make a community." - Charles E. Little, Author of Greenways for America.
Trails can be the threads that help knit together diverse geographical and cultural communities, creating a seamless whole that unites people and places. In order to accomplish this goal, however, both financial and human resources must be committed at all levels. This document establishes the framework to bring that goal to fruition.
While trails have been in existence as long as humans have moved from place to place, trail planning is a relatively new phenomenon. Land use decision making at the state, regional, and local levels have rarely taken these pathways into account. Opportunities to preserve publicly-owned rights of way or historic routes were lost in the development boom of the last few decades. Only recently have trail advocates been able to make the case that these corridors are valuable community assets.
There are over 1000 miles of
trails in Connecticut, running through federal, state, municipal, and private
property. Almost 700 miles of
these are part of the Blue Blazed Trail System, managed by the Connecticut
Forest and Park Association. Many
of these trails, which are for hikers only, are on public land, but the
majority are located on private property.
There is constant pressure on the CFPA to open these trails to bicycles
and horses as well as foot traffic.
In addition, there is continuous illegal use of these systems by
motorized off-road vehicles.
CHC
COMMENT:
The
CHC feels that the 700 miles of the blue blazed trails on DEP public lands must
be evaluated so that " the broadest range of uses shall be
accommodated" as stated in the DEP
9/12/95 MULTIPLE USE TRAIL POLICY FOR PARK & FOREST RECREATION AREAS.
Many
of these trails can and do support multi-use and are used to connect to other
trail systems. These trails must be evaluated fairly and without bias. We suggest using the Universal Trail
Assessment Program.
CHC
offers its help in identifying blue-blazed trails that are currently being used
by equestrians that are multi-use in nature. Also, in the statement above " There is constant
pressure on the CFPA to open these trails to bicycles and horses as well as
foot traffic." CHC would like to remind DEP that it is not CFPA's (a
private organization) decision as to what trail use is allowed but rather the
land owner's decision, which in this case is the people of the State of
Connecticut, the taxpayers.
Also,
if DEP claims 1000 miles of trails, it does not seem a fair and equitable use
of state lands to limit 700 miles to only one user group.
The longest multi-use trails, paved
and unpaved, are located along abandoned rail, trolley, and canal lines that
were purchased by the State as part of the railbanking program. These include the Farmington Canal
Heritage Greenway, which runs from New Haven to Suffield, and the Air Line, Hop
River, Moosup Valley, and Larkin State Park Trails. All of these are open to walkers and cyclists. The Farmington Canal is paved,
allowing access to in-line skaters but preventing equestrian use. The State
Park Trails are surfaced for the most part with stone dust to allow for
horseback riding. The exception is when the trails pass through urban centers
such as Willimantic, where paving provides a more suitable surface for
community needs. There are some
significant gaps that need to be closed in order to complete these trails.
CHC
COMMENT:
CHC
agrees and thanks DEP for their foresight in providing the multi-use trail
surface, stone dust that accommodates all trails users including
wheelchairs.
We
ask that wherever possible, a high priority on existing and historical
equestrian use be considered when new or existing trails are developed.
A
natural surface along any proposed pavement would also provide for pedestrians
and joggers who prefer a natural footing to pavement and also provide for those
who do not wish to have bicyclists and roller bladers passing at fast rates of
speed alongside them.
Also,
while paved surfaces, such as the Farmington Canal are undesired by horseback
riders, equestrians should not be excluded from these Greenways. Equestrians as a non-motorized
means of travel are under the classification of pedestrians; and therefore
should be allowed on these Greenways. To deny equestrians the right as
pedestrians to use alternate transportation routes/Greenways will, ultimately,
put the horse and rider on major roads resulting in unsafe travel for equestrians
and motorists alike. The towns
that planned this Greenway did not consider equestrian use and ultimately, the
equestrian community lost not only the corridor across the state of Connecticut
but access to the many trails off its main trunk as well.
The Appalachian Trail, a National
Scenic Trail, runs through the Northwest corner of the state on part of its
route from Georgia to Maine. There
is currently a study of the Metacomet-Mattabesett system (a Blue Blazed Trail)
for inclusion in this federal program. The East Coast Greenway, which is a
National Millennium Trail running from Florida to Maine, also passes through
Connecticut. Maintaining the
integrity of these systems and closing existing gaps are a priority for the
Trails program.
