REPORT OF SURVEY AND RECOMMENDATIONS RECREATIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM WESTWOODS NATURAL RECREATION AREA TOWN OF GUILFORD, CONNECTICUT From: Richard C. Elliott, Recreational Trails Consultant To: Michael Pochan, Trails Co-ordinator For the Guilford Conservation Commission May 1, 1966 Having completed my commission as Recreational Trails Consultant for the West Woods Natural Recreation Area in the Town of Guilford, Connecticut, I now submit this report for your consideration and approval. FOREWORD A Natural Recreation Area, as proposed by you to the Guilford Conservation Commission, can be of inestimable value in providing for observed recreational needs of the citizens of the community. Casual outdoor recreation, represented by hiking or rambling in a natural environment, and by active nature study or quiet contemplation of natural beauty is attracting more people every year to our remaining wild areas. We are only a very few generations removed from direct and constant contact with natural things. There is in all of us, in some measure an atavistic urge to renew that contact at intervals. This need is not fully satisfied by an occasional outing which requires travel and expense. Our public Parks and Forests and other developed natural recreation areas provide varied and rewarding opportunities to enjoy the finest protected natural environment. But these facilities are largely remote from the homes of most of our people. Large numbers cannot afford the time or the expense involved in reaching them. And the mere fact of inconvenience is a great deterrent. The need is for local areas, within a few minutes of home; large enough for a day of hiking, situated conveniently for an afternoon of ramble, providing an essentially unspoiled natural environment for the study of nature, and attractive and quiet for periodic escape into a recreative atmosphere. Recreational trails, imaginatively designed, properly constructed, and faithfully maintained, are the key to the greatest enjoyment of a natural area by the greatest number of people. These thoughts and observations form the basis upon which the Survey and Recommendations have been made. PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF THE WEST WOODS AREA References: Guilford topographic quadrangle; Guilford Assessors’ map and land ownership records; Overlay Maps #1 and #2. Time Account No accurate record of the time spent on this commission has been kept. A considerable portion of every weekend has been devoted to the project. The time spent on exploration of the area is indicated by the route traveled as they appear on Overlay Map #1. Several hours were devoted to abstracting information on land ownership from the Assessors’ records. This information appears on Overlay Map #2. Two meetings of the Area committee were attended. The routes of a Nature Trail and a north-south trail were selected and flagged. A demonstration blazing of the trail on Dunk Rock Rd. and of the Nature Trail was performed. Several stretches of trail were cleared as demonstrations of technique and of final trail appearance. Location, Boundaries and Dimensions The West Woods area is situated a mile west of the center of the Town of Guilford. It is bounded on the east by Three Mile Course and Wildrose Ave., on the south by the New Haven Railroad main line, on the west by Moose Hill Rd., and on the north by Peddlers Rd. The portion of this area suitable for the purposes of this project may be considered to be based on a rectangle two miles long, north to south, by one mile wide, east to west. The ultimate size of the area developed will depend upon the cooperation of the owners of private land within the area, and upon the development of lands along the interior sides of the bounding roads. Within the base rectangle are about 400 acres of public land in four scattered blocks. The balance of the land is divided among a large number of individual owners. The total acreage available, dependent upon the permission of the land owners, is about 1,200 acres. Topography The area lies on the pink Stony Creek granite. It is quite rugged, having been highly dissected by erosive forces. Rocky ridges, with precipitous cliffs and tumbled talus, alternate with extensive wetland intervals. Elevation varies from sea-level at the Great Harbor tidal marsh, to 200 feet at the summits of the northern ridges. The grain of the topography is quite pronounced, running northwest to southeast. Two principal streams drain the area. The central stream, here called Great Harbor Brook, originates near the northwest corner of the area and drains into Great Harbor at the south central boundary. The other stream, here called the Marsh Brook, cuts diagonally across the northeast corner and drains into Bishops Pond at the eastern boundary. Both streams are bordered by extensive wetlands at points along their courses. Marsh Brook flows for a distance of half a mile through a wetland averaging 500 feet wide. The south central portion of the area is occupied by Great Harbor, a tidal marsh inlet which thrusts inland more than half a mile from the southern boundary. This inlet is bordered by ridges rising steeply to from fifty to one hundred feet. Public Access and Interior Travel Public access to the area appears to be practically unlimited at numerous points of the perimeter: 1. From the north through the Town-owned recreation area, off Peddlers Rd. 2. From the northeast by Marsh Rd., off Dunk Rock Rd. at Bishops Pond. This unimproved road appears on the Assessors’ maps, and may be a right-of-way into the State Forest. 