VERMONT RIVER CONSERVANCY: Upper Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Strategic Assessment

Transcription

1 VERMONT RIVER CONSERVANCY: Upper Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Strategic Assessment Prepared for The Vermont River Conservancy. 29 Main St. Suite 11 Montpelier, Vermont Prepared by Noah Pollock 55 Harrison Ave Burlington, Vermont (802) Updated May 12th, 2009

2 CONNECTICUT RIVER WATER TRAIL STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...2 Results of the Stakeholder Review and Analysis...5 Summary of Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Planning Documents...9 Campsite and Access Point Inventory and Gap Analysis...14 Conclusions and Recommendations...29 Appendix A: Connecticut River Primitive Campsites and Access Meeting Notes...32 Appendix B: Upper Valley Land Trust Campsite Monitoring Checklist...35 Appendix C: Comprehensive List of Campsites and Access Points...36 Appendix D: Example Stewardship Signage...39 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Northern Forest Canoe Trail Railroad Trestle...2 Figure 2: Excerpt From The CRJC Recreation Managementent Plan...10 Figure 3: "Wet Willy" - A Simple Privy For Primitive Campsites...13 Figure 4: Sign In Register...13 Figure 5: Upper Connecticut River Regions And Stewards...15 Figure 6: Canaan To Columbia...17 Figure 7: Potential Campsites Near Columbia...18 Figure 8: Columbia To Debanville Landing...19 Figure 9: Debanville Landing To Wyoming Dam...21 Figure 10: Potential Campsite Near Guildhall...22 Figure 11: Maidstone Bends To Gilman Dam...23 Figure 12: Gilman Dam To Dodge Falls...24 Figure 13: Dodge Falls To Wilson Landing...25 Figure 14: Wilson Landing To Hoyt's Landing...27

3 Figure 15: Hoyt's Landing To Stebbin's Island...28 Figure 16: Canaan River Access Signage...30 Figure 17: Old Railroad Trestle Near Maidstone...31 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Upper Valley Land Trust Primitive Campsites...6 Table 2. TransCanada Hydro Northeast Connecticut River Facilities...7 Table 3: River Campsite And Access Point Density Comparisons...12 FIGURE 1: NORTHERN FOREST CANOE TRAIL RAILROAD TRESTLE CAMPSITE 2

4 Introduction Report Background As New England s longest waterway, the Connecticut River is a rich ecological, cultural, and recreational resource that connects the people and places through which it passes. With consistently navigable waters, few portages or difficult rapids, and a rich and varied landscape, the Upper Connecticut River (defined in this report as the stretch of river dividing Vermont and New Hampshire) is being increasingly recognized as premier destination for paddler tourism and recreation. Yet despite the growing need, there is no official paddler's trail. Significant sections still have limited public access, lack official camping sites, and are inadequately signed for visitors. While well-meaning recreation development and strategic planning continues by a variety of organizations, visitors seeking to explore the Upper Connecticut have no designated entity to turn to for guidance, and landowners and stakeholders who wish to help develop new campsites and access points or have concerns about impacts have no clear organization to contact. Over the past ten years, the Vermont River Conservancy has played a role in creating the foundation for an Upper Connecticut River Paddler's Trail by spearheading the development of new public access points, primitive campsites, and portage trails in the northern sections of the river. It is now undertaking an initiative to craft a strategic plan for further developing the recreational resources of the Upper Connecticut River. This assessment serves as the initial step in this process. Study Goals This study builds upon previous planning processes spearheaded by the a Connecticut River Working Group, the Connecticut River Joint Commissions, the Nulhegan Gateway Association, and the National Park s Rivers and Trail Program. It incorporates new field research, analysis and the results of a range of discussions with area landowners and stakeholders. Its goals were to: ϐϐ Develop a list of organizations who could play a role in the development of an Upper Connecticut River Paddler's Trail; ϐϐ Conduct interviews with river stewards and knowledgeable individuals to better understand the location of both preexisting and potential campsites and public access points, as well as their current owners and management considerations; ϐϐ Assess gaps in camping and access sites, and locate prospective sites within those gaps; ϐϐ Synthesize the findings of previous planning documents and conversations with stakeholders to identify relevant guidelines to follow when developing new campsites and access points. 3

5 Study Area This study focused on the Upper Connecticut, defined as the 237 miles of the river between Canaan, Vermont, and Vernon, Vermont. While sections of the Connecticut are navigable upstream of Canaan, intermittent water levels, dangerous rapids, and frequent portages make these reaches largely undesirable for paddlers. Vernon is the southern most town on the river within Vermont. Methodology Area stakeholders were contacted to help address the study s goals. Stakeholders included: ϐ ϐ Kenneth Alton, External Relations Manager, TransCanada Hydro Northeast ϐϐ Bill Bridge, Former Stewardship Coordinator, Upper Valley Land Trust ϐϐ Lou Bushy, Forester, Vermont Deparment of Forests, Parks, and Recreation ϐ ϐ Jean Dedam, Director, Nulhegan Gateway Association ϐ ϐ Representative David Deen, River Steward, Connecticut River Watershed Council ϐ ϐ Monica Erhart, Stewardship Coordinator, Upper Valley Land Trust ϐ ϐ Jeff Meyers, paddler, former Vermont River Conservancy Director ϐ ϐ Luke O Brien, Outdoor Educator, NorthWoods Stewardship Center ϐ ϐ Walter Opuszynski, Trail Director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail ϐ ϐ Andy Williams, Executive Director, Hulbert Foundation ϐ ϐ Adair Mulligan, Conservation Director, Connecticut River Joint Commissions ϐ ϐ Kevin Rose, Paddleways founder and former VRC board member ϐ ϐ Bill Schomburg, local paddler and volunteer with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Nulhegan Gateway Association, and Friends of the Nulhegan ϐ ϐ Brendan Whitaker, local landowner, Brunswick select board chair, former Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources ϐ ϐ Sam Ward, landowner, Guildhall, VT ϐ ϐ Charlie Wilkinson, seasonal farmer, Singing Cedars Farm, Orwell, VT ϐ ϐ Kate Williams, Director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail This study also included two site visits to survey the river with local community members and visit both existing and potential access points and campsites. It draws extensively from planning documents prepared by the Connecticut River Joint Commissions, the National Park Service s Rivers and Trails Program, the Connecticut River Working Group, and the Connecticut River Watershed Council s Connecticut River Boating Guide (3 rd Edition). To aid with strategic planning, a map was created using Google Earth that contains information on preexisting and potential campsites and access points, details on ownership, and management considerations. 4