CHC
COMMENT:
The
CHC supports the inclusion of the Metacomet-Mattabesett Trail to the National
Scenic Trails of America. CHC has
addressed its intention that the vision of the trail system should not be
limited to "footpath only", as equestrian use should be permitted
where feasible. Equestrians in local areas of the trail are currently using the Mattabesett
-Metacomet Trail System to access other trails, where they are multi-use in
nature. We have enclosed our comments to the National Park Service to be
included with our comments to the Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan Draft
Sub-regional systems connecting or feeding into these major
trails are now springing up around the state. The Quinebaug River Trail will connect the Air Line in
Putnam with the Moosup Valley Trail in Plainfield, a critical link in the
Hartford to Providence section of the East Coast Greenway. Other corridors are being planned and
developed along many of the StateÕs major waterways, including the Housatonic,
Quinnipiac, Willimantic and Naugatuck Rivers. These will offer opportunities for ÒbluewayÓ access as well
as traditional on-land trails. A group of towns from
East Haven to Madison is currently developing a Shoreline Greenway Trail,
planned to link state park and forest lands with local open space properties
and on-road lanes to create a multi-use pathway. In Fairfield County, efforts continue to create a trail in
the Merritt Parkway right of way.
CHC
COMMENT:
CHC
is aware of the corridors that are being planned and would like equestrian use
to be included in the plans as to not repeat the mistake of the Farmington
Canal Rail Trail, due to lack of foresight and discrimination of a historical
and legitimate user group.
Currently, the Shoreline Greenway planners are aware of equestrian
participation in the grass roots efforts of this trail and it is our hope that
the planners include the equestrians in this trail system. As stated in the CHC commentary to the
SCORP, " There is a great need for multiple use guidelines for state and
local policies to ensure that Open Space Lands and Trail/Greenways planners
accommodate all trail users.
Without this consistency, equestrians and other trail user groups may be
excluded from open spaces and trails and be forced to exit trails after short
distances due to discrepancies in local regulations. Without central coordination, gaps in linkage occur and
recreational opportunities are lost.
The foresight of the SCORP Advisory Board can provide these guidelines
for the SCORP to ensure open spaces and trail systems to accommodate all trail
users with safety in mind for all everyone."
As is probably the case in other
states, there continues to be some conflict between trail users, and all are
vocal in their desire to expand their opportunities. Equestrian, mountain bike,
and especially motorized groups lobby continuously for more access to
trails. Several bills have been
introduced in the General Assembly which would address these issues by
requiring the State to open areas, but none have passed.
CHC
COMMENT:
CHC
has long maintained that there is minimal user group conflict among other trail
users. Equestrians have reported
that trail users are in general, polite and courteous to each other. While
there has been some conflicts, it has been reported that it is due to ignorance
of each other's needs. CHC has
always maintained that the way to reduce and eliminate isolated conflicts is
through education, shared use of trails and recognizing the common interest of
love for the outdoors, rather than to focus on "separate" trails for
each user group. Equestrians have
always shared trails with hikers, bikers and motorized vehicles. The biggest conflict that CHC sees at
this point in time is the unwillingness of CFPA to realize that we all have to
join in and share our trails with each other.
Critically underserved is the
motorized community (about 65,000 vehicles), with one motorcycle trail (for
street-legal bikes) in a State Forest, one dirt bike facility on federal land,
and one ATV club with access to riding areas on private land. There are several
authorized areas for snowmobiles. DEP has developed a policy on ATV use on
State land, which would open the way to the establishment of one or more of
these facilities in the future.
Legislation supporting the policy and creating a special ATV account
with revenues from registrations failed to pass in the 2003 legislative
session.
The DEP has been looking for
opportunities to forge new partnerships with non-traditional organizations to
increase the reach of the trail program.
To this end, DEP has been working with Connecticut Departments of
Health, Transportation, and others to make trail information easy for the
public to access. DEPÕs State
Parks website is loading maps for trails in state parks and forests as they
become available. Pathways
through Connecticut, a guide to over 60 multi-use trails in the state, is
hosted on DOTÕs website and linked to both DEP and the Health Department. In addition, tourism and economic
development interests are becoming part of the constituent base. The DEP will
continue to work with representatives of all user groups to develop a unified
ÒvoiceÓ for trails in Connecticut.
