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Northeast News

(National Wildlife Federation)

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association was recently featured in an National Public Radio story regarding potential Congressional action adding two important hiking trails-the Metacomet and Massabesett Trails-to the National Trails System.

CFPA has been a primary advocate of this action for several years and has a long history of trail development and maintenance—all with volunteer crews—since its founding in 1897. CFPA is one of the oldest private conservation groups in the state and with its volunteer crews maintains 825 miles of trail statewide.

Historically, private landowners, over whose property much of the trails are located, participated on the basis of “handshake agreements.” While that approach still exists on many trail segments the Metacomet/Massabesett Trails (developed in 1934)—under the federal legislation—will connect with the Metacomet/Monadnock Trails in Massachusetts forming a nearly 200 mile “New England Trail.” This of course means a more complicated legal structure which will be administered by the National Parks Service.

The existing plan is a great example of creative private/public work.  CFPA is cautiously optimistic about approval of the House-passed version by the Senate and a presidential signature, however, in these turbulent political and economic time they’re taking nothing for granted.

CFPA is conducting regular hiking trips throughout the Connecticut portion of the trails this fall in order to bring attention to the issue and are in regular contact with the Connecticut Congressional delegation. Congratulations to CFPA on their good work.

Link to story: http://www.cpbn.org/article/national-designation-sought-state-trails.