Trail Act Goes to Senate

in Connecticut, Fall 2001 Newswire, Jill Weinberg, Washington, DC
November 27th, 2001

By Jill Weinberg

WASHINGTON-Two Connecticut trails that pass through Southington, New Britain and Meriden are one step closer to becoming a part of the National Trails System.

The House passed a measure by voice vote on Oct. 23 that would fund a two-year feasibility study to be conducted by the U.S. Department of Interior for adding the trails to the National Trails S ystem. If the trails become a part of the National Trails System, they would receive federal funding and be protected from development. Sen. John H. Kerry (D-MA) introduced a companion bill in the Senate (S.1609) on Nov. 1 and the legislation has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The Metacomet and Monadnock Trails are part of the 700-mile network associated with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, the oldest private, nonprofit environmental organization in the state. Volunteers of the Connecticut organization maintain the trails.

The Metacomet and Monadnock trails extend miles through western Massachusetts. The Mattabesett Trail begins in central Connecticut of the state and ends at Long Island Sound.

The bill sponsored by Rep. John Olver (D-MA) and cosponsored by five members of the Connecticut delegation including Reps. John B. Larson (D-1st), Robert R. Simmons (R-2nd), Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd), James H. Maloney (D-5th) and Nancy L. Johnson (R-6th).

“Passing a Metacomet-Mattabesett trail study represents a definitive step in preserving these precious lands from potential development,” Johnson said on the House floor. “Designation as National Scenic Trails will ensure that these areas receive protection against severe environmental degradation.”

The bill originally also included the Sunapee trail in western New Hampshire but co-sponsor Rep. Charles F. Bass (R-NH) withdrew sponsorship and the inclusion of the trail from the amendment. Elissa Hart, a press security for Rep. Olver, said that New Hampshire landowners has concerns over land acquisition, and Bass felt that his constituents were not prepared to support the bill.