CHC
COMMENT:
CHC
agrees that forging new partnerships is important for the Trail Program. We are especially interested in
communicating with the Department of Health to educate and rectify any false
claims against equestrian use on public water land trails. Trail use poses no environment hazards
to water pollution or to public health.
Negative claims without sound science and without justifiable rationale
are meaningless. CHC can provide
studies that address any of these negative claims.
CHC
is also interested in the opportunity for communication with the Department of
Transportation and its designers who work on project designs and with
individual town planners and other related entities of local and state
agencies. CHC would be willing to
help educate these sectors regarding the need for transportation opportunities
and safety in the development of Greenways funded by the SAFETEA program, which
include equestrian use.
DEPÕs State Parks website is
loading maps for trails in state parks and forests as they become
available. Pathways through
Connecticut, a guide to over 60 multi-use trails in the state, is hosted on
DOTÕs website and linked to both DEP and the Health Department. In addition, tourism and economic
development interests are becoming part of the constituent base. The DEP will
continue to work with representatives of all user groups to develop a unified
ÒvoiceÓ for trails in Connecticut.
We
also ask that informational, educational, promotional, and website material
about multi-use trails & Greenways through DEP, DOT, Tourist and Economic
agencies include equestrian use where established and/or applicable.
The following goals and objectives reflect the need to preserve, enhance, and develop trails and access for wide variety of uses. Achievement of these goals is dependent on continuation of funding through the National Recreational Trails Program and other sources, and on the availability of staff at the state and local level to carry out the objectives.
1) Develop comprehensive database of trails in Connecticut
linked to maps created using GPS/GIS technology.
Lack of
basic trail data is a continuing problem in the development of a comprehensive
state-wide system. Information
must be collected, synthesized, and put into a user-friendly format in order to
make future decisions on planning, acquiring, and funding corridors and
connections.
2) Develop comprehensive database of state, municipal, and
private open space.
A base map
of open space will enable trail planners to evaluate potential connections on
preserved open space. Any
possible level of activity (hiking vs. bikes and/or horses) would need to be
determined by the underlying use of the property (habitat protection,
recreation, watershed management, etc.) The DEP has contracted for this work
and expects it to be complete in about three years.
3)
Encourage, through grants and technical assistance,
the mapping of local/regional trail systems by regional planning organizations
and other entities.
For the foreseeable future, DEP will not have either the staff or financial resources to fully investigate and encourage trail development at the local level. Regional organizations have been making progress in this area, but they generally need financial support to collect the information and put it into a format that is consistent from region to region. This kind of data collection at the regional level will also encourage planning and discussion of trail issues among towns within a planning area.
4) Determine threats to existing trails and take steps
such as acquisition of land to ensure their future, especially within the Blue
Blazed Trail system.
Many trail systems in the
state, particularly the Blue Blazed Trails, rely on the good will of private
landowners who allow recreational access to their properties.
The rising
value of land in the state and the passing of large tracts to multiple heirs
have created a potential threat to the integrity of many trails. There are also new trail connections
that may need to pass over private land. Working with the Connecticut Forest
and Park Association and other organizations, the DEP should identify those
trails most at risk for interruption and make permanent easements or
acquisition of the rights of way or alternative pathways a priority. Non-traditional types of trail
protection, such as tax incentives for private landowners who allow public
recreation on their properties, should also be encouraged.
5) Determine priorities for completing major trail
sections in the state, such as those making up ConnecticutÕs link in the East
Coast Greenway. Coordinate with
neighboring states to ensure interstate trail linkages. Work to secure funding
for these projects.
