Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program How To Build A Water Trail Drafting A Water Trail Plan - Providing Access
During the planning process, you’ll receive many
suggestions for potential launch sites from individuals, organizations,
government agencies, and businesses. Lay out the route on paper,
consider these suggestions, and make initial selections based on the
location of roads, accessibility of the terrain, and spacing along the
route. Initial access typically will be at existing parks or open space,
federal and state boating launches, private marinas, campgrounds, and
lands owned by non-profit organizations. As the water trail expands,
additional access sites can be secured.
Private Land: Easy access is vital to draw
people to a blue trail and riverfront. Many times, this means working
with private landowners. It’s important to get landowner permission for
water trail users to use their property whether it’s to access the
river, camp overnight, or stop and stretch their legs. Private landowners can open their land to
recreational use by formal or informal agreements or may sell or donate
land through conservation easements and acquisitions. To identify
landowners, you can go to the tax assessor’s office for copies of the
tax parcel maps for each parcel of land in your blue trail corridor.
These maps will also show the boundaries of individual parcels. Private property owners will be interested in the
stewardship and management services you will offer to ensure protection
of their property. They will want to know about anticipated usage and
plans for facilities and services before agreeing to allow access to
their land or exploring the possibility of an easement or acquisition.
Public Land: Even if land is publicly
owned, it doesn’t mean it will automatically be accessible to water
trail users. You will need to request permission from the public land
manager. Natural and recreational areas are usually a good place to
start. These areas may already have camping or other overnight
accommodations and well-established launch sites. Public land managers
will have many of the same questions as private property owners. Do your
research and be well prepared when approaching these managers about
becoming partners in your project.
Communicate With Landowners And Land Managers It’s important to bring landowners and land managers
into the process from the very beginning. By doing so, they will likely
be more supportive of the water trail and willing to talk to other
landowners and land managers and get their support and involvement as
well. Working with landowners can be a rewarding
experience but it also can be a time consuming process that will likely
require patience, reaching difficult compromises, and facing outright
rejection from time to time. Landowners, of course, do not have to
participate, no matter how effectively you present your water trail
plans. Landowners are within their rights to walk away at anytime before
a solid agreement is reached. But there to communicate with landowners
that will make forming effective partnerships easier. Contact landowners and land managers by letter: You
may have better success by first writing to an owner or manager rather
than making a cold call where a quick “no” is easier than a discussion.
A letter can detail exactly what you want and include a brochure or
other information about your blue trail, giving the recipient a chance
to mull over your request and make any inquiries. Be sure to include
your contact information and suggest a time you will check back with the
owner or manager.
Introductory Information: Compile an introductory
package of information that includes a brief description, the blue trail
vision, frequently asked questions, information on your state’s
liability laws, and any other details you think would be helpful.
Connecticut Landowner Liability Law
Before approaching an owner or manager for
permission to use their property, you should have the following in
place:
Make The Request: Asking for access to a property is much like
fundraising. It requires preparation and a gracious, thoughtful approach
by an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and trust-inspiring representative of
the group. In your letter, let the landowner or manager know you will be
calling them in a few days for a reply or to see if they have further
questions. Therefore, when you call, there’s no need for a lot of
explanation and you can get down to business. It is wise to mention that
other landowners in the area are being contacted simultaneously, so as
to not infer the singling out of a property. Try to arrange an in-person
meeting at a time and place convenient to the owner or manager.
At The Meeting Articulate The Following:
If the owner or manager agrees to grant access to
users, be sure to express your gratitude and follow that up with a
letter acknowledging the agreement. Ask owners or managers if they would
like to be listed where you publicly acknowledge other donors
(newsletter, website, etc.) as providing access to their land is a
valuable donation. Also ask if they would allow the use of their name
when reaching out to other landowners.
Assess The Property: After an owner or manager agrees to grant access to
their land, make a thorough assessment of the property, if you have not
done so already. Your assessment may include:
Seal The Deal: If the property is suitable, talk with the owner or
manager in detail about their expectations of use and impacts and your
group’s ability to manage usage. Encourage the adoption of strict
low-impact standards (no fires, carrying out human waste, etc.) for all
sites along the blue trail, but let the owner or manager establish the
rules and restrictions for the specific site. Reach an understanding in writing. Some owners and managers prefer a simple letter reiterating agreements and responsibilities while others may request a legal document. Land trusts may prefer a stewardship and management plan based on the inherent qualities and characteristics of the property. Include a time period in all agreements with an option to renew. It's wise to have a lawyer examine and approve your agreements before you sign them.
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