Steps on how to best utilize 376 acres of natural wooded open space are being put in place by the Conservation Commission.{{more}}
Formerly owned by the Hubbell Corporation Turkey Hill Preserve was purchased by the town in 2011 for $7.1 million.{{more}}
The corporation had presented plans to develop the acreage with 226 homes including some affordable ones.
Residents voted 1,645 to 356 to purchase the property.
Conservation Commission Chairwomen Sharon Ewen said she would be presenting her commission’s recommendation for a land assessment company to begin the analysis.
First Selectman Jim Zeoli confirmed the topic would be an agenda item at the April 10 Board of Selectmen meeting.
Zeoli said the study will look at environmental impact on the property, everything from vernal pools to animals.
Ewen said a physical assessment of the property will be completed.
She said it would include an ecological assessment of the vegetation, habitat, wildlife and invasive species.
Ewen said the study would take a year to complete because it needs to include all four seasons of the year.
Recently the New England Bike Association appeared before the BOS offering to build and maintain trails on the property.
Resident Ed Kissel is a member of NEMBA.
He said the statewide organization has about 15 Orange members.
He said he uses the trails to run on.
Kissel said the trails are well maintained and thought out. He said some of the trails are designed to impede off road vehicles from gaining access.
Resident Rich Scanlon is in favor of the trails but said he is not a member of NEMBA.
“It will be great to have a local place to ride. It will be a great place to go for exercise and good clean fun,” Scanlon said.
Zeoli said NEMBA would have to wait until the study is complete.{{more}}
“NEMBA is on hold for now. They will still have an opportunity with time,” Zeoli said.
Zeoli said Ewen’s commission needed to be addressed first.
“The Conservation Commission should have their say first,” Zeoli said.
Zeoli said money was donated for the study by the Orange Land Trust and Hubbell.
“The property is open to the public. A parking area will be going in this spring,” he said.
Ewen said Trail Day is coming up on June 1. The Conservation Commission is planning a tour of the property.
Watch this publication for details when they are finalized.