Large
interstate, statewide, or regional projects attract a great number of users and
have the potential for major transportation and economic impacts on local
communities. DEPÕs highest
priority should be the completion of such major trails as the Air Line, Hop
River, and Moosup Valley State Park Trails, the Charter Oak and Quinebaug River
Greenways (major links in the East Coast Greenway), and the Farmington Canal
Heritage Greenway. In addition, it
is critical that a connection from the New York border to the Farmington Canal,
and from the Canal to Hartford be developed if the East Coast Greenway is to be
completed in Connecticut. Funding
of these projects should be the highest priority for both Recreational Trails
and TEA grants. While informal
cooperation with both Rhode Island and Massachusetts has been on going on
several projects, formalized bi-state compacts committing the states to trail
completion and promotion should be developed.
CHC COMMENT:
CHC agrees with the priorities listed above, and would like to
include that applications for funding of these projects should be the highest
priority for both Recreational Trails and TEA grants "especially when these projects include full
multiple use that includes equestrian use in their design and construction,
".
6) Encourage the inclusion of trail and greenway issues in
local, regional, and state plans of conservation and development. Make sure
that this plan is consistent with other DEP planning efforts regarding
Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, Watersheds, and the State Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan(SCORP)
The
DEP has long suggested that trails and greenways be included in municipal plans
of conservation and development as proof of local commitment to these types of
projects. Land acquisition, trail
grant, and greenway designation decisions have all been made based on municipal
and regional plans. In addition,
Officially Designated Greenways are listed in the State Plan of Conservation
and Development as proposed conservation areas. This listing has an effect on State-funded projects that
would have a potential impact, either positive or negative, on greenways and
trails.
Meanwhile,
the Department itself is in the process of developing management plans for a
variety of conservation and environmental quality issues. All of these plans should complement
each other in the area of trails and greenways.
CHC COMMENT:
CHC agrees that all trail and Greenway issues and
policies be encouraged to become consistent, compatible and complementary to
each other on a statewide level.
7)
Ensure a steady source of funding and staffing
for trail and greenway efforts.
The successful implementation of trail and greenway projects depends on steady and reliable sources of funding and staffing and the state and local levels. Over the past several years, Recreational Trails Grants have been the only money consistently available for trail construction and maintenance. Connecticut did benefit from five years of land acquisition bond funds, which helped the state, municipalities, and private groups purchase open space. As budgets were cut, however, these funds dried up as well. There is currently one staff person at the state level to administer grants and provide technical assistance for trail and greenway planning.
While it appears that the Recreational Trails Grant program will be around for another few years at least, other sources of funding for trails and greenways should be developed at the state and local levels to ensure the long-term success of these projects into the future. Finally, all user groups should be encouraged to raise their own funds for land acquisition for their particular recreational activity. Conservation and trail organizations have purchased thousands of acres of land around the state with public, private and foundation donations. This model could translate to motorized, equestrian, and biking organizations as well.
1) Streamline and publicize DEPÕs policies for trail use
in parks, forests, and other properties.
There continues to be
some confusion, even among DEP staff, regarding the trail uses that can take
place on various types of state land.
Current policies should be evaluated in light of significant changes in
recreational trends. Working within the standing DEP
Trails Committee, these policies may be modified to broaden the scope of
recreational opportunities while continuing to manage and protect the stateÕs
natural resources. This
information should then be made available to the public in a user-friendly
format.
CHC
Comment:
As stated above,
CHC agrees that all trail and Greenway issues and
policies be encouraged to become consistent, compatible and complementary to
each other to eliminate confusion.
2)
Where feasible, implement DEPÕs ATV policy and
encourage development of motorized trails on other lands
The lack of facilities for all terrain vehicles continues to be one of the most pressing trail issues in Connecticut. There is currently one trail for motorcycles (street legal) in a state forest, one dirt bike facility on Army Corps property, and one private club with riding opportunities for quads. The motorized users and some legislators have been putting pressure on the DEP to develop several riding areas on state land, citing a statistic of 65,000 vehicles in the state.
To address the needs of this community, the DEP has developed a policy to guide the establishment of ATV facilities on state land. (Include in Appendix). A key provision of the policy requires new supporting legislation, including the ability to use fees from vehicle registration to fund ATV projects. Due to last minute disagreements between land conservation groups and motorized interests regarding universal registration, the bill did not pass the 2003 General Assembly. Every attempt will be made to bring all of the parties together to draft mutually agreeable language for a future session. In the meantime, DEP will look at the possibility of partnering with other public or private interests to bring another motorized trail into being. Funds from the Recreational Trails program will be extremely important in this effort.
