Hovey Votes To Preserve State Equine Trails

HARTFORD — The state House of Representatives has voted to preserve seven historic horse trails throughout the state, as advocated by state Representative DebraLee Hovey, R-112th District, Monroe, Newtown.

Rep Hovey, herself an accomplished rider and horse owner, has been working with a bipartisan group of legislators, the state Department of Environmental Protection, and other groups to identify some of the many horse trails in Connecticut and preserve them in their natural state for use by riders and the public. In particular, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council have been actively involved.

The horse trail legislation, HB 5108, passed the House by a unanimous vote Friday night May 30, and it is expected to receive prompt approval by the state Senate.

“The goal is to preserve the horse trails that have existed for a century or more and keep them available for riders and walkers,” said Rep Hovey. “Connecticut has a longstanding history with equestrians. Horse trails are an integral part of the Connecticut fabric and they need to be preserved. Maintaining our quality of life is something we can do for future generations.”

The trails identified for preservation are:

*Larkin State Park trails (Southbury-Oxford-Middlebury);

*Airline State Park trails — south and north (Colchester-Hebron-Lebanon-Windham-Hampton-Pomfret-Putnam);

*Hop River State Park trails (Bolton-Coventry-Andover-Columbia);

*Moosup Valley State Park trails (Sterling-Plainfield);

*Huntington State Park trails;

*Natchaug State Forest trails, and

*Cockaponset State Forest trails.

Flag Collection

On Saturday, June 13, Rep Hovey will sponsor a collection for used American flags that are no longer serviceable and need to be properly retired.

It will be at the Stepney Volunteer Fire House #1 at 88 Main Street in Monroe beginning at 10 am.

Rep Hovey said, “Residents who have American flags that have become tattered, soiled, or otherwise unsuitable for display are encouraged to drop their flag off for collection.”

Flags will be collected that day and delivered to the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, a unit of the state’s organized militia under the Connecticut National Guard, for proper disposal at its headquarters in Newtown.

“Especially around Flag Day, which is June 14, people think about displaying the flag,” said Rep Hovey. “For those who have a flag that is no longer usable, the US Flag Code specifies that they must be properly retired. I hope town residents will take advantage of this opportunity to properly retire old flags.”

Interns Sought

In other news, Rep Hovey encourages college students who want to learn first-hand about state government and the legislative process to consider becoming legislative interns and to earn college credits in the process.

Rep Hovey has been appointed to the Connecticut legislature’s Internship Committee for the coming year and will be helping to recruit and screen applicants for the program.

“Interns become better informed citizens for the rest of their lives, and some even go on to work in government,” said Rep Hovey. “Several legislators themselves started out as college interns, and then worked their way up from local to state office.”

“The internship program provides educational opportunities not available in the classroom, by involving students in the formal and informal aspects of the legislative process.”

“It is a great experience for college students, and I encourage all to check out our website for details,” Rep. Hovey added.

Information and an application for the Connecticut legislative internship program are available at http://cga.ct.gov/isc.