Come one, Come ALL!!!

Those that attended the CT Recreational Trails Draft Plan on November 3 heard the suggestions of the DEP on acquiring land for fullsize 4×4 use in CT. So it’s time for us to do something! See my report below.

When: Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Slider’s Sports Bar, 197 Episcopal Road, Berlin, 860-829-9292, meet us in the back room - it’s to the right of the pool tables

At this time we don’t have an agenda but stay tuned, I’ll post as soon as it’s ready. This meeting is open to all CT club members and unaffiliated wheelers looking to legally acquire land for our use in CT.

While we appreciate your wanting to help, PLEASE, no out-of-state wheelers. All northeast states need help and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan Public Hearing
November 3, 2005
Connecticut Forest and Park Association – Middlefield, CT

Representatives included Leslie Lewis, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), New England Mountain Bike Association, Connecticut Horse Council, Shoreline Greenway Trail, and approximately forty full size 4×4 motorized recreationists.

I. Introduction

Everyone signed in and Ms. Lewis asked us to go around the room and identify ourselves, our affiliations, and trail use.

II. Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Leslie Lewis advised the group that the Connecticut’s RTP grant application for 2006-2007 will be available online sometime during the following week. Connecticut will receive approximately $900,000 in RTP funding, which has increased. Grant applications are reviewed by historic preservation, for any endangered species and potential environmental impact such as wetlands. Grants take six to eight months to review. Connecticut’s RTP funding is a reimbursement plan and work shall not begin until the project is approved. Funds may be used for municipal and private property as well as state owned land as long as the land (more…)

The Department of Environmental Protection draft plan for recreational trails is detailed in the Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan (PDF, 2.05 MB).

This document is the draft version of the DEP’s policy for the development and use of statewide recreational trails. The public will have an opportunity to comment on this draft until November 15, 2005. There will also be a public meeting on November 3 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association in Middlefield.

Additional Information and Directions

Let’s get a HUGE showing of 4×4 recreationists to show the State of Connecticut that we’re here and we want our share of the trails in CT! If you can’t make it, all CT residents must address comments or questions to Leslie Lewis, State Parks Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106; (860) 424-3578 or via email at leslie.lewis@po.state.ct.us by November 15, 2005.

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