Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment - Town of Guilford

particularly in North Guilford, are actively hunted either by the landowners themselves or by permit. The
GLCT does not permit hunting on its properties.
Fishing: is regulated by the DEP Fisheries Division and is not otherwise restricted by the Town. Map I-1
includes locations of fishing access in Guilford. A local chapter of Trout Unlimited is dedicated to
maintaining and enhancing freshwater fishing access and helping the State with its stocking program. The
DEP stocks these waters with hatchery-bred fish annually:
• West River: 3,000 brown, rainbow, and brook trout
• East River: 500 brown trout
• Iron Stream: 400 brown trout
• Neck River: 500 brown trout
• Lake Quonnipaug: 3,800 brown and rainbow trout
Non-consumptive Recreation
The trail—the officially designated route of travel through a natural area—is the primary
“infrastructure” to be managed for recreation that is non-consumptive. Ideally it is designed to optimally
accommodate the particular methods of travel permitted (i.e. foot, horseback, bicycle, cross-country skis,
watercraft). Both land and water-based trails have been developed in Guilford. Terrestrial trails are
managed by official trails committees established by the Town, GLCT, or National Audubon. By carefully
guiding users, trails can help to protect areas from unrestrained trampling and erosion.
A Town ordinance regulates trail-based activities on Town property, while State statutes regulate
Cockaponset Forest. The GLCT has its own set of land use guidelines. These rules generally are aimed at
preventing abuse of precious resources which make the land in question valuable to recreationists in the
first place.
Hiking: probably the most prevalent NRB recreation activity in Town, with opportunities on more than
80 miles of marked trails within Guilford. Detailed maps of several hiking trail systems indicated on Map I-1
are available from the managing agencies or organizations.
Horseback riding: Guilford has a small but enthusiastic and loosely organized riding constituency.
Riders restrict themselves to suitable trails, many of which are dedicated to horse travel, and have developed
their own town-wide trail network connecting many established recreation areas.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: specific areas for these activities are not currently designated
in Guilford, but virtually all of the recreation areas shown have suitable winter-use trails. Parking after a
snowstorm can be an issue. Areas are plowed at Bittner Park and Bluff Head. Certain trails that are wet
much of the year are better used in mid-winter when surface water is frozen, and perhaps should be
designated for winter use only.
Backpacking: camping and nighttime use of Town properties and the Mattabesett Trail are currently
prohibited. To consider allowing backpacking would raise regulatory issues currently beyond the ability of
Town agencies to address.
Trails for disabled persons: Guilford currently lacks nature trails designed for wheelchair access or for
those with limited mobility. National standards for such trails have been established, and this is an area
deserving further study by Guilford’s trails committees.
Paddling: PRC maintains access to coastal waters for kayaks and canoes at Jacob’s Beach. A
canoe/kayak trail that will incorporate the waters between Jacob’s Beach and Foote’s Bridge on the East
River is currently being developed. For freshwater access Lake Quonnipaug has a State boat launch on
Route 77 at the Lake’s north end. Guilford’s major rivers, East and West, can accommodate paddlers in
high water season.
Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment Town of Guilford, CT I3
Natural Resource-Based Recreation