3) Work with CT Horse Council on state-wide map of
equestrian accessible trails.
Protect and enhance trail access for horseback riders.
CHC
COMMENT:
The CT
Horse Council has volunteered to work on mapping and marking multi -us
trails as equestrian accessible trails, but not to separate the equestrian
use from other trail systems.
The
State of Connecticut is a small state for the population and development that
is occurring at a fast rate. It is
both environmentally and economically sound to:
1. Utilize the trail systems we have now
by maintaining and improving them for multiple use.
2. Prioritize and encourage the building
of new trails and Greenways to be multi-use in design with access and parking
where feasible to include all trail user groups.
Like
other groups, equestrians have expressed concern about their ability to use
trails around the state, especially those that had historically been open to
them but have undergone paving or other Òimprovements.Ó Private lands that were open to horses
have also been closed off in the wake of development of farmland and other
large open tracts. While DEP has a
policy of surfacing State Park Trails with Òhorse friendlyÓ materials and
constructing parking lots that can accommodate horse trailers near popular
equestrian areas, there are still complaints about the fact that large hiking
systems like the Blue Blazed trails in state forests and parks remain off
limits to horses (and bicycles as well).
DEP has
volunteered to work with the CT Horse Council on developing a map of equestrian
trails in the state.
CHC
COMMENT:
As previously stated: The CT Horse Council has volunteered to
work on mapping and marking multi -use trails as equestrian accessible
trails, but not to separate the equestrian use from other trail systems.
Horsemen
are recording information on topographical
maps, which will be converted to digital format for planning purposes. The Horse Council has also initiated a
volunteer patrol effort in several state forest and trail areas in order to
assist the DEP at a time of staffing cutbacks.
4) Expand
options for mountain and street bike access to trails
Mountain biking continues to grow
in popularity in the state, with demands for more riding areas increasing as
well. As stated previously, mountain bikers would like more
access to areas that are now restricted to hiking. DEP is evaluating its internal policy on this activity to
allow for more use in state parks and forests.
CHC COMMENT:
CHC strongly agrees that DEP should evaluate this policy and to
include equestrian use access in the evaluation. This is where a DEP/CT Trails Advisory Board/Trails
Coalition would be ideal, by providing information and feed back to all
entities involved to develop a cohesive group to share, use, develop and
protect our natural resources for additional trail opportunities.
The New England Mountain Bike Association sponsors a Trail Ambassador program to spread the word about responsible biking and to answer questions for all users of bike accessible trails. They are also active in sponsoring trail maintenance activities in these areas. The DEP will continue to work with NEMBA and other cycling organizations to develop additional trail opportunities.
DEP will also partner with the DOTÕs Bicycle/Pedestrian program and groups like the CT Bicycle Coalition to promote on-road bike lanes that can serve as transportation corridors and as connections to off-road bike paths around the state.
5) Expand opportunities for ÒbluewayÓ access along rivers
and streams.
More and more people are purchasing and enjoying small vessels such as canoes and kayaks, with which they can access the stateÕs waterways. This is especially true along rivers and streams that have been successfully cleaned up after decades of pollution and neglect. The DEP, municipalities, and riparian organizations are all exploring options for expanding public access to these resources.
Recreational Trails grants have been used for boat launches along some of these blueways, and other DEP funding sources have been used to produce guides to water trails. The Parks Division will continue to work with Boating, Fisheries, and other units to coordinate efforts to provide increased water access, particularly in river corridors that have been designated Official State Greenways.
6)
Whenever feasible,
provide parking and access for persons with disabilities.
Although not every trail in the state will be handicapped accessible, the DEP will make every attempt to identify areas where physically challenged individuals may have a positive recreational experience. Rail trails that offer relatively flat grades can be surfaced in materials that can accommodate wheelchairs. Parking adjacent to trails can be designated, and barriers such as bollards should be designed for chair access. Recreational trail grants have been used by municipal and private entities to enhance opportunities for the disabled, and funding for these types of projects will continue to be an important part of the administration of the grants.
7) Develop/enhance trails and greenways in urban areas.
