Does the southwestern region of Connecticut provide enough access to Long Island Sound?

Yes

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by Gerard Coulombe

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Does the region offer enough access to Long Island Sound?

From a hideaway that allows one to express a viewpoint on a wide range of topics, social, economic and political, there exists enough access to Long Island Sound from any part of inland Connecticut to Connecticut's shores. Connecticut is blessed by this precious and priceless geographical position bounded on one side by a portion of a large body of water known to all as Long Island Sound.

Unlike some other States, Connecticut is not landlocked. That is a blessing worth enjoying and protecting. All along the shore, the public has free access to private and public beaches if people who want access drive or walk in during the off-season-usually Labor Day to the next Memorial Day. There are fees at most State and shore front public beaches during the height of the regular beach season. Seniors in shoreline communities are usually issued free summer passes.

There is the Charter Oak Pass for seniors sixty or older issued at all State Parks upon presentation of a valid driver's license as proof of residency. It must be presented by the owner of the pass and admits all in the vehicle.

Access suggests unhindered, not necessarily free, entrance to the coastal area of Connecticut known as Long Island Sound. Boaters have access to the Sound. In-water crafts have access for a mooring fee at municipal or private marinas no matter the size of the boat, sail or motor, dinghy or rowboat. Community boat ramps at community beaches and public access ramps along the shore are also pluses. Clubs of many kinds serving many yachting, sailing or sculling enthusiast or combinations of all are open to those who meet the criteria, whatever it is.

Various kinds of water crafts having to do with off-shore, river, stream or open Sound kayaking are a vogue for individuals or groups preferring activities such as open-water touring with stops at sites that are frequently prepared in advance.

So, it cannot be argued that there exists a paucity of avenues to gain access to Long Island Sound. Fishermen know that. Until recently, fishing in the sound was free. Now there is a $10.00 licensing fee, small for any enthusiast and smaller still for those visiting the Connecticut shore for vacation and pleasure short term or long term.

Off-season, Sherwood Island State Park is a gem for visitors who wish to continue enjoying the sound-great for family picnics. Fans of flying model aircrafts use the beach airport for the aerobatics that those who pilot their spiffy models put their crafts through. These remote controlled aircrafts are fun to watch as they do loop the loops. Elsewhere along the shore, a personal canvas chair on the sand with a good book, a windbreaker [just in case] and a bottle of water is wonderful.

The Audubon Society's Coastal Center in Milford is another gift to the people of Connecticut that continues to give bird lovers and nature fanciers a great deal of pleasure.

What's important is that we guard those places where we have public access jealously. We must care for our surroundings along the Sound. It is often evident, even to a less than casual observer that far too many people have no personal respect for anything, not even themselves, and they think nothing of adding to the contaminants that threaten habitat and the natural beauty of the area whether it is a walkway, beach, tidal pool or sea grass.

The thoughtlessness and selfishness of these people is to those who love the sound or any of nature's settings so very much unsettling.

What might have happened years ago when access to Pleasure Beach Park was denied by not restoring the bridge to it after it caught fire and burned? Many an old timer recalls the wonders of the area including Saint Mary's By the Sea in Black Rock, which continues for many walkers and sightseers an attraction to relax along and thoroughly enjoy at on any kind of day.

It is easy to revisit the subject now-and-then; just for the chance it offers us to review our own natural wonders along the shores of Connecticut. There is river access, road access, boat access, car access, bike access and normal pedestrian access to be had; sometimes it is necessary to pay a fee, but the region, rich in history and natural resources needs to maintain and upgrade its resources such as they are, and they are extraordinary. That means all good efforts to protect the Sound and its ecology must continue to move forward as those charged with monitoring and protecting the quality of the Sound continue believing in the natural beauty as well as value of it all.

It would be interesting to learn who the Robert Moses of Connecticut is. Looking at Bridgeport with a bird's-eye view, it appears we need a modern visionary of our own and a Governor with the fortitude and money to push along to fulfillment the vision the area though extraordinary could and would fulfill.

Learn more about this author, Gerard Coulombe.
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