3. From the northeast by the unimproved portion of Dunk Rock Rd., beginning at Bishops Pond. This road appears on the Assessors’ maps, is reputed to be a Town road, and may be a right-of-way into the State Forest. 4. From the east by Three Corner Rd., off Wildrose Ave. just south of its junction with Three Mile Course. This road has been improved to a gravel surface, appears on the Assessors’ maps, and may be a right-of-way into the State Forest. 5. From the southeast by an unimproved road off Route 146, north of the underpass at Sachems Head Rd. This road may be a right-of-way into the State Forest. 6. From the southwest by a private right-of-way, permission for the use of which should be sought from the owner. 7. From the west by the unimproved portion of Dunk Rock Rd., off Moose Hill Rd. at the telephone line crossing. Interior travel is free from restriction on rights-of-way held for access to the State Forest lands, and within the blocks of State Forest and the Town recreation area. No posted lands have been noted in the interior of the West Woods area. Informal access and travel on private lands such as these may be undertaken usually without danger of incurring trespassing charges. Care should be taken to respect the land owners’ rights, and permission should be sought where practicable. Interior Roads and Utility Line Rights-of-way Dunk Rock Rd. traverses the northern half of the area, from Bishops Pond to Moose Hill Rd. This road has been roughly improved from Bishops Pond to Great Harbor Brook, to provide access to the high-tension lines for maintenance purposes. Though travel by vehicles between Great Harbor Brook and Moose Hill Rd. is prevented by severe gullying on the western slope of the valley. Marsh Rd. is overgrown, but is clearly traceable from Dunk Rock Rd. to the valley of Great Harbor Brook in the northwest corner of the area. This road is presently impassable by vehicles because of bridge deterioration. Three Corner Rd., passable by vehicles, penetrates to the boundary of the State Forest. Its unimproved extension disappears as it approaches the upper end of Great Harbor. The area is laces with old traces, many of which have been explored. These old traces, if cleared, would make most of the area accessible to pedestrians. A high-tension line and a telephone line traverse the northern half of the area, intersecting near the north-south center line. Both lines occupy a cleared right-of-way, and they detract somewhat from the natural atmosphere. This condition, however, will affect mainly only travel on a trail located on Dunk Rock Rd. Biological Aspects The area is marked by a preponderance of hemlock in a mixed hardwood forest. One of the largest hemlocks in the State has been located here. Ridgetops present the typical chestnut oak cover, now badly affected by gypsy moth and drought. Tulip grows well in the deeper soil between the ridges, and there is some pine. Many areas with a light top-story support laurel and dogwood. A great variety of life-zones and habitats is provided by the deeply chiseled topography and the abundance of wetland: 1. The tidal marsh of Great Harbor. 2. Sheltered wetland. 3. Open wetland. 4. Well-drained intervals with deep soil. 5. Slopes exhibiting every degree of exposure to the light and heat of the sun. 6. Dry ridgetops with thin soil and extensive bare ledges. Much wildlife inhabits the area. Deer and fox have been seen, and otter have been reported. There is a great variety of bird life, with particular focus on the Great Harbor marsh for water and shore birds ASSESSMENT OF THE AREA West Woods is located conveniently close to the population center of the Town of Guilford. Its access points are within a few minutes drive of most homes. The sought-for wilderness atmosphere is provided by the ample size and relatively unspoiled condition of the area. There is also room for a wide buffer strip against the developed lands of the perimeter. The fortunate establishment, in past years, of State Forest holdings and the Town recreation area, insures that a large part of the area will be forever available to the public, in ever improving condition. The area is large enough for the development of a lengthy system of trails. The topography permits intensive development, also, with trails routed relatively close together. Adjacent trails can be separated by natural barriers, and can traverse very different