Alert:
A timber harvest at Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall, CT
The DEEP has started a timber harvest to provide benefits of a healthier and more diverse forest and wildlife habitat, and a safer experience for the public. A public outreach walk at Mohawk took place in November 2023 regarding this spongy moth salvage harvest walk. (previously called the Gypsy Moth).
The Mattatuck Trail is currently closed between Flat Rocks Road and College Street until this section of the harvest is done.
In February, work will continue off the paved Tourney Road through the main entrance to Mohawk off Route 4. It may involve a day or two of complete closure of this road system while roadside dead trees are dropped. It is DEEP Forestry’s hope that this entire operation can be completed during this winter season, but that is weather pending.
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Legislative Alert:
Raised Bill No. SB 337 AN ACT CONCERNING STREET TAKEOVERS AND THE ILLEGAL USE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES.
AN ACT CONCERNING STREET TAKEOVERS AND THE ILLEGAL USE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES. To (1) revise provisions regarding forfeiture of certain illegally used vehicles, (2) authorize municipalities to adopt an ordinance related to street takeovers, (3) establish penalties for driving while a person’s license is suspended or revoked due to a violation related to a street takeover, and (4) establish a grant program to provide funds to municipalities to enforce laws related to street takeovers and the illegal use of certain vehicles.
- 3/27 -Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/02/24 5:00 PM (LCO)
Please contact your State Representatives & Senators and ask them to support this bill. Let them know the dangers of public safety not only on the streets but on trails. Let them know that public and private lands are being destroyed by this illegal use of trespassing and there are reported injuries of people riding horses that were frightened by the speeding and reckless driving.
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Up Coming Events Outreach/Education: – Can You help?
Members of the CT Horse Council, Equine Advisory Council are working on educating the trail users on “Share the Trail” etiquette. This will be a simple table display and interactions of meet and greet with trail uses as they enter the trail system.
We would like to schedule more “Pop Up” events if we have some volunteers.
Please contact by TEXT:
Diane Ciano 203-910-9919 or Danielle Borrelli 203-605-9894 if you can help and/or want to set up at other locations. Thank you!
“Share the Trail” Courtesy Education Events
Saturday, May 4th – Machimoodus / Sunrise SP: Dog, Hikers & Horses “Share the Trail” Courtesy Education Event – 10a-2p
Friday, June 14th – Hurd SP: Dog, Hikers & Horses “Share the Trail” Courtesy Education Event – 5:30PM
DEEP No Child Left Inside Events – Families in the Parks Program
Do you have a “Safe “ horse that you can bring these events?
May 11, 2024 – Family Fishing Day with Fish with CARE @ Gay City State Park in Hebron, CT from 10am to 3 pm
August 3, 2024 Dinosaur Day at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT 9am-3pm
August 9th, 10th and 11th– Perseids Campout with the NCLI, the Last Green Valley and the Friends of Pachaug State Forest
Other UPCOMING EVENTS
May 5th, Sunday, CT Trail Rides Association
Machimoodus-Sunrise State Park
Ginger Tullai Memorial Open Trail Ride and Walk: $10.00 minimum donation to the Non-Profit The Friends of Machimoodus/Sunrise State Park. Ride Host: CTRA AVP Christel Maturo 475-414-6840
Trail leader Ruth Strontzer 475-238-5887
Machimoodus-Sunrise State Park 121 Leesville Rd (Route 151), Moodus, CT 06469
Connecticut Trails Day Events: Saturday & Sunday June 1st & 2nd
CHC encourages organizations to hold an equestrian event the first weekend in June to celebrate National Trails Day. This is sponsored by the American Hiking Society – and CHC encourages equestrians to promote their horse events to the public as a friendly reminder that horses are out there on the trails and equestrians are working to maintain and promote trails.
If your organization planning to host an event, please let Diane Ciano know. Thank you
CT Horse Council
Lost Silver Mine Horse Camp in Natchaug State Forest
CHC-VHP will host trail work days/campout at the, Friday & Saturday June 1st & 2nd, clearing and replacing the Yellow diamond markers that are missing from the timber harvest. There are 3 multiple use trails marked from the camp that are 5, 10 and *15-mile loops that need markers. You are welcome to bring your horse and camp overnight. Contact: Diane Ciano 203-910-999
The Lower Connecticut River Valley Horsemen’s Club and Bridle Path Conservancy
Trails Day Work Party & Lunch – Saturday, June 1, 2023 9:00 a- noon.
The Bridle Path Conservancy, in cooperation with LCRVHC and the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association, will be hosting a trail work party event on Saturday, June 1, 9 AM to noon, at the Pattaconk reservoir parking area in Chester. Show some love for the horse friendly Quinimay Trail of Cockaponset State Forest. We will be working on the red trail section of the Quinimay. There will be coffee and donuts at sign in. LCRVHC will provide hotdogs and water for after the work party. People are welcome to bring a dish to share. Contact: Liz Kennedy 860-227-9814
June 2nd Sunday, Reddington Rock Riding Club
10:00 am Breakfast ~ 12:00 NOON ~ 1:00 Blessing of the Mounts ~ 2:00pm Trail Ride 3.25-mile ride – A Leisurely Horseback ride through the Beautiful Shenipsit State Forest. Bring your own horse and join The Reddington Rock Riding Club for a walking trail ride (suitable for all level riders) on a CT Horse Council recommended Trail in the beautiful Shenipsit State Forest. We will stage at the Reddington Rock Riding Club Camp ground 93 Handle Rd., Stafford Springs, CT where there is plenty of room for horse trailer parking. Contact: Holly Howlett 860-336-1083
2024 CHC Meeting Details:
Please note our upcoming CHC meetings will be held at 6:30pm at the Eversource Building -107 Selden Street – Berlin, Connecticut 06037.
Tuesday, June 4th, 2024
Tuesday, October 1st, 2024
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
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