6 Results of the Stakeholder Review and Analysis A myriad of organizations exist which manage access points and primitive campsites, or otherwise shape recreation development along the Upper Connecticut River. In this dynamic, decentralized effort, creating a unified Connecticut River Paddler's Trail must be a joint effort. However, thanks to a history of collaborative planning, the organizations highlighted below could become key allies in such an effort. Connecticut River Working Group (CRWG) The CRWG is an informal association of non-governmental organizations, local, state and federal officials, local business owners, and concerned citizens who meet periodically to discuss opportunities and challenges for managing the recreational resources of the northern reaches of the Upper Connecticut River. Building on the efforts of the Upper Valley Land Trust, it has developed a stewardship manual for recreational facilities in the region. These guidelines (discussed below) provide a useful framework for evaluating the establishment of new campsites and access points, and identify potential management concerns and impacts of existing and proposed facilities to water quality, wildlife movement, rare, threatened and endangered species, local economies, and other users enjoyment of the river and surrounding land. Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) The CRWC has been the Connecticut River s primary watchdog and steward for more than 50 years. They advocate for the environmental health of the entire Connecticut River, and publish the Connecticut River Boating Guide, an extensive and exhaustive resource for paddlers seeking to explore the river. In their Connecticut River Recreation Management Plan, the Connecticut River Joint Commissions identified the Connecticut River Watershed Council as a logical partner in the development of a paddler's trail. However, conversations with the CRWC River Steward for Vermont and New Hampshire suggests they currently do not have the capacity to serve as managers for a Connecticut River Paddler's Trail, but are willing to work collaboratively with other organizations seeking to spearhead such an effort. Connecticut River Joint Commissions (CRJC) The Connecticut River Joint Commissions serves as the primary network fostering collaborative planning efforts for the Upper Connecticut River. Created in the late 1980s by Vermont and New Hampshire, these advisory commissions advocate for the river while ensuring public involvement in decisions which affect the valley. The CRJC s recently updated Connecticut River Recreation Management Plan, based on discussions by the CRJC s five local river subcommittees, presents a summary of the river s recreation-related issues. They also post maps and river descriptions from the CRWC guidebook on their website. 5

7 Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) The Upper Valley Land Trust works to protect the working farms, forested ridges, wildlife habitat, water resources, trails, and scenic landscapes of the Upper Connecticut River, including riparian habitat along the 85 miles stretch of river between Ryegate, Vermont, and Charlestown, New Hampshire. In the early 1990s, the Upper Valley Land Trust was instrumental in the establishment of a series of twenty-one primitive campsites along the Connecticut River. Their management and monitoring protocols serve as the model for both the National Park Service s Connecticut River Primitive Campsites Stewardship Guidelines and the Connecticut River Working Group's "Northern Connecticut River Recreational Facility Stewardship Guidelines." From the late 1990s to 2006, the UVLT hired a full-time staff person (as part of their community relations program) to develop new campsites and trails on conserved lands. In 2006, the UVLT reevaluated their Connecticut River campsite program, and made the decision to only actively manage the six campsites and two public launches on properties protected with UVLT conservation easements (Table 1). Arrangements were made for other sites to be maintained by other organizations, including TransCanada Hydro Northeast, the Piermont Conservation Commision, the Antioch Paddlers Club, and local landowners. However, several of the original campsites have not been maintained in recent years and no longer appear in current maps or river guides. Furthermore, some of the campsites indicated in river guides are no longer being stewarded, and their fate is uncertain. Campsite management currently falls under the auspices of Monica Erhart, UVLT s Stewardship Coordinator, who enlists volunteers to visit each campsite approximately once a month during the summer season. Volunteers are responsible for monitoring impacts and checking the condition of campsite signage, logbooks, and privies. Establishing new campsites or access points is not part of the UVLT long-term strategic plan, as the density of campsites and access points within their geographical region is sufficient to meet current demand. TABLE 1. UPPER VALLEY LAND TRUST PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES AND ACCESS POINTS Campsite Name Burnham Meadow Group Campsite Burnaps Island Campsite Roaring Brook Campsite Birch Meadow Campsite Vaughan Meadow Campsite Knoxland Farm Cartop Boat Launch Hewes Brook Cartop Boat Launch Harkdale Farm Campsite Local and County Governments Location Windsor, VT Plainfield, NH Ely, VT Ely, VT Newbury, VT Newbury, VT Lyme, NH Newbury, VT A handful of New Hampshire towns, including Colebrook, North Stratford, Lyme, and Lebanon, have also developed public river access sites in their communities. Some local municipalities have established primitive campsites as well. For example, the town of Columbia s Conservation Commission recently established a paddler campsite on town-owned land. In addition, New Hampshire s Grafton County allows camping on Howard Island, and the town of Piermont enlists its local conservation commission to manage the former UVLT Underhill Campsite. 6