types of terrain. The many old traces may be opened up to provide trails on easy grade. Portions of them may be incorporated into a system established principally on new alignments. Many special points of interest have been reported or noted. There are several viewpoints from high ledges; one of the largest hemlocks in the State; old quarry workings; sphagnum bogs; a rock shelter with Indian history; rock caves; even petroglyphs of speculative origin. All of these points of interest, and others learned of or discovered should be made accessible by a trail network, providing added interest for the visitor. Nature lovers and students will find much of interest in the plant and animal life of the region, and in the geological formations. A well-planned Nature Trail would attract many people. The wild loveliness in rocks and trees and running brooks will be most attractive to the casual rambler and the seeker after recreation. Despite its lack of outstanding natural features, the West Woods Natural Recreation area should attract many visitors. RECOMMENDATIONS The establishment of a system of recreational trails in the West Woods area of the Town of Guilford is unreservedly recommended. Concerning Responsibility and Authority The responsibility for development and maintenance of a recreational trail system should be vested in a permanent and dedicated body of some standing in the community. The Guilford Conservation Commission might constitute itself such a body, if such action is within its proper sphere. One member of the Commission might be designated to act for the Commission as the executive in this area. It is recommended that the Guilford Conservation Commission consider such action, or such other action as will establish a responsible, continuing authority over the area and its development. Concerning a Natural Area Committee The work of constructing and maintaining a recreational trail system, and such other developments as may seem desirable, may be entrusted to a committee of citizen volunteers. Among the requirements for membership on such a committee are genuine interest, enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to work. It will be found that there are many such people available. Such a committee has already been formed, and is actively at work on planning and initial steps. It is recommended that the Guilford Conservation Commission, or other responsible authority, recognize this committee and form a permanent liaison with it. Concerning Land Owner Relations Permission should be sought from every land owner whose property may be involved in any development. The State Forester should be informed of all plans for development on State Forest lands. Continuous liaison should be maintained with the supervisor of the Cockaponset State Forest, who has jurisdiction. A thorough understanding of the rules governing State Forests should be sought, and those rules adhered to. No development should be undertaken on private land without prior permission of the owner. A long-established custom of trails-sponsoring organization has been to seek a verbal agreement with the owner; a gentlemen’s agreement which permits a trail to be cleared and blazed, and to be freely used as a walkway, but which grants no other privilege. Hikers are expected to stay on the trail, and to respect the owner’s interest in his land and everything on it. Permission for the trial may be withdrawn at any time that the owner feels that his rights or his hospitality are being abused. It is recommended that the Guilford Conservation Commission, or other responsible authority, act as the responsible party in all dealings with land owners. All permissions should be sought in the name of the authority. An informal, but permanent record should be kept of all agreements. Concerning Trial Construction and Maintenance A wise trail companion once said “We are not going anywhere. We are where we want to be.” That thought underscores the basic fact that a recreational trail need not lead anywhere, that the end of the trail is not the goal. A recreational trail is a place in itself, a good place to be. The thought, and the wish to make a good trail, are not enough, however. Long experience, much thought and research, a lot of exploration and bushwacking precede the building of a good trail. A lot of hard work and attention to detail go into its building. Trail building and maintenance are arts that are not quickly learned. There has not been time to thoroughly instruct those who will manage the trail system in West Woods. A few demonstrations and some instruction have been given. It remains to attempt to instill some conception of modern trail technique and philosophy through the medium of this report. A modern recreational trail is not laid out by walking from here to there, slashing away enough brush to permit passage, and hacking trees with an ax or slashing on paint to mark the way. A good recreational trail is carefully planned and thoughtfully engineered to take advantage