National Scenic Trail Study

The Metacomet-Mattabesett Trails in Connecticut

Report on Public Forums Held in November 2003

Summary:
As part of initial outreach efforts for the Connecticut portion of the Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett National Trail Study, NPS held three public forums in November at sites in Central and Northern Connecticut.  The purpose was to educate the public on the Study goals and work plan, as well as to collect and respond to questions and comments from attendees.  One of the guiding principles of the study is to ensure stakeholders have ongoing opportunities to be involved in, and provide input to, the study process.

Promotion:
The forums were promoted a number of ways.  All 1,200 landowners within 250 feet of the trail were directly mailed a flyer announcing the forums, and another 250 flyers were sent out to user groups, municipal leaders and commissions, state agencies, and land trusts.  Contacts were made with nearly 30 newspapers that serve communities that the trails pass through.  This resulted in 19 media placements including the New York Times Connecticut Section, Middletown Press, Meriden-Record Journal, and The Hartford Courant.

Format:
Each forum consisted of an open-house format from 3-8pm, allowing the public a range of convenient times to attend.  Forum attendees were able to view large maps showing the location of the trails in each of the 20 Connecticut towns. Other display boards highlighted the Study goals and the National Scenic Trail System.  Supporting materials available for review included copies of the National Scenic Trails System Act, the NPS Trail Study brochure, and the Connecticut Walk Book.  Copies of certain materials were available for the public to take with them. Question and comment forms were distributed and collected at each forum.

Presentations:
Formal presentations were conducted at each forum at 5pm, and were repeated at 7pm.  Ann Colson of Connecticut Forest & Park Association discussed the Metacomet-Mattabesett Trails in Connecticut: their history, features, management, volunteer maintenance, and ongoing issues.  Kevin Case of NPS reviewed the National Scenic Trails System Act, and discussed the authorizing language for the MMM Study.  He then examined in the detail the Study goals, principals, and work plan including the timeline for completion and delivery.  Slides, charts and photographs accompanied each presentation.

Issue Experts:
For each forum, NPS recruited a variety of issue experts to help answer specific audience questions.  These experts included a land-use attorney, a representative from Connecticut DEP, a local planning official, CFPA’s executive director, a local land trust officer, and a representative of a large institutional landowner. 

Public Attendance and Comments:
Approximately 140 people attended the three forums. A range of property owners, users groups, elected officials, and other interested citizens were present. In general, public questions centered on the following issues: landowner liability; multi-use of the trails, especially equestrian uses; existing and future management of the trails; and possible economic benefits of a Scenic Trail designation.  The tone of the questions and comments was generally positive. A written Q&A document distributed prior to the public comment session helped to address a number of questions up front, including the issue of respect for private property rights.

Next Steps:
A follow-up communication will be sent to all attendees shortly, thanking them for attending and encouraging their ongoing participation in the Study process. This communication will also direct the public to a new informational website (www.mmmtrail.org) which is expected to be operational in February 2004.