Who Keeps Your Hiking Trails Clean and Clear?

If you've been hiking in one of the towns along the I-84 corridor, chances are you've seen evidence of the Connecticut Forest and Park Assocation's good work. But maybe you didn't know it.

That the state is 60 percent forested at present (up from 20 percent when CFPA was founded in 1895) is partially attributable to the organization's efforts. As a private, non-profit group, CFPA focuses on the preservation and maintenance of many of the state's open spaces through a wide network of volunteers and supporters.

"Managing trails is an undertaking that requires great partners," said CFPA Trail Stewardship Director Clare Cain. "We don't manage the underlying lands that the trails are on, which means we're working with a variety of land owners to keep the trails open and well-maintained."

Cain explained that CFPA has relationships with everyone from utility companies to state and local officials to private residents. Through those relationships, they coordinate keeping over 825 miles of trails in 88 towns around the state safe and pristine.

"We really couldn't do it without our partnerships with local landowners," Cain added. "We have a good relationship with them and other regional organizations who get out there, do maintenance on the trails and then give us feedback."

They also couldn't do it without their volunteer staff of 100 trail managers, who are responsible for specific trails and their caretaking. Cain said they get good volunteer service from local corporations, too.

The hiking trails managed by the CFPA in our part of Western Connecticut include the Lillinonah Trail between Southbury and Newtown, the Kettletown/Pomperaug Trail in Oxford, the Naugatuck Trail and the nearby Saugatuck Trail between Redding and Weston.

Asked how weather conditions affect the trails and the level of work they require each year, Cain said their main concern is dealing with water.

"It really depends on the Spring, how heavy the rains are," she said. "That's the biggest thing we have to contend with is water - water sitting on a trail is a big problem. That and erosion...if we have a really wet spring, it's definitely a lot of work."

Cain said most of the trails are in relatively good shape in terms of erosion this year, as the weather hasn't been too wet. But this winter's snowfall weakened some of the forests and downed trees have been a big problem, which means the CFPA can use all the help it can get.

Cain encouraged anyone in the area who is interested to consider volunteering for the CFPA, whether it be simply devoting a day to clearing a trail or in a longer-term capacity. Their contact information is available here.

For additional local hiking resources for Western Connecticut, the DEP has a great page of state park and forest maps. And, for your convenience, we compiled a list of some of the better spots in and around area towns in addition to the CFPA-managed trails listed above. Be sure to add any of your favorite spots we missed below.

Bethel

• Huntington State Park
• Putnam Memorial State Park

Brookfield

• See the .

Danbury

• Tarrywile Park
• Bear Mountain

Oxford

• Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary
• CT State Bridle Trail
• More information is available on the Oxford Parks and Recreation page.