8 The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) Since 2000, the NFCT has been working to develop new access points and canoe campsites along the 740-mile water trail, which follows the Connecticut River for 20 miles from the confluence of the Nulhegan River in Bloomfield, Vermont, to the confluence with the Upper Ammonoosuc, near Groveton, NH. They have been working with landowners to develop two campsites in this reach and to improve access in Stratford, New Hampshire. Recently, they have been assisting the town of Colebrook to establish a spur trail north of Bloomfield, and will be constructing a new site in the Maidstone Bends region during the summer of The NFCT hires interns and enlists volunteers to complete stewardship projects along the trail each summer. The Vermont River Conservancy In recent years, the Vermont River Conservancy has played an important role in conserving riparian resources and creating new public access points and primitive camping facilities for paddlers along the northern section of the Connecticut River. Their efforts helped establish a paddler campsite at Lyman Falls, a public access at Debanville Landing in Bloomfield, and a formal portage and take-out at Wyoming Dam, in Guildhall. In addition, they have also recently purchased conservation easements for several parcels along the Nulhegan River near its confluence with the Connecticut River in Bloomfield. TransCanada Hydro Northeast Since the 1970s, hydroelectric companies have offered public access and provided primitive camping on the Connecticut River at many of their properties, which span from north of Canaan to Vernon. Currently, TransCanada Hydro Northeast, which owns the majority of the river s dams, provides 14 public access points, three primitive campsites for paddlers, and seven picnic areas along the river (Table 2). In addition, they are actively developing an additional campsite on the Moore Reservoir. Essex Hydro also provides a primitive campsite at their property at Dodge Falls. While these companies are willing to provide locations for primitive campsites and develop the necessary infrastructure, they generally do not have the capacity to provide ongoing site maintenance and upkeep. TABLE 2. TRANSCANADA HYDRO NORTHEAST CONNECTICUT RIVER FACILITIES Lakes Region Second Lake Dam Picnic Area Second Lake Picnic and Boat Launching Area First Lake Dam Picnic and Boat Launching Area Island Picnic Area Moore Reservoir Region East Concord Gilman Boat Launching Area North Littleton Picnic and Boat Launching Area Visitor Center and Picnic Area Dodge Hill Picnic and Boat Launching Area Pattenville Picnic and Boat Launching Area Island Picnic Area Waterford Picnic and Boat Launching Area Picnic Area Access Point Access Point Picnic Area Access Point Access Point Picnic Area Access Point Access Point Picnic Area Access Point 7

9 Comerford Reservoir and McIndoes Dam Waterford Bridge Boat Launch Pine Grove Picnic and Boat Launching Area McIndoes Dam Picnic Area Wilder Dam Region Wilder Picnic Area Olcott Falls Boat Launching Area Fishermen's Parking and Access Visitor Center and Fish Ladder Gilman Island Canoe Rest Area Lebanon Picnic Area Hartland Falls Picnic Area Charlestown Lower Landing Picnic and Boat Launch Pine Street Boat Launching Area Visitor Center and Fish Ladder Governor Hunt Picnic and Boath Launching Area Vernon Glen Picnic Area Hinsdale Canoe Rest Area Stebbin's Island Canoe Rest Area Access Point Access Point Picnic Area Picnic Area Access Point Access Point Picnic Area Campsite Picnic Area Picnic Area Access Point Access Point Picnic Area Access Point Picnic Area Campsite Campsite The NorthWoods Stewardship Center The NorthWoods Stewardship Center, located in East Charlestown, Vermont, is an active supporter of paddler recreation in the Northern Forest. The center regularly provides guided trips along the Connecticut River. In addition, their Kingdom Corps program hires local youth to provide conservation, restoration, and stewardship services for area partners during the summer. The State of Vermont The State Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation currently owns and manages several access points, including sites in Bloomfield, North Thetford, and Pompanoosuc. In addition, they provide primitive, river-assessible only camping facilities at Lyman Falls State Park and hold a public access easement for a working forest currently owned by Plum Creek. The Department of Transportation also provided land for a portage trail and river access in Guildhall, near the breached Wyoming Dam. The State of New Hampshire The New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game provides access at Arlin Brook, in Colebrook, and at a public launch in Lebanon. The state s Department of Resources and Economic Development's Parks and Recreation Division also has established boat access at Bedell Bridge State Park in the town of Haverhill. Private Landowners and Organizations Several private landowners also provide camping and access on their properties independent of any partner organization. For example, several landowners informally allow local paddlers to camp at their properties near Columbia, New Hampshire. The late Sherry Belknap also established a primi- 8

10 tive campsite at the confluence of the Nulhegan and the Connecticut. A private campground is located along the river in Orford, New Hampshire. Dartmouth Outing Club provides access at their Ledyard Canoe Club. Finally, the Student Conservation Association allows the public to camp on an island they own near Charlestown, New Hampshire. The Nature Conservancy and the Vermont Land Trust The Nature Conservancy has recently embarked on a long-term project to conserve habitat along the Connecticut River in the Maidstone Bends region of the river. The Vermont Land Trust hold easements on riparian lands owned by the Meadowsend LLC, a timber management fund. However, to date, river access or primitive camping facilities have not been developed for these parcels. Connecticut River Byways The U.S. Department of Transportation has recognized the Upper Connecticut River as a National Scenic Byway. As part of this grassroots collaborative effort, the federal government provides funding to help preserve, protect, interpret, and promote the intrinsic qualities of designated byways including Route 102 in Vermont, and Routes 145 and 3 in New Hampshire. This designation, largely due to the efforts of the CRJC, may provide a mechanism to fund access improvements and the installation of wayfinding signage for the Upper Connecticut River. The Nulhegan Gateway Association The Nulhegan Gateway Association is a nonprofit supported by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and Businesses for the Northern Forest. Its mission is to coordinate community and economic development that will support the region's environmental stewardship and unique traditional character through education and advocacy activities in Vermont s Northeast Kingdom. Its four committees (Heritage Trails, Recreation, Education, and Entrepeneur Development) meet regularly to develop new initiatives for the region. Summary of Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Planning Documents Several previous planning documents provide useful context for this strategic assessment. Key insights from the 2009 CRJC Recreation Management Plan, the Connecticut River Work Group's Northern Connecticut River Recreational Facility Stewardship Guidelines, and the National Park Service's Connecticut River Primitive Water Trail Campsite Stewardship Guidelines are presented below. CRJC Recreation Management Plan In January of 2009, the CRJC released a revised version of their Connecticut River Recreation Management Plan. This 94-page document, which represents an update of the 1997 Connecticut River Corridor Management Plan, was written based upon discussions held by the CRJC and its five local river management advisory subcommittees. The report highlighted the following pressing concerns: 9

