December 2012 - Trumbull Trails Coalition Year End Summary

The third year is now coming to a close since the Trumbull Trails Coalition was formed. This is the customary year-end review by Rich Coffey (FC NEMBA Park Rep).

Working with the Town of Trumbull

To clarify our ongoing concerns and goals, we met in February with the Trumbull Town Parks Commissioner (Dmitri Paris) to discuss municipally-assisted improvements to the park. Fixing the lower wet areas and improving signage were our primary goals. Per Dmitri's recommendation, I was given the opportunity to put together a design for a new Kiosk.

it was gratifying to see that in less than a month a new kiosk was erected at the Park Road / Daniels Farm Entrance. View >

In March, to ensure "balanced content", I reached out to both John Lauria (Trumbull Historical Society ) and Pam Georgas (Trumbull Nature and Arts Center) for their suggestions and feedback on content and began compiling info. In April, I sent Dmitri both a detailed Presentation and the three panel design layout replete with our collaborative content. View the digitally-enhanced photo to see how it would look in the new Kiosk.

During the ensuing months, Rangers with GPS units walked the main trails gathering more precise data for the map. I never heard back when it will be completed but I firmly believe, having municipally-constructed welcome signage will do wonders for a change in attitude about the Valley.

Trail Maintenance

In March 2012, channeling was added on the Blue Trail Swamp Armor for better drainage and in April, the Copper Creek Connector (a.k.a. Slant Rock Brook) Trail was narrowed to a tight single-track.

Long stagnant on my list of to dos, in early June—on a wonderfully sunny Saturday and Sunday—I was able to reblaze the Yellow Trail and during —on a crappy raining day that month—the North Bridge Connector Armoring was improved.

In July, a section of the Blue south of the Copper Creek Connector was narrowed. It had turned into a super highway!

Blue Trail Boardwalk

The goal we discussed with the Trumbull Town Parks Commissioner back in February finally came to fruition in August when—with assistance from the FC NEMBA crew and local freeriders—we built a boardwalk in the perpetual swampy area of the Blue Trail. Using an ATV and trailer, rocks and gravel—as well as the lumber provided by the Town—were transported from a nearby location. This project demonstrated that through diligence, patience and mutual cooperation, major improvements can be accomplished!

Historical Hike

In mid October, for the second year, yours truly (Rich) co-led the Annual Historical hike through the valley. Like the previous year, we gathered in the parking lot where a huge blow up of the TTC trail map was on display. Dividing into groups, we trekked in to visit various highlighted ruins and natural geologic features.

It was a great event and gave me a chance to present our concern for the trails, sustainability, and explain (where appropriate) how much has been improved in the Valley. All agreed, the boardwalk in the lake bed (a.k.a. Serengeti) was fantastic and long overdue!

Super Storm Sandy Damage

Finally, in late October, Super Storm Sandy crashed through and left a brutal aftermath. Thankfully, a myriad of park lovers descended upon the Valley and within a week or two most of the park was cleared. Unfortunately the damage to the North Bridge (Coyote Crossing) needed the attention of professionals so the DEEP and the Town were notified to take a look.

At this point in time, it is still indeterminate as to how, when and if the footbridge can be fixed. There are liability issues if the Town or DEEP replace it [Too bad the laws seem to work against the community at times... (sigh) ] We all are hoping that the original builders might resurface and fix it. That would be the best solution.

In Conclusion

Conceived with noble intentions, the Trumbull Trails Coalition intent was to be a self-sustaining all-inclusive coalition of a diverse set of park users (bikers, hikers, etc.) but through the years, the name never lived up to its potential. Volunteers were almost always mountain bikers and turnout decreased over time. Cooperation with the Town and State (DEEP) has been beneficial but their resources are stretched thin and priorities almost always lie elsewhere (baseball parks, seaside picnic areas, etc.).

Each year it has become increasingly apparent that local riders and concerned and interested local park users and townsfolk need to step up to the plate and manage park stewardship. Yours truly, Rich Coffey, has tried to keep the spirit alive but (1) being from Stamford and (2) tasked with a 12-hour work day door-to-door to NYC, I can no longer effectively manage this on a volunteer basis. Realistically it is time to retire the TTC...

The TTC's short-lived three-year existence has proved productive in revitalizing the trail network with detailed maps and was the catalyst for the Town and DEEP to strike up a renewed but limited cooperative effort to upgrade the park. The dilapidated kiosk has been replaced and the main trail through the swamp land in the abandoned lakebed now has a gravel road and a boardwalk.

In the weeks ahead, I will be transitioning my efforts to a dedicated local rider who has already effectively worked with like-minded trail advocates on trail maintenance projects. The spirit is there, reharnessed and steadily focused on maintaining great trails in a truly unique and beautiful park.

The TTC website has been spilt up into (1) an archive of trail care projects; and (2) more importantly, a one of a kind comprehensive site featuring an array of detailed info on the Valley: maps, photos, etc. The current TTC site has been deleted so please be sure to update your bookmarks accordingly.

Finally, please remember:
Sustainability for the trails and common-sense self-policing should be a no-brainer. Keep your eyes and ears open to any shenanigans and please do your best to discourage it. Steadily building a critical mass of forward-thinking park users is the ultimate goal.

Best of Luck to all and see you on the trails....

Rich Coffey | FCNEMBA Regional Trails Rep | Pequonnock River Valley State Park