While much of the stateÕs trail mileage is in rural/suburban areas, trails often run through and connect urban centers to each other and to the less developed countryside. Residents of densely- populated cities, particularly lower-income neighborhoods, may have fewer recreational opportunities than those of outlaying communities. It is critical that trail planning take urban areas in account for a number of reasons. Besides recreation, trails and greenways can provide a free, safe, and attractive means of exercise for a population at risk for lifestyle-related diseases. Urban trails may be used for non-motorized transportation, helping to reduce traffic on clogged city streets and lessen pollution. In many places around the country, paths and green spaces have been an important part of economic development projects designed to bring visitors and dollars back into cities.
8)
Ensure year-round trail access for other user
groups
Several other user groups have
expressed interest in ConnecticutÕs trail systems. Sled dog racing is becoming more popular, and it is enjoyed
year-round by mushers using special wheeled sleds. When snow cover is sufficient, sleds can be rigged with
traditional runners. Other winter
sport enthusiasts include cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and
snowmobilers. DEP does have some
areas designated for snowmobile use, and the clubs have been active partners in
several trail development and maintenance projects. While current staffing and funding levels may preclude the
plowing or grooming of trails and parking areas in the winter, providing opportunities
for off-season access to these facilities should be part of future trail
planning efforts.
9) Conduct trail research to determine current and future
uses and needs
Little
research has been done regarding the number and types of trail users around the
state, potential conflicts, and safety concerns. Working with some of the academic institutions in the state,
the DEP should develop a protocol for surveying trail users so that the present
and future needs of these constituents can be met.
CHC COMMENT:
The CHC-Volunteer Horse Patrol can help to provide this
information as they monitor and record Visitor Sightings and Visitor Contacts
on patrol. This information is given in quarterly reports to DEP.
Goal #3 - Ensure public participation in and support of state trail programs
1) Support the development of an umbrella trail users
organization.
While there are many groups in Connecticut that represent
different types of trail users, there is no one organization that speaks for
all of them. The CT Forest
and Parks Association, with technical assistance from the National Park Service
Rivers and Trails Program, has held two meetings of a
fledgling State Trails Assembly that would
fill this niche.
CHC Comment:
As previously stated, CHC strongly agrees in developing a CT
State Trails Advisory Board or Assembly in conjunction and cooperation with the
DEP and offers its assistance.
It will
be important for the various interests involved in this effort to focus on the
areas of commonality (more open space acquisition, funds for trail development,
education, and enforcement), than on their differences. There are almost certainly close to a
million trail users in the state, ranging from the casual park visitor to the
committed hikers, bikers, and others who are on the trails daily. This constituency needs to develop a
unified voice to bring concerns to the General Assembly, state and federal
agencies, and the media.
The DEP will continue to
work with groups like the CT Forest and Parks Association, CT Bicycle
Coalition, New England Mountain Biking Association, CT Horse Council,
Appalachian Mountain Club, CT Greenways Council, and various groups
representing the motorized users to ensure that all interests are represented
in the planning and decision-making processes.
2) Develop brochures, web sites, and other materials to
inform and educate the general public about the opportunities for trail use in
Connecticut.
Making trail information
readily accessible to the public will be a priority for the DEP. Budget and staff cuts have reduced the
DepartmentÕs ability to respond to phone and mail inquiries regarding trails. In order to serve the largest number of
potential customers in the most efficient manner, trail materials should be
made available on line.
CHC
Comment:
As
previously mentioned, we ask that informational, educational, promotional, and
website material about multi-use trails & Greenways through DEP include
equestrian use where applicable.
Items that the public can already access include Pathways through Connecticut, a booklet produced by the DEP, ConnDOT, and the CT Department of Health, which lists over 60 multi-use trails around the state. It is available at the DEP store or on DOTÕs website. Maps of trails in state parks and forests are being made available on DEPÕs website as they are completed. The DEP is also working to link to other websites with trail information at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Ultimately, DEP would like to develop digital maps of all projects funded through the Recreational Trails Program, which could be included in a comprehensive interactive trails database. The CT Department of Health has expressed interest in this as well, since it could give health care providers and their patients an easily accessible listing of places to exercise. This undertaking would be expensive and labor intensive, and a funding source would need to be identified in order to bring it to fruition.