11 ϐϐ Access to private land traditionally available for public use is becoming increasingly limited ϐϐ Funding for land conservation to benefit public recreation is essential ϐϐ User pressure is increasing at existing campsites ϐϐ Responsible management of riverfront land is critical The report makes several recommendations, including expanding public river access for car-top boats and establishing guidelines for building new campsites. It highlights the need to establish new campsites, particularly in the sixty mile stretch below Maidstone where no official campsites have been established. FIGURE 2: EXCERPT FROM THE CRJC RECREATION MANAGEMENT PLAN "Despite these efforts and the campsites' success, there is currently no coordinated management of the Connecticut River Water Trail. A variety of organizations are bombarded with requests for information. Effective coordination is needed to create and maintain relations with landowners, select appropriate campsite locations, and maintain and monitor existing campsites, using common standard and practices. A process is needed for addressing unauthorized campsites and access. A central clearinghouse is needed to handle inquiries about the river and the campsites from those who wish to experience the Connecticut River in this way. Decisions need to be made about the best way to provide information to users and protect the campsites' appeal without promoting the water trail beyond its capacity" This plan advocates for more aggressive management of invasive species. In particular, there is a need for new education efforts, boat wash stations, and lake host programs. Conservation commissions could regularly monitor for outbreaks at town properties and boat launches. The report also calls for coordinated management of the Connecticut River Paddler's Trail (See Figure 2). Connecticut River Working Group's "Northern Connecticut River Recreational Facility Stewardship Guidelines" On June 1 st, 2006, the Nulhegan Gateway Association convened a meeting of landowners, public officials, river organizations, area businesses, and citizens to discuss current usage of the river for recreational purposes with a focus on primitive camping and car-top boat access points (See Appendix A for the meeting notes). Participants at the meeting felt that the recreational use of the river is still low impact, and paddlers using the river above Maidstone are "generally well behaved. However, campers don t always ask permission when using private land, and many do not realize that most of the land is privately owned. Some paddlers fail to practice "leave no trace" ethics, and leave behind trash, beer cans, tent stakes and other metals. Meeting attendants also felt that the state of Vermont has been slow with installing new river access points. In particular, participants felt that additional access is desirable between Guildhall and Maidstone bridge. In terms of campsite arrangements, participants remarked that arrangements must be solid, and recommended setting group size limits. Participants indicated that all campsites should have a manager, which can become cumbersome to orchestrate. The group has summarized their findings into a set of guidelines designed to help partners manage access and campsite development for the northern Connecticur River, which they defined as the region between the Connecticut River's source in northern New Hampshire and the town of Barnet, Vermont. The report provides useful recommendations on identifying and developing access points and campsites, and provides guidelines for campsite maintenance and monitoring. It highlights the 10

12 need to be mindful of other recreational users, rare, threatenned, or endangered species, wildlife movement corridors, and historically significant archeological sites. National Parks Service's Rivers and Trails Program's Connecticut River Primitive Campsites: Campsite Stewardship Guidelines In 2000, the National Park Services River and Trails Program undertook a process to establish a manual for developing new campsites for the Upper Connecticut River. It provides a set of standards for designing, building, and maintaining campsites. The summary of their suggested standards, along with insights gleaned from conversations with NFCT and UVLT staff, are presented below. Recommendations for Securing Public Access Agreements The Campsite Stewardship Guidelines lay out five approaches to establishing agreements with landowners to develop campsites on private land: ϐϐ Informal handshake agreements ϐϐ Letter of agreement for a specified period of time with an option for renewal ϐϐ Leases ϐϐ Easements that allow for the establishment of campsites ϐϐ Outright acquisition of the property at issue The Northern Forest Canoe Trail relies exclusively on informal handshake agreements when developing new campsites. On the other hand, the UVLT now only manages campsites protected with a recorded easement. In many situations, beginning with an informal agreement is a useful starting point as a way for both parties to explore what a long-term arrangement could look like. Handshake agreements, letters of agreements, and leases provide a mechanism enabling landowners to become familiar with potential canoe camping and stewardship arrangments. In general, establishing a formal easement or outright acquistion of the parcel should be the ultimate goal of any campsite development project to ensure permanence. Site Spacing The National Park Service s River and Trails Program recommends establishing campsites at a density of one every five miles, a distance which allows for flexibility in trip planning, for if one site has reached capacity, it would be possible for paddlers to reach a further site before nightfall. This is close to the frequency of campsites in the stretch of river where the UVLT has focused its conservation efforts; there are currently 13 campsites in the 72-mile stretch between Dodge Falls and Burnap Island, for a camping density of 1 campsite every 5.5 river miles. For comparision, the current campsite density between Canaan and Dodge Falls, north of the UVLT campsites, is one campsite every 11.3 river miles. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is working to ensure primitive camping is available, at a minimum, at spacing of one campsite for every miles along the 740-mile waterway. However, as seen in Table 3, many places along the NFCT have a much higher campsite density. For example, on the popular Raquette River, 20 campsites are situated in the 25-mile stretch between Long Lake and Indian Carry. 11

13 TABLE 3: RIVER CAMPSITE AND ACCESS POINT DENSITY COMPARISONS River Raquette River: Long Lake to Indian Carry, New York The Saranac River, New York The Clyde River, Vermont The Allagash River: Umsaskis Lake to Allagash Village Connecticut River: Vermont and New Hampshire Site Size Description Wild and scenic river on the edge of the Adirondack High Peaks Rural river flowing through a mix of private and public land Scenic and meandering river flowing through the Northeast Kingdom Remote and wild river, popular paddling destination Rural river flowing through predominately private lands Length (miles) Offical Campsites Access Points The River and Trails program recommends establishing campsites large enough to accommodate five to six two person tents. However, the experience of the UVLT and the NFCT suggests smaller campsite sizes may be more appropriate, depending on site characteristics and the desires of landowners. One approach is to set clear size limits for campsites, and to provide a mix of large group and small group campsites, depending on site conditions and landowner concerns. Site Access The stewardship guidelines recommend developing sites with limited access from the land as a tool for discouraging day use and car camping and decreasing the burden on the site. The best sites allow for a land route for campsite maintenance, but not for other users. River access should provide safe landing at a variety of river conditions while providing good drainage during rain events or high water conditions. Archeological Sites Given the importance of waterways as a route of travel for Native Americans, occasionally ideal campsite locations have important archeological significance. The guidelines recommend consulting with state historical preservation experts to determine if campsite construction is appropriate. Site Infrastructure The stewardship guidelines call for installing a privy, register box, picnic table, and wayfinding signage. Some sites also may be suitable for fire rings. These guidelines are similar to the approach 12

