O, JOY! Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve Officially Opened!

The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve was officially opened and dedicated on the beautiful Sunday afternoon of November 4, 2007, as close to one hundred people watched the unveiling of a new sign on Rt. 161 in Niantic.
     Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the first of the speakers, emphasized the responsibility we all share as stewards of the environment, stating that we have a duty to leave the earth the same as or better than we found it.  Blumenthal then commended all the parties who worked tirelessly to create the 400-plus acre Nature Preserve, and he advocated for preservation of the additional 230 acres of waterfront land that abuts the Nature Preserve and is currently owned by Landmark Development.  Mr. Blumenthal vowed “to stand side by side with the Town and fight in any court anywhere to prevent development endangering this fragile resource”.  
      First Selectman Beth Hogan, State Senator Andrea Stillman, State Representative Ed Jutila, and  State Representative Betsy Ritter all spoke about the importance of preserving open space and of  the significance of officially opening the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve.  Alicia Betty, Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land, credited the local political leadership, the Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and others for creating a unique and uncommonly powerful partnership with impressive results.
     Marvin Schutt, President of the Friends, called the opening of the Preserve a dream come true for him. Vice President Mike Dunn spoke about the significance of the name “Friends” and thanked the very large number of contributors who worked together to create the Nature Preserve.  Denise Garofalo, Capital Campaign and Membership Chair of the Friends, called each of the Friends’ board members to stand and be recognized for their efforts and dedication.
     The new sign marking Veterans Memorial Field and The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve was created and unveiled by John Wilson of Sign Craft. Following the ceremony the Friends provided guided hiking tours of varying lengths through the Hills.
     Trail Guides showing over five miles of marked trails are now available in distribution boxes at trail-side. The Trail Guide is also available online at the Town of East Lyme web site, www.eltownhall.com, and at the Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve web site, www.oswhills.org.
(This article appeared in The Lyme Times on      11/15/07)

The OHNP is “ON the MAP”! 

     Feature articles on East Lyme and Niantic in March editions of The Boston Globe’s “Travel” section and The New London Day’s “Marketplace” extol the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve among the Town’s enticing attractions that include the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, McCook Point Park, Rocky Neck State Park, and the Niantic River Estuary Canoe/Kayak Trail.
     The Day describes the OHNP as “one of the area’s most well-known – and beautiful – spots for strolling”, a “woodland paradise” filled with “natural wonders” and wildlife such as turkeys, deer, osprey, and bald eagles.  The writer expresses gratitude for “the continuing efforts of groups like Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and the East Lyme Land Conservation Trust” who (along with the Town, the State and Federal governments, the Trust for Public Land, and the generosity of private donors) have contributed to the preservation of “some 400 unspoiled acres” that visitors can wander and enjoy. Happy Hiking!

Blazing the Way

At the time of the official opening of the OHNP last November, trail guides were made available in which the trails were indicated by colors that matched those of the existing blazing system.  Through experience over the following months, we have sought to determine what improvements would benefit the safety and enjoyment of the hikers, trail-bikers, and nature enthusiasts who visit and explore the trails.  Once determin-ations are finalized, adjustments to the blazing and marking of the trails will be put in place and revised trail guides will be produced and distributed.

Project for Spring – Fall 2008

      In addition, we have received grant money that will enable us to enhance the accessibility and safety of the five entrances/ egresses to the Nature Preserve.  These enhancements will include: an information kiosk and three benches at the primary entrance off Veterans’ Memorial Park; six parking spaces, informational sign, and bench at the secondary entrance on the north end of Quarry Dock Road; and bollard-and-chain barricades at the three ancillary entrances on Oswegatchie Hills Road.  The entrances will be land-scaped to harmonize with the woodland environs and make our wonder-filled Nature Preserve even more welcoming.

                                                   Three Strikes . . .?

              The good news is – the appeal by Landmark Development, LLC of the East Lyme Zoning Board’s denial of its second application for large-scale development in the northern portion of the Oswegatchie Hills has been denied.  The testimony presented by the Friends in support of the Town’s decision formed part of the record that was reviewed by the appellate judge.  However, in spite of the fact that the Court upheld the Zoning Board’s decision, Glen Russo of Landmark is proceeding with an appeal of the denial of his appeal!  With the support of our members and the community in our role as legal interveners, the Friends will continue to work to protect the Hills.