As the last reminders of winter fade from our local trails, it’s a good time remind you of guidelines for use of BLT properties. This year, the BLT has adopted a formal policy for off-road bicycle use as follows:
Bicyclists are welcome to ride the trails on most BLT properties if they follow these guidelines:
- Use existing trails unless posted. Do not ride off the trails.
- Respect and yield to walkers.
- Respect signs prohibiting bicycle use on specific properties.
- Cutting of trees, branches, shrubs, or other vegetation is not allowed. If a tree or branch has fallen onto the trail or needs to be trimmed, contact the BLT Trails Committee with information about the location of the problem (info @ branfordlandtrust.org, 203-483-5263).
- Construction of jumps or other ‘enhancements’ and modification of trail treadways (for example, ‘banking’ the sides) is strictly prohibited. Such activities, if observed, will result in the closing of the trails for all bicyclists.
The BLT encourages public use of specific parcels of its properties for the enjoyment and appreciation of nature. Some parcels are not suitable for public access due to terrain, wetness, or ecological sensitivity, and we ask that those parcels be enjoyed visually only. We ask that users stay on designated trails. On properties where BLT encourages passive recreation the following standard rules apply:
- Public access is permitted only between one half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset.
- No fires.
- No camping.
- No removal of any flora or fauna, or of any stone, gravel, or soil.
- No littering. If you carry it in, carry it out.
- Dogs should be on a leash or under close control.
- Pick up dog poop in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the garbage.
- No motorized vehicles of any type.
- No hunting, shooting or trapping.
- No improvements or construction of any kind: no fire pits, lean-tos, rope swings, clearing of campsites, or installation of tree stands.
- No digging, metal detecting or other prospecting for items, and no removal of any found items. All fixtures and personal property (including any evidence of human activity and any found objects) located on BLT land are property of BLT.
- All persons entering onto BLT land do so at their own risk, and are solely responsible for their own safety. BLT assumes no liability for any personal injury or property damage resulting from any public use of any BLT property.