14 used by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the Upper Valley Land Trust. Privy: Depending on the level of use, site characteristics, and the preferences of land owners, the NFCT and the UVLT either install a traditional outhouse, a composting outhouse, or a wet willy. Outhouses are a traditional approach to managing waste, and are often preferred by state agencies. However, in situations with high use, the waste is slow to biodegrade and can pollute local water supplies. Composting systems are becoming increasingly common in the backcountry. Typically providing a mechanism for aeration and the addition of carbon, composting toilets are a clear improvement over traditional outhouses. However, the construction and maintenance of composting systems is slightly more involved. A wet willy (Figure 3) is a simple form of composting toilet ideal for very lightly used sites. Designed to be installed over shallow holes where soil microbes can effectively breakdown waste, wet willys need to be rotated to different sites on a regular basis. Wet willys also have the advantage of being easily to move to high ground during the off-season. FIGURE 3: "WET WILLY" - A SIMPLE PRIVY FOR PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES Sign in register boxes: Register boxes provide a system to measure campsite use and collect visitor comments. They also provide a location to post campsite rules and guidelines, a campsite map, and FIGURE 4: SIGN IN REGISTER organizational information (Figure 4). The UVLT also used the register box as a place to put donation envelopes. However, in their experience, these envelopes are rarely utilized. Picnic table: The NFCT and the UVLT typically provide picnic tables at their campsite locations. Picnic tables help paddlers identify the site and, according to paddler feedback, are a much-appreciated amenity. However, they can be subject to vandalism. Indeed, a picnic table installed at the NFCT railroad trestle campsite near Maidstone was tossed in the river, only to appear at a river bank downstream! The NFCT builds picnic tables on site using the 13

15 help of volunteers during waterway work trips which building community and a sense of river stewardship. Fire rings: Fires are generally discouraged at both NFCT and UVLT sites, particularly those constructed on private property. Instead, campers are encouraged to use portable stoves for cooking. However, several sites do have fire rings, as campers are often accustomed to building campfires during their paddling trip. As such, campfire rings should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Signage: A variety of signs are recommended for the Connecticut River Primitive Campsites: ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ Yellow Target Signs, to help paddlers identify campsites from the river Boundary Signs, which inform users of the campsite limits to discourage trespassing on neighboring property or into ecological sensitive areas A Privy Sign, as when privies are located away from the campsite, signage can help campers locate it Stewardship Guidelines, containing rules for camper etiquette and behavior (See Appendix D for examples) Campsite Maintenance and Monitoring The Rivers and Trails program recommends regular visits to campsites. Both the NFCT and the UVLT enlist the help of local volunteers for maintenance and monitoring tasks. Typically, campsites are first visited in late April or early May, at least twice during the summer season, and are closed for the season in late October. The UVLT provides a site visit report for volunteers to fill out during each visit. A checklist for tasks to be completed by volunteers is included as Appendix B in this report. Campsite and Access Point Inventory and Gap Analysis River Overview By combining a review of published guides and maps with conversations with area landowners and site visits, this study has established an inventory of both official and informal campsite and public access for the Upper Connecticut. To aid in collaborative planning, the results of this inventory are summarized below, and are also available as a Google Earth document. Approximately 26 public campsites and 60 offical access points currently have been established in the 237-mile stretch of the river between the towns of West Stewartstown and Vernon. However, not all of these sites are regularly maintained. Several informal campsite and access points are also in existence without formal agreements with landowners. Through most of the river, public access is sufficient to meet current demand.. Particularly in the northern reaches, the availability of official designated campsites remains limited. The largest gaps in official campsites sites incude: ϐϐ West Stewartstown to Columbia (15 miles) 14

16 ϐϐ Maidstones Bends to Gilman Dam (35 miles) ϐϐ Gilman to Dodge Falls (29.5 miles) ϐϐ Walpole to Brattleboro (17 miles) One can divide the Connecticut River s campsite system into three regions (Figure 5). North of Bath, New Hampshire, campsites are sparse. Those that have been developed have been developed by the NFCT, VRC, local conservation commissions, and state agencies. The Connecticut River Working Group has been working to encourage collaborative planning in this area. The region stretching from Bath, NH, to Charlestown, NH, has the highest density of campsites, thanks to the UVLT conservation and stewardship efforts in this region. Farther south, a modest amount of public campsites have been built, primarily on TransCanada Hydro Northeast s property. Each of these sections is explored in further detail in the following section of this report, and Appendix C contains a comprehensive list of access points, campsites, their ownership and river location. FIGURE 5: UPPER CONNECTICUT RIVER REGIONS AND STEWARDS Northern Forest Canoe Trail Connecticut River Working Group; Vermont River Conservancy Bath, NH. Upper Valley Land Trust Charlestown, NH. TransCanada Hydro Northeast 15

17 Canaan, VT to Columbia, NH (14 miles) Canaan, Vermont, just downstream of Beecher Falls, marks the first consistently navigable reach on the Connecticut River. It alternates between swift and flat waters as it meanders through a series of agricultural valleys. Access is generally adequate in this reach. In Canaan, paddlers can put in at the bridge or at a wastewater treatment facility just south of town. Seven miles to the south, in Colebrook, access is possible at a New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife access near Arlin Brook. Both the towns of Colebrook (12 miles south of Canaan) and Columbia (four miles south of Colebrook) provide access near bridge abutments. However, wayfinding and paddler etiquette signage for many of these access points (particularly Arlin Brook) is very limited. Official campsites are limited to a single primitive site established in 2008 by the town of Columbia s Conservation Commission on a town-owned parcel one mile north of the town center (Figure 6). Local paddlers also report using informal campsites at an island downstream of the Canaan waste water treatment plant, and at a well-established site on private property further down river. In addition, a landowner permits local paddlers to camp at his property near the border of Columbia and Colebrook, NH. However, none of these sites are officially designated or advertised to the public. In 2002, Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose paddled this stretch of the river, and identified over thirty potential campsites. Camping at these site was identified as phyiscally possible. However, no contact or commitment was made with the landowners. In particular, of the sites they identified, six sites situated at two river bends (Figure 7) would be well placed to reduce the gap in camping options. The VRC is also in communication with landowners at a site in Lemington, Vermont. At 13.5 miles downstream of Canaan, this site is well situated within a day of paddling from either Canaan or Colebrook. Recommendations ϐϐ Improve wayfinding and paddler etiquette signage at all access points, especially at Arlin Brook ϐϐ Establish a primitive campsite in Lemington ϐϐ Promote and improve signage for the Columbia campsite ϐϐ Initiate discussions with local landowners who own sites where informal camping already exists, with the goal of establishing official campsites and regular maintenance visits ϐϐ Visit the six sites identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose indicated in Figure 7 16

