by Dan Boughton
This is a follow up to my November, 2022 article in The Glastonbury Citizen about the Meshomasic State Forest. For new readers, the Meshomasic is a 9,000 acre state forest located between Glastonbury, Portland, East Hampton, Marlborough and Hebron. It is a hidden gem in our midst.
My previous article spoke of the many attributes this forest provides to all citizens of CT, but especially to those who live nearby. There are miles of dirt roads and trails that give access to various forms of passive recreation. The Meshomasic is of critical importance to wildlife and fisheries habitat. The Timber Rattlesnake, an endangered species, has a tenuous foothold in these woods.
My previous article also highlighted the excessive degradation taking place in the forest which is directly attributed to the illegal usage of motorized vehicles i.e. ATVs, dirt bikes and quads. To date, as stated by DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) “over 29 acres or 1,282,000 square feet of unauthorized trails have been created and that number is growing.” DEEP also states “this illegal usage has detrimental impacts on the soil which act as the foundation of the forest.” This activity also inhibits the growth of new seedlings and the health of existing trees. There is indiscriminate scarring of the land, which has altered the landscape. Picture deep ruts that have upset wetlands and alter the flow of seasonal streams.
My impetus for writing the earlier essay was to build a coalition of like minded people and to bring these issues to the attention of DEEP. Here is what has been accomplished and the potential plans for a path forward. DEEP responded to our request. A meeting was held with an impressive response of caring and involved staff. New signage has been posted, with more to come. These signs state that no motorized vehicles are allowed, and incudes a phone number to immediately report illegal usage. A House Bill has been proposed to increase the fine for illegal usage of these motorized vehicles. ENCON (Environmental Conservation Police), the enforcement arm of DEEP, is ramping up their staff to provide further deterrence. Seven arrest warrants have recently been served, which is now in the hands of the judicial system. Other issues brought to the table are: installing trail cams to identify the depth of illegal usage, putting natural barriers at commonly used entry points to deter access, and reaching out to engage with the ATV community to assess and try to find a means of supporting their activities.
There is more that needs to be done. I believe that setting up a Friends of Meshomasic State Forest group provides the means to put in a sustained effort. An effort that can recognize the environmental benefits that the Meshomasic provides for all. A diverse group of people who have an understanding that what is best for the Meshomasic, and for all of us, means we need to put the environmental and ecological needs of the forest first.
If you share my passion, here is what can be done next. On Saturday, April 22nd, an Earth Day Fair will be held at 949 Main St. in South Glastonbury behind the Congregational Church from 9:00am until noon. Please stop by the TALK Environmental booth to get more information along with a sign up sheet for those interested in becoming involved with the Friends of Meshomasic. Even if we don’t meet at the fair, just stop by and enjoy the festivities.
Beyond addressing the immediacy of the damage being done to the forest, we will work closely with FCSP (Friends of Connecticut State Parks). FCSP will be a resource that will help to guide us through the process. A friends group would work closely with DEEP. In our meeting with DEEP it was clearly noted that friends groups in other State Parks and Forests have had positive outcomes.
A shout out to the ATV community. I would love to hear from you directly and want your involvement in a Friends Group. We need your input and suggestions to succeed. This can’t be an us vs. them scenario. That just won’t work. I know that in Connecticut you have few opportunities to enjoy your passion of riding. Can we work together and find some alternatives? You can contact me at info@takaction.org.
I welcome all to stop by at the fair and chat.
TALK Environment group seeks to promote conversations about the environment and climate change in our community. If you have a related topic which you are passionate about, please send your ideas and suggestions for future articles to: prez@talk-action.org. We encourage more community writings for this column. All articles are archived on the TALK website https://talk-action.org.