Congressman Larson Praises Protection of New England Trail System

Contact:Emily Barocas/202-225-7295/202-593-1377

CONGRESSMAN LARSON PRAISES PROTECTION OF NEW ENGLANDTRAIL SYSTEM

WASHINGTON, DC-- In December of 2002, the President signed theMetacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett Trail Study Act into law, which directed theNational Park Service to study the trail to determine if it should be includedin the National Trail System. InApril of 2006, the study recommended its inclusion. Today, the House voted on and approved legislation that urges theimplementation of the study's recommendations, while protecting land owners.

Congressman John B. Larson CT-01, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, said:

"I am thrilled that the House of Representatives votedtoday to protect one of our country's natural treasures - theMetacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett Trail System.

The success of this legislation is due to the hard work of the entiredelegations from Connecticutand Massachusetts, and Congressmen Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy in particular. I commend them, the local communities, and the states for their work onbehalf of our environment.

Connecticutis proud to be home to part of what will now be the New England National ScenicTrail System, a beautiful nature trail that runs 190 miles from Massachusettsthrough Connecticutto the Long Island Sound.

The trail is a vital part of the natural beauty and recreational activityof the First Congressional District of Connecticut, as well as the other partsof the state and neighboring Massachusetts. But, it passes through one of themost densely populated parts of the country. 2 million people live within 10 miles of the trail.

The living things that call the ridge home and add to its beauty have notbeen protected from residential development pressures. While seventeen towns in Connecticuthave signed a compact to work towards protecting the trail, we all felt that itmerits federal protection.

Today, the trail has earned this protection."