3)
Continue to work with other local, state and
federal agencies to reach a larger constituency.
DEP will need to look beyond traditional trail advocates to expand the support base for these projects. In this time of restricted resources, creative partnerships need to be forged to get the most Òbang for the buckÓ where trails are concerned. Health-related organizations, transportation planners, and economic interests are already proving to be allies in moving the trail agenda forward. In particular, trails that can add to healthy lifestyle activities can help prevent costly ailments such as diabetes and heart disease.
Beyond the Department of Health, groups such as hospitals, HMOÕs, and health insurance companies should be contacted about publicizing trails around the state. There is a growing body of evidence that the traveling public is interested in outdoor recreational opportunities, and that considerable dollars are expended when those opportunities are available. Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Bureaus, and local businesses may all be interested in promoting trails as travel destinations.
4) Develop
educational materials on trail access and etiquette for a variety of users
One of
the problems with expanding trail opportunities for horses, mountain bikes, and
motorized vehicles is the public perception that some of these users are
ÒrenegadesÓ who do not obey rules and regulations on
existing trails. While only a
small percentage of these users may be flouting the law, they create a negative
image that can tarnish the reputation of a whole group.
In order to alleviate this problem, a series of fact sheets on trail opportunities should be developed for each user group in conjunction with the organizations that represent the various disciplines. These could be distributed through dealers, repair shops, feed stores, and on line to ensure broad outreach. All of these groups should be strongly encouraged to include information of responsible trail use in their own promotional materials, particularly web sites. Dealers and manufactures of bicycles and ATVs should be approached for funds to aid in this effort. Ultimately, it may be necessary to require dealers to post and/or distribute information on how and where to ride in Connecticut.
CHC Comment:
The CHC has long been a supporter of education for multi-use
trail etiquette. We are now in the process of developing the Multi-use
brochure, "Share the Trail" on a small scale. We would like to ask the help of DEP
and other trails users groups to share their input in creating a model that
would bring all information together for consistency and compatibility. These can then be distributed through
the various user groups, dealers and manufacturer's who can be approached for
funds to aid in this educational effort that will ultimately provide protection
to our natural resources while expanding trail opportunities.
Goal #4 - Ensure construction and maintenance of trails in an environmentally sound manner
1)
Continue to have all projects on DEP land
evaluated through comprehensive
project review by all disciplines.
Trail projects proposed and carried out by the DEP should serve as models for others around the state. The current project review process requires input from a number of divisions including wildlife, fisheries, parks, forestry, inland/coastal wetlands, and the natural diversity data base. Trail planning should be consistent with current or evolving management plans for these DEP divisions, and especially with the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
CHC
Comment:
CHC
agrees and notes that this issue has also been addressed in its commentary to
the SCORP, which is attached.
DEP should also attempt, within budget and staffing limitations, to utilize new materials or technologies for trail building and maintenance as they become available.
The DepartmentÕs ATV policy also discusses assessment of proposed motorized trails before moving on to construction, but few local groups have the expertise to make the preliminary evaluations needed. Information sharing and distribution for these users is most important because of the real and perceived impact on natural resources from motorized trail vehicles.
2) Provide guidance to municipal and private entities on
best practices for trail construction and maintenance.
The DEP should utilize existing materials (the Air Line Trail Guide, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Trail Manual, National Parks Service Manual) and develop new ones for distribution to municipalities and private organizations involved with trails. The services of groups such as CT Forest and Parks Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the New England Mountain Bike Association, which have experience in holding training sessions on trail design, construction, and maintenance, should also be solicited.
There is already a great deal of trail-related literature available from a number of other sources, much of it in electronic format. The DEP should compile a listing of these resources and post it to the trails and greenways sections of the DepartmentÕs website.
CHC Comment:
The CHC would also like to be included in the service groups
listed above and offers its help on trail evaluation and DEP policy planning.
In addition, there are
opportunities to hold workshops with the whole range of users attending. Many groups (motorcyclists, mountain
bikers, hikers, snowmobilers, and equestrians) already do their own volunteer
work on state trails, but they often do not anticipate the needs of the other
disciplines. Getting them together
for small, hands-on sessions not only provides for better construction and
maintenance, but also established channels of communication among the groups.
