Planning for the Future: A Master Plan for Connecticut’s State Parks & Forests
Protecting the state’s most valuable natural resources for the future.
Connecticut is investing in the outdoors like never before. Thanks to the success of the Passport to the Parks program, additional state support, and the creation of the Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, the state has an opportunity to strengthen our beloved state parks and forests. Now is the time to build on this momentum with a comprehensive, forward-thinking master plan that ensures our parks and forests can meet
Our state parks are more popular than ever, which is great news! But this success brings new challenges. These challenges include higher visitation, evolving recreational interests, and uncertain long-term funding. To protect the natural resources we all cherish and provide the best possible experience for visitors, we need to stop reacting to problems and start planning for the future.
The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is calling on the state to create a comprehensive Master Plan for Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests.
A master plan is like a roadmap. It gives the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and policymakers a clear, agreed-upon direction for the next five to ten years. It’s a tool used by park systems across the country to manage parks thoughtfully, spend money wisely, protect natural and cultural resources, and make sure every decision benefits both nature and people.
A strong master plan would be a game-changer, creating:
- A plan to improve our parks, like upgrading trails, visitor centers, and bathrooms so they are safe, accessible, and ready for the future.
- A plan for stable funding, ensuring our parks have the reliable funding they need to hire enough staff and keep up with maintenance every single year.
- A plan for management, operations, and a great visitor experience, creating a roadmap for managing parks efficiently, protecting wildlife, and offering the kinds of recreation opportunities today’s visitors are looking for.
- A plan with clear, measurable goals so we can all track progress and hold our leaders accountable for results.
CFPA recommends starting with a pilot program developed by individual parks or management zones. Initial scoping should identify key characteristics—such as acreage, amenities, gates, and visitation levels—and include at least five parks to guide implementation. The state can use this pilot to then develop a model that can be used across the entire park and forest system.