Accepting

Responsibility

To the Editor,

I am responding to Julie Lieberman’s letter to the editor of February 2, 2007, regarding the plastic streamers that she has been finding on the trails at Fairfield Hills.

My organization, the Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA), while not the sole user of these trails, will accept responsibility in the name of any equestrian who may have caused this oversight.

The NBLA’s mission is indeed the preservation of open space, thus the protection of the land in general and its wildlife.

In our continued stewardship of the trail system, several times a year we organize trail clearing parties. We cut down fallen branches and remove heavy rocks that obstruct the pathways, we pick up any debris we encounter, and we construct bridges over waterways.

These efforts benefit all users of the trails, such as hikers and bird watchers, and not only the horseback riders.

The use of orange tape serves the purpose of identifying the trail route for all trail users. Perhaps the wind blew off and tore some of the streamers. We are currently in the process of searching for biodegradable or more acceptable markers.

In the meantime, we will do our utmost to remove the remaining streamers, as much as the weather and the condition of the terrain will allow us.

We would like to thank Ms Lieberman for bringing this situation to our attention.

Sincerely,

Christina Kennedy

Chairman NBLA

22 Mt Nebo Road, Newtown                                      February 7, 2007