CONCORD, Mass. – Due to the severe flooding and high winds associated with several storms which occurred on Thursday, June 9, 2011, there are numerous hazardous trees down and hanging in the Thomaston Dam reservoir/ trail area in Thomaston, Conn.  

Specialized contract tree workers are in the process of being dispatched. Corps of Engineers team members have been working the area; however, safety capabilities have been exceeded by dangerous leaning and hanging trees. A tree removal purchase order is in the process of being awarded. The best estimate for commencement of work will be sometime during the week of July 11, 2011. The work may take up to two weeks to complete, depending on ground conditions and logistics.

Approximately 50 trees ranging from pole size to 40-inches and 70 feet tall need attention and/or removal. Some trees are blocking trails and some are hanging 20 feet up over trails.  Some trees are in accessible areas and some are not. The contractors will be using specialized equipment such as a feller buncher, mini excavator winch, and wood chipper to safely remove the hazardous trees.

Please continue to check the Corps of Engineers Thomaston Dam web page at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/tmd/tmdhome.htm and the phone message (860-283-5540) for updates as the Corps staff does not currently have a re-opening time and date, but will post that information as soon as conditions are safe.

The Corps staff realizes that Thomaston Dam is one of only a few places to legally ride two-wheeled trail bikes in Connecticut and will have the recreation area open as soon as possible. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers strives to keep the area and trails safe for everyone. For more information contact Vincent A. Gualtieri at 860-283-5540.