SFGate: With Skis in Hand, Lamont Announces Plan to Expand Offerings at CT State Parks

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Governor Lamont and Katie Dykes, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, announced the creation of a new DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. It will solicit partnerships with the private sector, including business, nonprofits and other groups. Dykes announced that the agency has issued a public request for information (RFI) in an initial step toward expanding services.

"We know how important that coordination is with the private sector to deliver better outdoor experiences for Connecticut residents and visitors," Dykes said, highlighting the DEEP's desire to review new ideas for expanding services for an outdoor industry that is valued at $4.6-billion and already supports 46,000 jobs. The 2022 state budget provided for an $80-million investment in parks' infrastructure. Click here to read the entire article.

Governor Lamont & Commissioner Dykes: New Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences and Partnerships in Parks Initiative Request for Information

Today, Governor Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes announced the launch of a new Office of Outdoor Industry & Experiences as well as the Partnerships in Parks Initiative Request for Information. Additionally, the Governor’s press release included quotes from CORA and REI.

DEEP will host an Informational Webinar on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. for anyone considering submitting a response to the RFI or interested in providing other comments. Please register in advance.

Anyone may provide feedback on the RFI by submitting written comments that will be shared on this website. Email deep.partnershipsinparks@ct.gov, by Friday, February 16, 2024, with “Parks RFI Comment” in the subject line.

NESJ: Connecticut mountain biking: 5 must-ride spots

Connecticut is home to several New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA) chapters which provide a lot of energy for mountain biking throughout the state. The Nutmeg State is home to all types of mountain bike trails – you can find tough climbs at Case Mountain State Park, singletrack with coastal views at Bluff Point, or lift-access downhill trails at Powder Ridge.

If your favorite part of a day on the mountain bike is the post-ride beers, Norbrook Brewery has you covered with a professionally built trail system on-site and freshly brewed beers. Or, if you’re looking for skinnies and rock rolls then you’ll love Pomfest Forest. No matter what type of rider you are, there’s a trail system for you. Click here to read the entire article.

Hartford Courant: CT City Boosts Efforts for Trail Linking to National Greenway. It’s About Much More Than Recreation

The Hartline is framed as a way to better connect city neighborhoods and spur sorely-needed economic development along its path by increasing foot traffic. The plan for the Hartline has been percolating for more than two years. Together with iQuilt, a nonprofit Suisman founded whose goal is to make Hartford a more walkable city.

The $65 million Hartline, a 7-mile greenway between the Bloomfield town line and the Hartford park that would follow the rail line, then city streets and finally a new pedestrian ramp and bridge over Interstate 91 to the Connecticut River.

In the Hartford region, notable gaps in the 3,000-mile trail from Maine to Florida exist in Simsbury, Bloomfield, Hartford and East Hartford. The Hartline would fill a crucial gap that exists in Hartford. Click here to read the entire article.

CT Magazine: Explore Rugged Slopes and Tremendous Views Hiking West Mountain in Simsbury

Welcome to the West Mountain trails, a study in natural-world contrasts. My exploration began in the northern portion of West Mountain at a cul-de-sac. I was quickly swallowed up into nature with a trail marked with white blazes that passed a waterfall flowing down a rock face and a difficult ascent to the top of the mountain.

Located atop the ridge west of Simsbury Farms Recreation Area,” the Simsbury Land Trust notes in its Walkbook, “this land is unique in that it consists of the east slope, ridge top, west slope, a portion of the clearly defined geological fault line and 10 acres of slope on the much older Western Highland. The Simsbury Land Trust and town properties have preserved the integrity of 500 acres of continuous traprock ridge from McLean Game Refuge to the Tulmeadow Farm Triangle.”

Before reaching the campus of The Master’s School, an independent, college-preparatory Christian day school, hikers can find the remains of a ski-rope tow. The miniature-looking house contained a machine that towed skiers up and down a steep hill to the east. The slope can still be seen, and it must have been pretty challenging as the hill drops off quickly.. Click here to read the entire article.

Hartford Courant: A Deep Divide Exists Over Who Should Repair a Shuttered CT Park. Could It Be Great Once Again?

The 260-acre Batterson Park, owned by Hartford but located in Farmington and New Britain, has been closed since 2015. The state allocated $10 million to clean up the park’s 165-arce pond, remove invasive plants, bring in additional sand for the beach and replace the crumbling concession building and bath house.