18 FIGURE 6: CANAAN TO COLUMBIA LEGEND Established, offical campsite Established, informal campsite (no offical approval from landowner) Potential Campsite (Identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose as physically possible, but no contact or commitment established with landowner) Potential Campsite (Contact made with landowner by the VRC, but no commitment established) Boat Launch (Improved ramp) Boat Launch (Hand carry only) 17

19 FIGURE 7: POTENTIAL CAMPSITES NEAR COLUMBIA LEGEND Potential Campsite (Identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose as physically possible, but no contact or commitment established with landowner) Columbia, NH to Bloomfield, VT (11 miles) In this eleven mile stretch of river, the Connecticut River is dominated by swift water as it transitions from a mountain stream to a rural river that meanders through a classic New England landscape of dairy farms and riparian woodlands. Access is possible at the Columbia Covered Bridge, at the Debanville Landing in Bloomfield, and at a town-owned park in North Stratford (Figure 8). While a Northern Forest Canoe Trail kiosk is located close to the Debanville Landing site, signage is limited at other locations. The town of Columbia has been in discussion with a landowner of a site near Lyman Falls who is willing to provide both access and camping. However, access is only possible by crossing through a separate property, which has stalled efforts to move forward with conservation. The state of Vermont also holds a public access easement on lands currently owned by Plum Creek adjacent to the river. This potential access has not been formalized. 18

20 FIGURE 8: COLUMBIA TO DEBANVILLE LANDING LEGEND Established Campsite Potential Access Point (Not officially established) Boat Launch (Improved ramp) Boat Launch (Hand carry only) A much-appreciated campsite established with the assistance of the VRC at Lyman Falls provides the only camping options in this section. While a primitive campsite has also been built just upstream of the confluence of the Nulhegan on the property of the late Sherry Belknap, signage and sanitary facilities are currently nonexistent. In addition, as it is close to Rt 102, this site may also have limited appeal to most paddlers. Its ease of access from the road could also lead to use by non-paddlers. Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose identified approximately twenty other potential campsite locations in this section of the river, which could be useful as alternatives to the Nulhegan campsite. Recommendations ϐϐ Install signage at the Columbia Covered Bridge Access Point ϐϐ Provide assistance to the the town of Columbia as it works to protect property near Lyman Falls ϐϐ Further investigate campsites identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose north of Debanville Landing 19

21 Debanville Landing to Wyoming Dam (26 miles) Much of this section is managed as a natural segment for exclusive use by nonmotorized craft. Wildlife abounds, and views of Bear Mountain and the Percy Peaks provide a beautiful backdrop for river excursions. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail follows this reach for the first twenty miles from the confluence of the Nulhegan to the mouth of the Upper Ammonusuc. In the past three years, the NFCT has been instrumental in improving signage, access, and primitive campsites in this region. Public access can be found in Bloomfield, North Startford, Maidstone, and Guildhall (Figure 9). In 2006, Ross Stevens at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center was contracted to improve access at the Maidstone Bridge (nine miles south of Bloomfield) by installing a set of timber cribbed stairs down the steep bank. 14 miles to the south, Wyoming Dam, in Guildhall, is a logical take out point and necessary portage, as the breached Wyoming Dam is a hazard due to rebar jutting into the river. A steep, worn, and clear marked portage trail is on the Vermont side, on private land donated by the owners and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. According to notes from a meeting convened by the Nulhegan Gateway Association, additional access is desired between the Maidstone bridge and the town of Guildhall. Land adjacent to a stock car race track near Groveton is one possibility worth exploring. Mary Sloat, a NFCT board member, provided land near a former railroad trestle as a site for a primitive campsite, which was developed through the assistance of volunteers during an NFCT s waterway work trip in Recently, area farmer Ray Lovell granted permission to the NFCT to establish a campsite on his property in the Maidstone Bends region. A group of interns and volunteers will build a privy, picnic table, and register box at the site this summer. Additional campsite options are plentiful in this reach; Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose identified nearly seventy potential campsites during their river trip. Several of their identified sites are in the Maidstone Bends region near Groveton, NH, where conservation is being actively pursued by the Nature Conservancy. However, their current strategic plan does not call for developing campsites for paddlers. A prominent kiosk has been installed by the NFCT at Debanville Landing, which contains information on the area's history, waterways, local businesses, paddler ethics, and invasive species. Limited signage has also been installed at the Maidstone and Wyoming Dam access points. No signage has been crafted for the North Stratford launch. 20

22 v FIGURE 9: DEBANVILLE LANDING TO WYOMING DAM LEGEND Established, offical campsite Established, informal campsite (no official permission granted by landowner) Potential Campsite (Identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose as physically possible, but no contact or commitment established with landowner) Boat Launch (Improved ramp) Boat Launch (Hand carry only) Recommendations ϐϐ Install erosion control measures on the Wyoming Dam portage trail ϐϐ Work with the Nature Conservancy to explore the feasibility of creating a primitive campsite in the lower Maidstone Bends region. ϐϐ Explore additional public access locations near the stock car race track in Groveton, NH. ϐϐ Assist the NFCT, where appropriate, with establishing easements on NFCT campsites developed on private lands. Maidstone Bends to Gilman Dam (24 miles) While a largely picturesque region, significant erosion is apparent among many of the river banks in this reach; at least one farmer has lined the banks with old cars as a stabilization measure! This section of the river, which falls north of the Upper Valley Land Trust campsites, and south of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, only has one developed campsite for paddlers. This single campsite, 21

