You asked if anyone has proposed a bill to bar horseback riding on Connecticut trails, and about a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposal to limit such riding.

PROPOSED LEGISLATION

No one has proposed legislation to prohibit horseback riding on Connecticut trails in the 2007 session. However, Representative Hovey has introduced HB 5595 to preserve horse trails on 26 specific trails. We have attached a copy of the bill, or you may read it online at http: //www. cga. ct. gov/2007/TOB/h/pdf/2007HB-05595-R00-HB. pdf. The Environment Committee held a public hearing on the bill on January 26.

PROPOSED DEP REGULATIONS

In updating its regulations for state parks and forests, DEP has proposed designating specific trails for the use of riders, and prohibiting riding elsewhere. Current DEP regulations prohibit riding horses on trails, but the department says its policy is to allow horseback riding where safe and appropriate. On February 5, the department held a hearing on the draft regulations at which a number of horseback riders objected to the proposed language. DEP has said it is willing to work with the riders on the language.

PF: ro