Dear Friend of CFPA,
Due to potential property owner changes, the 4.5 mile blue-blazed Chatfield Trail could be in danger of being broken.
Located just south of Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, the Chatfield Trail travels through portions of the Cockaponset State Forest and Forster Pond State Park and is generously hosted by 10 private landowners. The trail winds through a mixed forestland and features large boulders, rocky ledges, and babbling brooks. Cliffs and rocky, uneven terrain make this trail a fun challenge.
You may have heard about the recent negotiations over the sale of this Camp in Killingworth. The beautiful 240 acre property hosts 25% of the Chatfield Trail, including the legendary rock formation known as “Fat Man’s Squeeze.” The Trust for Public Land (TPL), in cooperation with the Town of Killingworth, State of Connecticut, and other partners like CFPA, has worked tirelessly to preserve the property. To date, though, TPL has been unable to match an above-market offer made by a private developer. According to recent media reports, prospects for a conservation-outcome that preserves access for the Chatfield Trail are looking increasingly dire. You may be able to help TPL’s last-ditch efforts to protect the Deer Lake Camp. Please help us spread the word about TPL’s great work to protect this property and access to the Chatfield Trail.
No matter who ultimately becomes the future owner of this property, CFPA will be doing all we can to ensure ongoing access to the well-loved Chatfield Trail. Sadly, there are hundreds of other properties across the state where similar events could unfold and the ongoing challenge of protecting the land hosting trail corridors inspires us to fight on.
Thank you for being a friend of CFPA and please know that your support helps us toward our goal of keeping this world-class trail system open for you and future generations to enjoy.
-To learn more about the Deer Lake Scout Camp and this issue, click HERE.
-To join the private Save Deer Lake Facebook Group, click HERE.
-To plan a hike on the Chatfield Trail, visit our interactive trails map HERE.
-Support our trail protection efforts, click the Donate Now button below.