23 provided by TransCanada at the Gilman Dam portage, is thirty-five miles south of the Maidstone Bends campsite to the north. 1 In this region, sparse but adequate access is possible below Wyoming Dam, at the Route 2 bridge in Lancaster, and at a site near the John s River at an access developed by American Paper Mills. The Connecticut River Boating Guide indicates both access and camping are possible at the Mount Orne covered bridge (Figure 11). However, a field visit revealed steep banks, posted property, and no clear locations for either access or camping at this site. A resident of Guildhall, Vermont, is interested in working with the Vermont River Conservancy to develop a campsite on his property, 5.5 miles below the Wyoming Dam. This beautiful, secluded site (Figure 10), 17 miles below a site being developed on private land by the NFCT, is nicely situated for through paddlers and should be considered a priority for conservation. Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose identified eighteen potential campsites in this reach, which marked the furthest south of their explorations. A cluster of three sites located in a river bend north of the Mount Orne covered bridge should be further explored as potential sites for primitive camping. Recommendations FIGURE 10: POTENTIAL CAMPSITE NEAR GUILDHALL ϐϐ Work to establish a campsite in Guildhall ϐϐ Improve parking and access at the Mount Orne covered bridge ϐϐ Investigate sites identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose north of the Mount Orne Covered Bridge 1. While camping is possible at a private campground near the Route 2 bridge in Lancaster (Figure 9), it does not provide a wild feel, do to its proximity to an RV park and service station. 22

24 FIGURE 11: MAIDSTONE BENDS TO GILMAN DAM LEGEND Established, offical campsite Established, informal campsite (no offical permission granted by landowner) Potential campsite (Identified by Jeff Meyers and Kevin Rose, but no contact or commitment established with landowner) Boat launch (improved ramp) Boat launch (hand carry only) Informal access point (no official public access ) Gilman Dam to Dodge Falls (28.5 miles) This reach is a beautiful part of the river, traversing through mixed evergreen and deciduous forest with ample views of the White Mountains. It includes the Nine Islands section, near the confluence of the Passumpsic, a place with the remnants of an ancient floodplain forest. Several well-established launch sites, most with improved boat ramps and toilet facilities, can be found on both sides of the river in this section. However, camping options are extremely limited. No campsites currently exist in the 29.5 mile section between Gilman Dam and Dodge Falls (Figure 12). The 3,500-acre Moore Reservoir, a province of motorboats and anglers, is the largest feature in this section. In their Connecticut River Recreation Management Plan, the CRJC identified the reservoir, 23

25 whose shores are largely owned by TransCanada, as a priority location for new campsite development. Conversations with Ken Alton, external relations manager at TransCanada Hydro Northeast, indicate that the company will construct a campsite on the reservoir during the summer of TransCanada Hydro Northeast also owns land in the Nine Miles region that may be well suited for camping. Given the paucity of camping options in this region, additional sites along the reservoir should be pursued collaboratively with TransCanada in this region. In the late 1990s, a campsite was built by the UVLT on Fiddlehead Island, below McIndoes Falls. However, this site has not been maintained in recent years. Recommendations ϐϐ Conduct a site visit to explore additional camping options between the Moore Reservoir and Dodge Falls ϐϐ Work with TransCanada and other landowners to explore options for collaboratively developing additional campsites, particularly on Moore Reservoir and in the Nine Islands section. ϐϐ Assess and provide site maintenance for the Fiddlehead Island campsite FIGURE 12: GILMAN DAM TO DODGE FALLS LEGEND Established, offical campsite Former UVLT campsite Potential campsite (Identified during field visit, but no contact or commitment established with landowner) Boat launch (improved ramp) Boat Lauch (Hand carry only) 24

26 Dodge Falls to Wilson Landing (50 miles) The Connecticut River Boating Guide describes this reach as lovely and winding where one may find your mind drifting along with the slow current. Eleven campsites and ten access points are currently open for public use, largely thanks to the efforts of the Upper Valley Land Trust in the late 1990s. Today, however, several of these sites are managed by other organizations, including Essex Hydro (which manages Dodge Falls), the Piermont Conservation Commision (manager of the Underhill Campsite), and the Bradford Elementary School, which hosts the Bugbee Landing campsite. Horse Meadow, a site which the UVLT established, is now closed as no longstanding agreement was in place for its conservation or management. Similarly, the former UVLT Esther Salmi site, despite recognition in the Connecticut River Guidebook, is not currently stewarded by any organization or individual. Nevertheless, the remaining sites provide ample camping opportunities (Figure 13). FIGURE 13: DODGE FALLS TO WILSON LANDING LEGEND Established, offical campsite Former UVLT campsite not being currently maintained Boat launch (improved ramp) 25

27 Wilson Landing to Hoyt's Landing (62 miles) Situated in the most populated section of the Upper Valley, this section of the river is used heavily by local residents. In sections, the river flows through a narrow valley with fast currents and interesting rapids - including Class IV rapids at high water at Sumner Falls. The islands in this section are noteworthy for a large number of endangered cobblestone tiger beetles, which makes its home among the cobbles on rocky beaches. Access and campsites also appears to be sufficient in this reach. TransCanada Hydro Northeast provides a campsite at Gilman Island, and the UVLT manages both a small site on Burnap Island and a group campsite at Burnham Meadows (Figure 14). The town of Lebanon is working to secure public access at a site currently under development by a private business owner. However, due to its proximity to Gilman and Burnap Islands, it is not a high priority as a location for an additional campsite. The opportunity also exists to develop official camping facilities at Hubbard Island, which is conserved by the UVLT and used primarily by the Student Conservation Association. Hoyt's Landing to Stebbin's Island (61 miles) The remainder of the Connecticut River in Vermont is a quiet, rural reach passing through rolling farmland overshadowed by high hills. While not as well spaced as further north, six campsites and sixteen access points were established in this region. Unfortunately, most of the sites in this region do not receive regular maintenance, and, as such, their current stewardship state is unclear. For example, the Windyhurst Campsite was built by the UVLT on a longstanding farm in the region. However, the UVLT did not hold an easement on the property, and does not currently provide site maintenance. While arrangements were made initially for site stewardship to contiune by a local volunteer, it is now unclear if this is still occuring. Further development of primitive campsites particularly in the 17 mile section between the Windyhurt and the Wantastiquet campsites (Figure 15) - would provide more opportunities for overnight paddlers. In addition, according to the CRJC, in this region, the towns of Ryegate, Westminister, and Westmoreland have all expressed interest in developing river access in their communities. Of these three communities, residents of Westmoreland have to travel the farthest to find public access. 26

