TRLC Land Use Policy

Policy for the Public Use of TRLC Land

Article I – Purpose

TRLC’s mission is to protect open space and promote public appreciation of the natural environment across the region. We encourage the public use of many of our properties for the enjoyment and appreciation of nature. Our properties are open from dawn to dusk. These guidelines have been established for the protection and conservation of our flora and fauna when on TRLC land.

Article II – Persons Concerned

This policy applies to the general public.

Article III – Permitted Activities and Rules for Adherence

1) Allowed passive recreation activities:

• Nature study
• Birding
• Walking/hiking/running/cross-country skiing/snowshoeing
• Picnicking (carry in, carry out)
• Photography
• Personal dog walking (dogs under owners’ command or control at all times)
• Placement of geocaches/letterboxes (with written permission from TRLC board of directors)
• Biking (as permitted on the website)
• Horseback riding (as permitted on the website)

2) Visitors must stay on designated public trails.

3) Plan ahead and be prepared (https://americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/).

4) Be aware of weather conditions (dress appropriately).

5) Take only pictures (leave what you find); leave only footprints (carry out all waste).

6) Respect the wildlife (enjoy the peace and quiet).

7) Be considerate of others.

8) Clean up after your pets.

Article IV – Prohibited Activities

1) Prohibited activities on TRLC properties:

1. Motorized bicycles/motorized vehicles of any kind
2. Dumping or littering of any material, organic or inorganic
3. Tree cutting
4. Trail building or clearing
5. Fires
6. Trapping/killing/disturbing wildlife
7. Removal or alteration of flora, fauna, fungi, soil, rock, wood, historic artifacts
8. Planting anything not approved by the TRLC board of directors
9. Camping
10. Hunting/Fishing
11. All active recreation including competitive sports events/activities, swimming, ice-skating, target practice, archery
12. Flying of drones
13. Consumption of drugs/alcohol

Article V – Best Practices

The TRLC Land Conservation Committee will advise those utilizing TRLC’s properties of the following best practices in a manner deemed feasible for dissemination.

1) Wear bright colors while hiking during hunting season (visit CT DEEP website for dates).

2) Bring a day hike bag with basic survival supplies, including water.

3) Tell someone your route and planned return time, and stay on that route.

4) Take a fully-charged cell phone on your hike.

Article VI – Limitations of Liability

Those visiting TRLC properties should be aware that these are natural areas, with all the inherent dangers of ticks, snakes, poison ivy, steep slopes, and other hazards commonly found in nature. TRLC assumes no responsibility for any accident or illness that may result from a visit by any individual or group to our properties. For questions refer to Connecticut Recreational Use Statute, CGS § 52-557g.