The Air Line State Park Trail Master Plan

Any approach to strategic planning associated with the Airline State Park Trail must begin with an inventory and analysis of the natural resources that are critical to both the ecology of the trail as well as the user experience. Defining and sustaining an impactful, enjoyable and educational experience for the trail user, whether a bicyclist, a hiker, horseback rider, or cross-country skier is grounded in the beauty and scenic protection of an abundant landscape of natural resources. The Conservation Committee seeks to support an Environmental Review Team process and identify regional and local conservation objectives and policies to ensure the protection of intrinsic conservation resources which form the bulwark to build a recreation-tourism industry

Committee Support Team: Environmental Review Team Professionals, CT DEEP scientists and biologists, and CT RC&D Staff

A major objective for both CTDEEP and the twelve towns toward maintaining the resources and infrastructure of the Air Line State Park Trail includes a collaborative understanding of roles, responsibilities, communication to the public and data to identify trail conditions. The goal of the Infrastructure Chapter is to interview CTDEEP, local public works and identify recommendations that will optimize cost efficiency of maintenance and improvements both off and adjacent to the trail. The research includes an inventory of town viewpoints and schedules of maintenance, best practices for stormwater management, watershed protection, ADA

accessibility, access and parking, amenities for potable water and bathroom stops, campsite, bridges, as well as trail/road/path extensions to town centers.

Committee Support Team: Barton and Loguidice – Kevin Grindle and Mark Zessin, CTDEEP Staff, and CT RC&D Staff

The economic viability of the Airline State Park Trail relies on an understanding of the relationship between conservation & infrastructure recommendations as well as advocacy and marketing. The goal of this chapter is to foster regional sustainable economic growth and conservation-based land-use policies near the trail within the twelve town region. With research into regional demographics, land use patterns and economic indicators of the region and influence areas. The committee will work with consultants and project staff toward recommendations that can optimize sustainable growth and maximize positive trail and town experiences for residents and visitors to the ALSPT region.

Committee Support Team: Ninigret Partners (Kevin Hively), Amy Petrone, AICP and CTRC&D staff

The A&M Committee will have work that is supportive and related to sustainable economics with an overall goal of creating a regional trail culture, including logos, website, promo video. These committee members are the Regional Air Line State Park and Town cheerleaders. They will work to build recommendations that rally town officials, residents, land trusts, tourism districts and Connecticut tourism to promote the twelve towns and this unique regional trail system. The goal is to make the region trail experience resonant for the visitor to the trail and region. Many of the towns have moved forward in collaboration toward a wallet-size pocket map for each town that advertises their participation in the trail system and unique features of the town.

Committee Support Team: Quinn and Hary (Pete Hary and David Quinn and team as well as Crosscourt Media (Emily Deluca) and CT RC&D staff

This committee is comprised of town, regional, and partner leadership will help design recommendations to create and sustain a regional trail entity (Council) that will guide inter-town coordination, website updates, communications with CTDEEP and other state agencies, support town initiatives and events on the trail, fundraise and apply for collaboration grants for the twelve towns. This new regional group will also help guide land use recommendations and potentially hire consultants or staff to help support with 12 Town regional marketing, keep government leaders informed, and support infrastructure maintenance coordination.

Committee Support Team: CT RC&D Staff