2025 Recap and 2026 Goals

Curtiss Brook Trail was a big 2025 project

Before we get to our goals for 2026, here's our 2025 Recap: 

• Volunteer Hours - We logged 1,168 hours of volunteer trail work in 2025, mostly clearing out vegetation and cutting up blowdowns. Using a published value for volunteer labor in Connecticut, that works out to a value of $42,562. This doesn't include all our anonymous trail angels who pick up sticks and litter from the trails, report blowdowns, and so forth. 
• Special Projects: Curtiss Brook Trail was created below Pine Lake, providing a safer and more scenic connection from the downtown area to the Rec Path. The project involved substantial earthwork and the construction of a bridge.  At Boehm Pond, the Corn Hill access trail was created, drainage issues were addressed, and new signs were added. For the Paugussett Trail, a major bridge was replaced near Independence Drive. Three kiosks were refurbished, including major repairs to the Hope Lake kiosk. The SIS Connector was reblazed, and routered signs were added at each end. 
• Events: Three guided hikes were scheduled, but due to poor weather and trouble getting the word out, only one person attended. 
• Trails Committee Membership: Mark Rowan was officially appointed to the Committee by the Board of Aldermen, replacing Val Gosset, who moved out of state. 

Here are the Trails Committee's goals for 2026:

1. Refurbish three kiosks: Turkey Trot, Oak Valley at the powerlines, and Gristmill Trail. 
   
   
2. Construct a bog walk at the Stockmal Trail bridge approach. This is at Willis Woods, across the highway from Nicholdale Farm. There's a low mucky area that occasionally floods (with a current) just before the bridge. A stretch of bog walk will allow for better footing but not impede flood waters. The hardest part will be getting the lumber there. 
   
   
3. Improve the SIS Connector trail. This may be the big project for 2026. An upgrade will make this short connector trail more inviting to people who stick to the "improved" paths like the Rec Path and school paths, allowing them to walk a 1-mile very easy loop (handicapped friendly?). The Committee is looking into spreading some crushed stone where there are a lot of roots, constructing a bridge across the emergency spillway, widening the trail, and addressing two slopes. There may be one or more work parties in April so that SHS students in need of last-minute community service can help out. Maybe a crosswalk at Constitution Blvd, but that's up to the Street Committee. 
   
   
4. Obtain rewards for some of the more dedicated volunteers, such as hats. We have some people who are not on the Trails Committee, but often come and help clear out the trails. One option is hats that say "Shelton Trails" and "Volunteer" on them.  
   
   
5. Resurface and improve drainage along the Rec Path between Lane Street and the upper Wesley crossing. A contractor will be needed for this.
   
   
6. Construct a Paugussett Trail bridge at Birchbank Mountain over Upper White Hills Brook at the chimney.  We've wanted a bridge here for a long time, but it's a difficult spot. The brook floods with tremendous force, and it will not be easy to get supplies to this location. Because this is one of CFPA's Blue-Blazed Trails, staff at CFPA has said they might be able to have their summer crew build a bride. We're crossing our fingers!