Caring for our world here at home

Public Use and Dog Policy

Essex Land Trust preserves are open to the public for non-commercial, passive recreational use from dawn to dusk on all days, subject to the limitations set forth below.

Public Use for Private Events

An approved permit is required for use of our preserves by any non-ELT group with planned attendance of 10 or more individuals or if a donation is suggested or required. Permits are attached to this Policy and must be returned to the ELT at least 2 weeks before the event date. Events cannot be announced until after the permit request has been approved in writing. Approval to use a preserve does not ensure exclusive use.

Access to our preserves may be restricted when reserved for private use. Dates and times of restricted use will be posted on the preserve. Users are responsible for removal of all trash and leaving the preserves in the same state as when they arrived.

CLICK HERE to review the detailed policy and download the permit application.

Dog Policy

Enforcement of this policy is discretionary. The land trust reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to exclude any member of the public who fails to abide by this policy. Dogs are welcome on Essex Land Trust preserves, subject to the following conditions:

  • Handlers shall comply with state and local laws, including, without limitation, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 22- 341, 22-364, 22-364b, 22-357. Connecticut General Statutes § 22-364(a) provides, in relevant part, “No owner or keeper of any dog shall allow such dog to roam at large upon the land of another and not under control of the owner or keeper or the agent of the owner or keeper . . . .”
  • Dogs must always be under the owner’s control. Under control means a dog is leashed or within direct eyesight of the handler and returns immediately when called Handlers must clean up after their dog(s) Dogs must be licensed and display a valid rabies tag
  • Handlers must always have in their possession a leash no greater than 7 feet in length
  • Handlers must not allow dog(s) to approach another person or dog unless invited
  • Handlers must keep dog(s) out of abutters’ properties
  • If a dog bite occurs, immediately contact Essex Animal Control at 860-767-4340 x 160 or the Animal Control Officer at 860-391-7127. For emergencies call 911