Hartford public works was to do the work and the city would partner with Farmington and New Britain to maintain it, together with the nonprofit Batterson Park Conservancy once renovations were complete. While initially scheduled to reopen as early as this year, work was delayed and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter eventually called for the state to take over the park.

The state legislature in June tapped the Department of Energy and Environmental Protectionto study recreation and redevelopment options and the feasibility of public-private partnerships for the park. The final report is due to the state’s environment committee by Jan. 15, 2024

The state is now planning on gathering input from residents on what to do with the property. Public comment sections are planned in Hartford, Farmington, and New Britain.

The first public comment hearing will be held in Farmington on Monday in town council chambers. The second hearing will be held at the Hartford Public Library on Wednesday at the downtown library branch at 500 Main St. The third hearing will be Thursday in the New Britain Police Community Room at 10 Chestnut St. All of the meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be accessible on Zoom. Click here to read the entire article.

The Daily Outdoor Retailer: Outdoor Industry Contributes More Than $1 Trillion to U.S. Economy

The U.S. economic impact of the outdoor industry has exceeded the trillion-dollar mark for the first time.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis late last week released economic data from its Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account for 2022, showing the outdoor industry generated $1.1 trillion in economic output for the United States, up 19% from 2021.

“The state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life,” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, in a news release. “Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country – big, small, urban, and rural alike.”

“Outdoor recreation is not only a source of physical and mental health benefits but also a key driver of job creation and economic development for rural and urban communities alike,” said Taldi Harrison, director of community and government affairs for REI Co-op. “The latest findings from the Bureau of Economic Analysis underscore the importance of continued investments in public lands, recreation infrastructure, and reducing barriers to increase participation.” Click here to read the entire article.

Environment America: VICTORY! Texas Voters Back $1 Billion Fund for State Parks

With 77% of Texans voting in support of Proposition 14, the $1 billion fund for state parks, Environment Texas and the Texas Coalition for State Parks are celebrating what will be the largest investment in nature in Texas’ history.

“Our parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unmatched opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking and fishing. These natural spaces also play a vital role in preserving the state’s wildlife and waterways. Given the deep support Texas parks have among Texans, it’s no wonder that Prop 14 passed.” said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas.

The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund will enable the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to buy land to create dozens of new state parks. These new parks will increase access to nature, protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve Texas’ most beautiful places for future generations. Click here to read the entire article.

WeHa.com: Discover West Hartford Series: West Hartford Parks Route

Elizabeth Park, the iconic public gardens, is the beginning of the West Hartford Parks Route: a 24-mile hiking route that passes through public parks and woodlands, ending at the only remaining farm in town, Westmoor Park.

Unlike traditional hikes, this route presents opportunities to enjoy amenities. It purposefully goes through every downtown area to showcase coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, heck even museums, shops, and art galleries. These conveniences may fuel your time on the route as well as support local businesses along the way. The old adage, “the journey is more important than the destination,” comes to mind.

Vibrant public spaces enhance our quality of life. Shared locations, like parks and woodlands, bring people together, provide opportunities to recreate and serve as green and blue spaces in an increasingly paved world. Click here to read the entire article.

Trust for Public Land: The Virtuous Cycle of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Across the United States, communities are embracing the power of the great outdoors to revive or bolster their economies and attract residents. This is especially true for rural towns and urban cities where once-prevailing agricultural or industrial industries have declined. The transitions are gradual and complex, unfolding in former farming communities, manufacturing centers, and mining hubs. Trust for Public Land has partnered with many such communities in recent years, helping to install mountain bike trails, convert defunct railways to multiuse paths, buy and create town-owned community forests, and reclaim brownfields for new green space.

It’s a virtuous cycle: towns that invest in outdoor recreation attract new businesses which, in turn, attract an active workforce that desires easy access to bike trails and playgrounds, forests, and lakes. Residents have an outlet for exercise and that all-important, but sometimes elusive, immersion in nature. Studies show that time spent outdoors, especially when surrounded by trees and plants, confers all kinds of health benefits, from reduced blood pressure and stress hormones to improved mood and concentration. Thriving businesses, happy and healthy residents, and plenty of green space help communities boost and sustain overall quality of life. It’s a process that’s not only good for townspeople’s mental and physical health. It’s also good for a town’s bottom line. Click here to read the entire article.