Haddam Trail Network

An introduction and a future

> 50 Miles of Mapped Trails 42 trailheads Ownership

◦ State of Connecticut – Cockaponset Forest◦ CT Forest and Park Association - Blue Blazed Trails◦ RSD 17- Haddam Elementary Land Trust - Swan

Hill◦ Haddam Land Trust

Haddam Trails

Cockaponsett Forest North

Cockaponsett Forest South

HES

Haddam Land TrustTrails

•Bamforth (21)•Nedobity (15)•Ponsett Ridge (20)•Saraceno (9)

Miller’s Pond

Future Trails – Higganum Loop

Average Appraised Value of Single Family Home in Haddam = $ 237,500

Average Assessed Value of Single Family Home in Haddam = $154,375

Average Tax Paid by Home Owner=$4,368 Average Children per Home = .48 Average Cost of Education for Each Child in

Haddam=$13,537, Which Equals = $6,497 per Household

Where is the $6496 difference coming from?

Haddam’s Economic Challenge

Loss of CT Yankee Where does Haddam make up shortfall?

◦ Raise Taxes or Lower Spending (Schools) Trend from Haddam Visioning Sessions 1% of land set aside for commercial 0.8% zoned for industrial use Commercial Development of Village Center

Trails and Haddam’s Economic Development (Sustainment)

Nearby (convenient) opportunities for active and healthy lifestyle.

Safe for pedestrians Increased awareness of natural

surroundings Non-motorized corridor connecting parts of

the town.

Benefits of Trails to Towns

Increase in property values near trails Attacts new businesses and employees

◦ 2nd most important community amenity out of 18 choices (Mountain Bay Trail – Brown County, WI)

Increase in spending ◦ $13.54 per person per visit in town on food, beverages and

transportation (Ohio Miami Trail) – ($4 -$30) ◦ $277/year average per person in region on clothes, equipment

and accessories. If trail is centrally connected, can lead to reinvestment

in downtown. A destination trail can bring in a significant number of

outside users (depending on quality of trail, can be 5% to 70% non-local).

Economic Benefits of Trails

Cove Wharf Road (Nosal Road)◦ Higganum Cove

Higganum Village Loop Swan Hill Railway from Tylerville through Haddam ??

Key Trails

DEP Grant submitted in August for $22,000◦ Web Site◦ Trailhead Markings◦ Interpretative Signs

Future Steps◦ Central Kiosk map◦ Printed Trail Maps ◦ Best use for unused railroad from Tylerville to

Middletown◦ Development of connector trails

Need active research into where trails are needed Right of Ways Donations to Haddam Land Trust

◦ Finish Higganum Loop

Next Steps

Sample Web Map

Use the trails◦ Receive email with links to all maps◦ Spread the word

Receive updates on trails – sign up sheet Volunteer to work on trail development

How can you help ?