Save Our CT Trails

Formerly Save The MDC Trails

A group of like minded citizens with the mission to keep the MDC properties open to the public

What can I do to help?

We’re glad you asked, and fortunately there are several things you can do:

1)Read Phase II of the plan so you are familiar with the approach to getting the loopholes plugged.  

2) Sign our online petition

3)      Contact your State legislators.  To find information on your Senator and Representative, the following link should help (bottom of the page)

4)      Get others involved.  If an organization you are involved with is not involved and should be, encourage them to sign the petition, visit our web site for background information, and inform their membership.

5)      Write to your MDC commissioners with a carbon copy to your town leadership and tell them how important the MDC lands are to you for recreation.  Emails are okay, but letters are even better;

6)      Support and/or subscribe to the email lists of organizations like the Connecticut Forest and Park Association , CT NEMBA , Rivers Alliance of Connecticut , and others who are passionate about these issues;

7)       This is an election year. Ask the candidates if they will support fixing the holes in the existing legislation, if elected. Tell them that this is a priority for you. 

8)      Stay tuned for opportunities to testify at the Legislature (or organizations like those above will help you submit testimony) when legislation is introduced that will provide municipalities (including the MDC) with appropriate recreational liability immunity;

 

 Of course, it’s important that you DO something directly and/or get others involved, but it’s equally important HOW you do it:

Be firm and passionate in your beliefs, but be polite and respectful in your presentation.  Sometimes overstating the case can backfire and undermine your effectiveness;

Learn and follow the rules of engagement (e.g., if you have 3 minutes to present your testimony on the matter, do your best to stick to 3 minutes); and

Please de-personalize the situation at the MDC.  Even though the jury verdict is absurd and upsetting, the injured bicyclist is not our enemy.  Our focus should be on fixing the state’s Recreational Liability Statute so that this does not happen again and doesn’t discourage other towns from providing recreational opportunities for the public.