The CT Deep State Parks Division will be conducting a hazard tree removal project along the Hop River Rails to Trails SP. The work will start at Bolton Notch SP and proceed east toward Columbia, ending at the Kings Rd. crossing. This work will be done by a contractor, J&J Bros, under state contract.
The work will consist of removing dead, decaying and structurally compromised trees along the trail that have the capability to impact public safety and the use of the trail. The work zone will extend approx. 25' on either side of the trail.
Mechanized equipment will be used to remove the trees, including a senebogan grapple saw vehicle, a bucket truck, whole tree chipper truck, chip trailer and log truck. All the brush will be chipped into trailers and removed off site, any remaining wood will be removed with a log truck and disposed of offsite.
Rolling closures of the trail will occur as the work takes place, most closures will be at trail head parking areas. CT DEEP staff will be onsite daily to monitor the work and ensure public safety.
This project has been approved by an internal CT DEEP review and has been posted on the CT DEEP website, www.ct.gov/deep/distressedtrees . The public can submit questions or concerns directly to deep.hazardtrees@ct.gov.
Work is anticipated to start around April 1st and take 3-4 weeks for completion.