28 FIGURE 14: WILSON LANDING TO HOYT'S LANDING LEGEND Established Campsite Potential Campsite Boat Launch (Improved ramp) Boat Launch (Hand carry only) 27

29 FIGURE 15: HOYT'S LANDING TO STEBBINS ISLAND LEGEND Established Campsite Boat Launch (Improved ramp) Boat Launch (Hand carry only) 28

30 Conclusions and Recommendations The establishment of an official Connecticut River Paddler's Trail is an overdue project. After years of campsite and access point development, a contiguous paddler s trail is now well within reach. The results of this analysis also demonstrate that a myriad of potential partners exist who are willing to help with this endeavour. However, coordinating the efforts of these disparate entities may be a challenging undertaking. By helping to create an offically recognized paddler s trail, the VRC can help reduce redundancy and ensure long-term stewardship of the river's recreational resources. The creation of a paddler's trail is not a trivial undertaking, and comes with responsibilities for monitoring and maintenance. The key conclusions of this report are as follows: Campsite Development New campsites are essential to complete the Connecticut River Paddler's Trail. This report provides a detailed analysis of the current gaps in primitive camping and identified locations where campsites can be developed. The following actions would close the large gaps in campsite availability: ϐϐ Work to conserve and provide camping in the town of Lemington ϐϐ Initiate conversations with property owners near Canaan where informal campsites already exist about establishing a formal campsites and a protocol for monitoring and maintenance ϐϐ Establish a campsite near Guildhall, VT ϐϐ Establish a campsite in the Nine Island region Collaborative Planning The VRC must be mindful of the work that has gone into establishing the foundation for the Connecticut River Paddler's Trail, and should work with these organization as it moves forward with its efforts on the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River Working Group currently serves as the primary network of individuals and organizations actively involved with collaborative planning around paddler recreation for the northern sections of the Connecticut, and the UVLT has laid the groundwork for stewardship in the lower sections. Next steps for the VRC could include: ϐϐ Share the results of this assessment with the Connecticut River Working Group, the Upper Valley Land Trust, as well as other relevant organizations and individuals ϐϐ Hold a meeting or conference call to discuss the results of this assessment, the VRC's next steps, and to obtain updates from other organizations about their efforts ϐϐ Become an active member of the Connecticut River Working Group ϐϐ Create and share with pertinent organizations an online database of campsites, access points, signage, land managers and volunteers, and stewardship needs Public Access and Signage Public access is largely sufficient through much of the Upper Connecticut River. Efforts to develop new access points should be considered less important than those that improve signage and reduce 29

31 erosion at existing access points. There are several different types of signage possible at access points, from large, changeable displays to simple metal, stand alone signs. For example, the NFCT works with local committees to develop a set of images and text for large interpretative displays. Their kiosks also include river maps. The State of Vermont, on the other hand, relies on bulletin-board displays. It is worth thinking carefully and collaboratively about what make sense for the Connecticut River Paddler's Trail, and how effective and costly the different types of signs are. Next steps to improve access and signage could include: FIGURE 16: CANAAN RIVER ACCESS SIGNAGE ϐϐ Complete a comprehensive signage inventory for all public access points along the Upper Connecticut River, identifying owners, existing signs, and stewardship needs. ϐϐ Work with the Connecticut River Working Group, the Connecticut River Byway program, NH State Fish and Game, and other organizations to develop more uniform and professional signage at public launches, beginning in Canaan (Figure 16) and Arlin Brook ϐϐ Work with the NFCT or NorthWoods Stewardship Center to install erosion control measures at the Wyoming Dam portage ϐϐ Improve access at the Mount Orne covered bridge Branding Paddler trails, such as the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the Maine Island Trail, are effective tools for both helping communities enhance their water resources and for attracting new visitors to a region. Branding the Upper Connecticut River Canoe Trail is as much an effort in shaping public perception as it is in completing tangible projects. To brand the paddler's trail, the VRC could: ϐϐ Create a website to serve as the central location for visitors seeking to find information on paddling the Connecticut River in Vermont and New Hampshire ϐϐ Establish a phone number and address for inquiries from both visitors seeking information about paddling opportunities and landowners with concerns or new campsite development options ϐϐ Provide press releases and events to promote the trail in the media and in local communities ϐϐ Conduct fundraising efforts to support the further development and management of the paddler's trail ϐϐ Unify these efforts by developing a series of both printed and online maps for visitors ϐϐ Provide a mechanism for river enthusiasts to become supporters of the trail through finan- 30

32 Stewardship cial donations and volunteer work trips The development of new campsites and improved access points is a commitment to long term stewardship of these lands. Several sites have been established on private lands, yet are not currently maintained. Regular stewardship is essential for the long term success of the campsite system. To aid in current stewardship activities, the VRC could: Staffing ϐϐ Work with Connecticut River Working Group, the NFCT, the UVLT and other partner organizations to create a shared database of volunteers who monitor access points and campsites ϐϐ Establish annual work trips to construct new campsites and maintain existing ones, with assistance from the NFCT stewardship interns, the NorthWoods Stewardship Center, and the UVLT. Coordinating these efforts will require the commitment of staff resources. Creating a part-time position to oversee these tasks would help to ensure their long-term success. Dedicated fundraising events, and support from various state and federal agencies, foundations, and partner organizations could provide the funds to support this staffing need. As New England s longest waterway, with consistently navigable waters and few trying rapids or long portages, the Connecticut River is particularly well-suited for multi-day paddling adventures. However, the predominance of private lands, and the river's linear nature (which cuts across organizational and jurisdictional boundaries), has largely hindered progress toward the long sought after goal of a contiguous paddler's trail. The VRC is well suited to spearhead conservation actions which close the gaps in camping facilities in the river's northern section. In addition, the organization has the opportunity to take a leadership role in collaborating with other partners to create an official Connecticut River Paddler's Trail, which would, in turn, help facilitiate coordinated stewardship of this important recreational resource for generations to come. FIGURE 17: OLD RAILROAD TRESTLE NEAR MAIDSTONE 31