FAQ

Is CFPA a State Agency?
No, CFPA is a non-profit, membership-based 501c3 conservation organization.

Can I ride my horse/mountain bike/dirt bike/ATV on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails?
The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails were established as footpaths and remain so today with the exception of some trails which are open to multiple uses based upon the wishes of the landowner(s) who allow public access to the trails. None of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are available for use by motorized ATV's.

How do I become a volunteer?
There are several ways in which you can donate your time and energies. Assisting with trail maintenance, helping in the office, or leading a family hike are some of the ways volunteers can get involved. Please complete and return the Volunteer Information Form. Thank you for your interest.

Can CFPA give me free tree seedlings?
We once provided this service, but the State ceased funding and closed the State Nursery several years ago. Tree seedlings are available at varying price levels at local private nurseries or garden shops.

Can CFPA diagnose my tree/bush/plant's disease?
These questions are best answered by the experts at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, (203) 974-8500 or toll free at (877) 855-2237.

Where can I go backpack camping?
The Appalachian Trail has overnight camping areas.  For more general information, visit the CT DEEP website on camping areas.

Backpack camping is limited and camping permits are available through the DEEP by reservation only. Submit a letter of request at least two weeks prior to your intended stay to the following:

Nipmuck, Natchaug, Pachaug State Forest Trails:

DEEP Eastern District Office
209 Hebron Rd.
Marlborough, CT 06447
(860) 295-9523

Tunxis Trail:

DEEP Western District Office
230 Plymouth Rd.
Harwinton, CT 06791
(860) 485-0226

Can CFPA book a State Park Campground or State Park Pavilion for me?
The State Park Campgrounds and pavilions must be booked through www.ReserveAmerica.com or by calling (877) 668-2267. For more general information, visit the CT DEEP website on camping areas.

Can CFPA stop the developer trying to build on the beautiful land near me?
Depending on the situation, CFPA may participate in a partnership effort to protect lands that fall within our land protection guidelines. These guidelines are based on our organizational mission and implemented by our Land Conservation Committee.   

Our focus is not to "stop development" but rather to work proactively to protect Connecticut's forests and lands particularly but not exclusively those along the Blue Blazed Hiking Trails.

Please contact CFPA's Land Conservation program for more information at (860) 346-TREE.

Can CFPA buy the beautiful land that is for sale near me to stop developers from buying it?   At this time, CFPA does not have the funds to purchase conservation lands. However we do participate in partnership efforts to protect lands that fall within our land protection guidelines. These efforts are often based on grant and fundraising efforts and while they are often effective, they do require time.