of the terrain and the points of interest. It is planned for ease of travel, where challenge is not desired. It is planned for interest, interest that should be continuous as far as possible. A good trail is carefully planned to avoid every element which might confuse or delay the hiker. There are no sharp angles in a good trail. Sweeping curves and frequent tangents, and natural placement on the terrain, make the way plain for some distance ahead. Marked trails depart from unmarked trails straight ahead wherever possible. Marked trails cross at right angles to make their identities plain. A hiker does not have to exert himself to follow a good trail. The trail leads him naturally. It places no obstacles in his path, except those which challenge his vigor and his agility pleasurably. It leaves him free to observe and enjoy the environment; frees his eyes from the task of guiding his feet. A good trail is built with the thought in mind that it is to be a permanent feature on the surface of the earth. Trees and shrubs are transient, and should not be allowed to interfere with good alignment. Large trees seldom need to be removed; but saplings and small sprouts, and lateral branches, should not be left in the trail’s direct path. It is often tempting to take the easy way around a removable obstacle, or to go through an open area, although a kink may be put in the trail’s alignment. Avoidance of this temptation will teach that it is often surprisingly easy to keep to a direct route. Trail maintenance is a major and continuing problem. Nature does not permit the continuance of any open space capable of supporting life. Seedlings and sprouts seize the ground and branches seek the sunlight. A freshly cut trail is obliterated in a very few seasons, without constant attention. Maintenance can be pre-performed in the construction of a trail. Cutting to an adequate width, removal of all lateral branches capable of entering the trail space, location under the shade of large trees or on bare ledges, will all minimize subsequent maintenance effort. A natural aisle through the trees will define a trail route for years. Natural routes up slopes, along a ridgetop, or through an interval or gap, will guide the hiker naturally even though some growth intrudes. Good visibility for some distance ahead on the level or on broad slopes will permit location of the route well in advance. A good trail, freshly cut in construction or maintenance, should give little evidence of the work that was done. All cutting in the footpath should be level with the surface of the ground, or below if possible. All trimming of branches should be as close to the trunk as possible to present a clean appearance. Hacking and slashing should be strictly avoided. A following hiker should be little aware that work has been done ahead of him. Cross logs should be left in place where they do not present a difficult barrier to a person on foot. They may be used as “sitting logs”, and they tend to discourage the use of motorized vehicles on the foot trail. Blowdowns should not be by-passed, creating another kink in the trail, but should be cut through. A good trail can be cleared with a pair of lopping shears as the principle tool, supplemented by bow pruning saw and a weed cutter. A properly built trail can be maintained by the weed cutter, a pair of hand pruners and a folding pruning saw. A yearly maintenance schedule can be little more than a walk through. The trail is always in good condition, and heavy maintenance is unnecessary. Blazing of trails should be done with paint in appropriate colors. Paint blazes should generally be rectangle five to six inches high and two to three inches wide. They should be neat, and should be spaced as far apart as possible consistent with proper guidance of the hiker. No more than two blazes should be visible from any one point. It is recommended that the Natural Area Committee seek advice and assistance from experienced trailsmen in the design and construction of their trails. There are many such men who will gladly give their time and their counsel. Concerning Specific Trail Locations 1. DUNK ROCK ROAD At first sight, Dunk Rock Rd. has very little to recommend it as a trail route, between Bishops Pond and Great Harbor Brook. “Improvement” of the road by utility company maintenance crews has left it in rather unsightly condition. The close association of the road with the utility lines rights-of-way also gives it other than a natural atmosphere. However, the status of the road as a Town road, as it is reputed to be, open to the public; its strategic location across the width of the area; its accessibility from the center of town; the parking space at the end of the improved road; and its usefulness as a feeder and connector; all make it a valuable link in the system. It is recommended that a through trail be located on Dunk Rock Rd. between Bishops Pond and Moose Hill Rd. It is also recommended that this trail be blazed with the blue of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association’s trails. It has been suggested that there is a possibility that the Association Trails Committee might consider the development of a through trail along the shore between Branford and Saybrook. The route of this trail has already been cleared and blazed, as recommended. It is further recommended that an effort be made to clean up the borders of Dunk Rock Rd., to restore it to a more attractive condition. Efforts to this end have already been undertaken. 