CHC
Comment:
This
is appropriate and feasible to do when communication among various user groups
is established perhaps via the aforementioned State Trails Advisory Board. This is best done with the cooperation
of the DEP, so that all entities involved will be consistent and compatible
with each other so that one group effort does not undermine another's unintentionally. For example, bridge building should be
uniform and consistent to hold weight of a horse and rider, and/or provide safe
water crossings to have little or no impact on the terrain.
3)
Utilize the Recreational Trails Program to
promote these concepts.
Education grants under Recreational Trails should be used to support workshops, manuals, etc that provide information and assistance on the best management practices for various types and uses of trails. In addition, DEP review of Recreational Trails Grant applications evaluates projects for their potential impact on water resources, threatened and endangered species, cultural and historical resources, and other areas of concern. Projects that may have an adverse impact on these resources will not receive funding.
4) Developed standardized protocols for public/private
partnerships on state land.
As trail
user and support groups become more organized, they often volunteer to develop
and/or maintain trails on state land.
A project review process has been developed by the DEP Trails Committee
in order to ensure that the work meets the standards required by the DEP. To
prevent confusion over various responsibilities, a Memorandum of Understanding
between the DEP and the outside organization will be drafted. This MOU will then be available to all
parties should trail management questions arise.
CHC Comment:
CHC agrees that standardized protocols need to be developed and
asks that the various users groups be involved in the drafting of the MOU or in
the least, the opportunity to review and comment so that all parties can work
with consistency, compatibility and efficiently with these protocols.
1)
Develop interpretive guides and other materials
for use on trails.
Trails can provide users with more than just exercise. There are many opportunities for educating the public about environmental protection, natural resources, culture and history, while they are taking advantage of recreational trails. Several communities have linked these pathways to schools to allow children to take advantage of the educational possibilities.
The DEP will continue to work with trail user groups and others to develop interpretive materials within the corridors, as Òhard copyÓ booklets and brochures, and as web accessible information.
2)
Encourage stakeholder
groups to work together to develop trail ÒstoriesÓ
Many trails have more than one constituency interested in educational and interpretive opportunities. These groups should work together to
In conclusion, the Connecticut
Horse Council would like to express its gratitude in working with the
Department of Environmental Protection and congratulate the DEP for its
foresight and cooperation with the equestrians of this state, especially Leslie
Lewis who has served many capacities and has worn many hats. The Recreational Trail Plan Draft has
included many of the issues the CT Horse Council has brought to the table, with
DEP officials, at Greenways Council, Trails Advisory Committee meetings and the
SCORP Advisory Board. We would
like to thank DEP for its continued support and communication with the
Equestrian community and to let DEP know that:
The equestrian community of
Connecticut is willing to work in strong partnerships with other trail user
groups; government, conservation, and land trust organizations along with local
and regional planners of Greenways.
With strong partnerships, we
believe education of trail etiquette for all user groups will enhance the
beauty of sharing the trail with all. Development of smart growth communities
that include open space and Greenways shows how the diversity of trail users
can share their love of trails and the outdoors. We need to respect each other's needs and desires and find
ways to partner together. We have
more in common than we do in difference.
The basic common denominator is that we love our land and trails.
HAPPY TRAILS
Respectfully submitted
The Connecticut Horse Council, Inc.
Diane Ciano
Jan Collins
1)
Current status with maps
¯ The DEP will continue to develop accurate and informative maps, first of all state trails and then for trails that have received or will receive Recreational Trails grants. The following are available now:
¯ Current Greenways map
¯ Set of current GPS maps for trails in state parks and forests
¯ GPS maps of the Blue Blazed Trails
¯ Copy of Pathways?
¯ DEP will work with regional planning organizations and others to develop protocols for recording trails data in an electronic format.
2) Evaluation hierarchy (include ranking system)
Include Greenway Maps with Trails highlighted in order of priority
Recreational Greenways and Trails
1) National significance
2) Inter-state regional significance
3) State significance
4) Intra-state regional significance
5) Local significance
3) Future priorities - include information from mapping workshops in Eastern CT if appropriate. Specify that this is a continuing process.
DEP Trail Policy
ATV Policy
List of Resources?