Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program National Park Service Northeast Region U.S. Department of the Interior

Connecticut News

Hikers enjoying the Torrington Trails Network on National Trails Day. PROJECTS AND PARTNERS 2013 Photo: Huguette Poulin Recent Successes Cyclists Celebrate Naugatuck River Greenway In September 2012, on a beautiful fall day, a peloton of 40 cyclists gathered for the Explore the Naugatuck! cycling event, a 56-mile ride along the Naugatuck Valley, from Torrington NPS Unit to Derby. The peloton stopped for press events in 11 cities. State Capital People in the Naugatuck Val- ley functioned as a team as they CURRENT PROJECTS managed the event to showcase 1. Last Green Valley Water Trails the achievements of the Nau- The Last Green Valley, Inc. gatuck River Greenway. RTCA 2. Naugatuck River Greenway helped to organize and support Central Naugatuck Valley Council of the ride, including presenting a Governments greenway vision poster to each 3. New England National Scenic Trail elected offi cial on behalf of Sec- Connecticut Forest & Park Association and retary Salazar and the National Appalachian Mountain Club Park Service. A companion 4. Norwalk River Valley Trail event, Waterbury On Wheels, Friends of Norwalk River Valley Trail, Inc. was also a great success. Orga- 5. Torrington Trails Network nized by the YMCA, the City of Torrington Trails Network Waterbury, and many partners, Find out more about each project starting on page 2. David Schulz paints the the event raised $17,000. Naugatuck. Photo: NPS Speakers at press events ABOUT US The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program is the included Representative Rosa DeLauro, several state elected community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA staff offi cials, and the director of a regional planning council. The provides technical assistance to community groups and local, state, speakers described why the river and greenway matter to them. and federal government agencies working to protect natural areas and water resources and enhance close-to-home outdoor recreation For some, it is the recreational benefi ts; for others, it is the opportunities. We help communities plan, organize partnerships, opportunity to bring a more positive identity and visitors to the and achieve on-the-ground success on projects they initiate. valley; and for others, it is an opportunity to tell stories of the people and the industrial history of the Naugatuck River Valley. Current Projects We’re Here For You. 1. Last Green Valley Water 4. Norwalk River Valley Trail Could your project benefit Trails Project Partner: Friends of Norwalk from RTCA Staff Assistance? Project Partner: Last Green Valley, Inc. River Valley Trail, Inc. Contact us to find out. NPS Contact: John Monroe NPS Contact: John Monroe Location: Quinebaug-Shetucket Rivers Location: Norwalk River Valley in National Heritage Corridor southwestern CT John Monroe Congressional Districts: CT - 2, MA - 2 Congressional Districts: CT - 4, 5 617.223.5049 Project Goal Project Goal [email protected] Create a network of water trails in the A 27-mile multi-use trail from Long Charles Tracy upper Thames Basin. Island Sound, along the Norwalk River Valley, to the rolling hills of Danbury. [email protected] The trail will be a scenic route for 617.223.5210 NPS Role Implement a Challenge Cost-Share cyclists, hikers, and walkers connecting Project to produce promotional videos to rail stations, schools, offices, and the about regional water trails. Weir Farm National Historic Site.

NPS Role 2. Naugatuck River Greenway Help prioritize and strategize a plan Project Partner: Central Naugatuck for implementation, initial ribbon- Valley Council of Governments cuttings, public engagement, and NPS Contact: John Monroe connections to sources of funding. 2012 Nationwide Location: Torrington to Derby Partnership Success Congressional Districts: CT - 1, 3, 5 2,154 Miles of Trail Developed Project Goal 5. Torrington Trails Network Project Partner: Torrington Trails An alliance of city committees, working Network 1,074 Miles of River Conserved to create, extend, and promote use NPS Contact: John Monroe and completion of the greenway. Location: Torrington, CT 70,385 Acres of Open Space and Congressional Districts: CT - 1, 5 Parkland Protected NPS Role Project Goal Assist with inter-municipal connections 94% Percentage of Community and partnerships to expand regional A 0.6 mile multi-use trail in an Partners Satisfied awareness and momentum. abandoned rail corridor providing an alternative walking route for residents and a gateway to other trails. 3. New England National Scenic Trail NPS Role Project Partner: Connecticut Forest Help negotiate a transfer of rail & Park Association, Appalachian corridor to the city for trail use; address Mountain Club drainage issues on the Buttrick Trail; NPS Contact: Charles Tracy develop trails on the John Brown Location: 39 communities in CT, MA property; and work with the Water Congressional Districts: CT - 1, 2, 3, 5 Find more information online Pollution Control Facility to allow at Project Goal multi-use trails on cleared sewer lines. www.nps.gov/rtca Create connector trails with communities, construct trail shelters, provide outreach to college students.

NPS Role Assist the Trail Stewardship Council in trail corridor conservation, natural and EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ cultural resource interpretation, public Proud volunteers after working on outreach, and trail management. Steele Brook Greenway. Photo: Chuck Berger page 2