2. NATURE TRAIL There has been a great growth in the development of Nature Trails in recent years; and much experience has been gained. Such trails have proved to fill a genuine need. A Nature Trail should be convenient for persons of all active ages and of reasonable physical abilities. It should provide easy walking with comfortable grades, and adequate space for large groups, as well as an abundance of natural history stations of interest. Man and nature have provided an excellent basis for a Nature Trail in West Woods. Man has built a loop of roads with easy grades through an area of considerable botanical and geological interest. This loop, originating at and returning to the Dunk Rock Rd. entrance to the area, is provided with ample parking space, and is most convenient of access. A team of naturalists and educators, man and wife, has indicated its interest in developing this Nature Trail. They have been over the route and have given it their approval. It is recommended that a Nature Trail be constructed on the route indicated on Overlay Map #3. It is also recommended that a distinctive form of marking be employed; this marking to consist of light green triangles, overprinted with a conventionalized evergreen tree in dark green. The route of this trail has already been cleared and blazed, as recommended. 3. NORTH-SOUTH TRAIL Complementing the east-west trail on Dunk Rock Rd. should be a north-south trail, originating, if possible, in the Town recreation area on Peddlers Rd. and ending on Route 146 at the railroad underpass. This trail should in part traverse the ridgetop east of the Great Harbor Brook Valley. It is recommended that a north-south trail be established on State Forest land from Dunk Rock Rd. to Route 146; and that this trail be extended to Peddlers Rd. when it becomes feasible and permission has been gained from the land owners involved. The route of this trail has been flagged, and partially cleared, as of this date. It is further recommended that this trail be blazed in white. Concerning Other Trail Locations It is recommended that thought and effort be given to the establishment of other through trails and loops, so designed that the hiker has a choice of routes by which he may go and return; and so that hikes and rambles of various lengths may be made available. It is also recommended that as many of the old traces be cleared as may be incorporated into a connected system. One of these old traces has already been cleared, on private land, to permit access to the Indian rock shelter. It is recommended that this trail not be marked until permission has been obtained from the owner of the land. It is possible to extend this trail over the top of the ridge, and along an old trace to Three Corner Rd. An old trace running along the east side of the ridge east of Great Harbor Brook would provide a through route from Three Corner Rd. to Dunk Rock Rd. A trail on the highland west of Great Harbor Brook, in the State Forest, would be indicated. This could originate at Moose Hill Rd. at the railroad bridge, on a private right-of-way, if permission is obtained. From there to Dunk Rock Rd. a route would have to be scouted through difficult country. The most northerly block of State Forest ahs three or four old traces which might be connected up to form loops. There is much picturesque scenery in this area. CONCLUSION It has been a very enjoyable experience, exploring the West Woods area and planning for recreational trails. It has been a great pleasure to work with the enthusiastic members of the committee. I only regret that I was unable to spend more time with each of them. I must confess that I have had to compromise with some of my trail-building principles in the final layout of the trails I recommend. Time has been against me, even though it may seem that I have spent considerable time on the project. I have heretofore been accustomed to working along as an amateur trail builder. I have taken great pains with my trails, and I have yet to learn just how to communicate my techniques and philosophy to others. I have a great personal interest in West Woods after these few weeks of work there, and I should like to have it understood that I do not consider that I have no further responsibility with the submission of this report. I should like to have the Committee, the Commission, and yourself understand that they are free to call upon me for any advice or assistance that I may be able to give. Richard C. Elliott Richard C. Elliott