The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Overrunning the Great Outdoors
Local, state parks cope with loads of visitors
GOSHEN — Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive orders limiting public movement amid the coronavirus pandemic included state parks, and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and local officials set rules for their use, encouraging residents to use common sense, not gather in large groups, and to avoid crowded areas to prevent the spread of the virus.
In northwest Connecticut, visitors to parks such as Bull’s Bridge, a recreation area on the Housatonic River on Route 7, are a problem for the small town of Kent that can’t easily manage overcrowding. Members of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments discussed their concerns during Thursday’s monthly meeting, held on Zoom.
While Kent Falls State Park is closed to the public, Bull’s Bridge is not. It’s a difficult area to regulate, according to Kent First Selectman Jean Speck.
“The Bull’s Bridge area has had too many people,” said Speck. “The DEEP officers are having a hard time dealing with the many visitors.”
A small group of volunteers was helping the DEEP monitor the area, but not anymore, which makes it even more challenging.
“Representatives from the (National Park Service) came and put up 150 signs, and fencing around a trail that leads to the river,” Speck said. “But we still have to monitor the area. It’s busy . ... North Kent Road is an area where people sneak in, remove the (fencing) barrier, then put it back. And there’s a lot of garbage. It’s been frustrating.”
In Barkhamsted, overcrowding at People’s State Forest and the boat launch at Lake McDonough has been a challenge for the town, said First Selectman Don Stein.
“There were too many people at the boat launch area and it’s been closed, but hopefully now that the holiday weekend has passed, that will reopen,” he said.
During the July 4 weekend, People’s State Forest was so full that state police had to step in to assist the three-member staff there. “They’re overwhelmed,” Stein said. “At the state park, the state troopers were there over the weekend trying to control people, and they had to call in the DEEP’s Environmental Conservation police.
“I spoke with the DEEP on Monday and they’re going to try and beef up their patrols,” he said. “Another problem they’ve been having is that people are not supposed to park on the roads. But the biggest problem is that people aren’t picking up after themselves. They’re leaving garbage everywhere.”
In New Hartford, officials are dealing with people wanting to raft or tube to Satan’s Kingdom, an area on the Farmington River.
“There used to be a kayak or
tubing launch in New Hartford, and right near there, someone had a franchise to do tubing,” Stein said. “They closed, but the parking lot was left open. So people are just going in . ... There’s no lifeguard because the tubing company is closed.”
New Hartford First Selectman Dan Jerram said the town’s first responders have shared concerns about tubing on the river. “The river area has been busy, and they’re very concerned about that,” he said. “There are areas that are difficult to access. We’re
all about safe recreation, so it’s a concern.”
Jerram said local parks are “up and running,” and that the community has been following the rules. “We held an outdoor concert, and I’m really proud of the compliance,” he said. “We have a huge field at Brodie Park, and people can social distance. We also had a heavy police presence, and people like having the police there.”
Jerram said the recreation department has sold 575 town beach passes, and about one-third of them were sold to seniors. What’s taken a big hit, he said, is the annual summer day camp. “We have about 40 kids, and we usually
have up to 150,” he said.
Winsted’s Highland Lake also has been busy, according to Town Manager Robert Geiger.
“The biggest issue for us is Highland Lake . ... There’s two beaches,” he said. “But 700 people have access, so there’s a lot of questions. The state is working with us.”
According to the DEEP, the trails and grounds of Connecticut state parks and forests are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. “If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities,” according to the DEEP’s website. “Rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State
Park, or Bluff Point State Park, try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home. Because most park and forest facilities do not have open restrooms, visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit.”
If visitors see a crowd forming at a park, they’re asked to choose a different location or return at a different time or day. Social distancing is expected. “Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn,” according
to the website.
Visitors are also asked to bring their own water or refreshments, and to bring a trash bag to take out what they bring in.
State beaches and some swimming areas are open, but lifeguards and park staff close them to additional visitors once the parking lots are full. Thursday, the DEEP’s website, which has a “What’s Open” link, reported that Silver Sands in Milford, Satan’s Kingdom in New Hartford and Rocky Neck State Park in Madison were at capacity.
Residents should visit rb.gy/8ctx0s for information before heading out to a park or beach.