Water Trail Keepers Program

Project Description

Connecticut Water Trail Keepers (CWTK) is a project of the Connecticut Water Trails Program. The project will create a corps of stewards for designated water trails in Connecticut. The Connecticut Water Trail Keepers will monitor and maintain Connecticut’s Water Trails

The mission of these volunteers is to improve the quality of the trail experience for all visitors to the trail. Their principal roles are to use their local knowledge to assist others in emergency situations, to recognize and report problems with the trail, and to offer visitors information about the trail, local services, activities, and attractions.

Trail Steward volunteers are people familiar with the area who will participate in this program during times they normally use the trail themselves. There are no scheduled hours other than a training session and a few other activities.

 As time, interests, and skills allow, the Trail Stewards can help with general education programs or promotional activities.

Trail Keeper Stewards

The Connecticut Water Trails Program Trail Keeper Stewardship program -  is made up of “Reach Stewards” who take responsibility for a reach of an adopted water trail.

Reach Stewards

• Reach Stewards monitor and report on trail conditions. They maintain the trail by conducting on-the-water, bank and site clean-ups.

• Reach Stewards may also advocate for the development and improvement of their reach and the water trail.

• Reach Stewards may recruit and coordinate the work of Reach and Trail Volunteers and other individuals and groups on their reach.

Trail Steward

• A Trail Steward takes responsibility for an entire water trail.

• The Trail Steward manages the Reach Stewards and coordinates their work.
  The Trail Steward also coordinates the removal of larger obstructions and human hazards with the local authorities (if any) or with the Trail Keepers In-Stream Maintenance Crews.

• The work of the Trail Stewards is coordinated by

Connecticut Water Trails Program In - Stream Maintenance Crews

The Connecticut Water Trails Program sponsors the Trail Keepers “In-Stream Maintenance” crews who also maintain water trails on smaller streams Connecticut by clearing obstructions and hazards in a safe and environmentally sensitive way.

The work of the In-Stream Maintenance Crews are coordinated by the Connecticut Water Trails Program Conservation Chair

Paddlers Can Help

You don't have to be a Connecticut Water Trail Keeper to help your favorite water trail. Paddlers can be the eyes and ears for Trail Keeper stewards by reporting deadfall, strainers and dangerous obstructions. To report a human hazard on the water trails listed above  Water Trails Reports

To volunteer or to learn more about Connecticut Water Trails Program Water Trail Keepers click on the links below.

Trail or Reach Steward

Volunteer To Be A Trail Or Reach Volunteer

Volunteer To Be A Reach Steward

Reach Steward Job Description

Reach Steward Application Form

Trail Steward Job Description

Trail Keeper Steward Training Sessions

Trail Keepers Program Policies

 Water Trails Reports

 Connecticut Water Trails