Bulls Bridge parking lots closed
After an AMC trail volunteer was threatened, at knife point, by a large group of people, the town of Kent has closed the parking lot at the intersection of Bulls Bridge Road and Route 7. Currently, town crews are putting up no parking signs along the road side pull off across the street from the Bulls Bridge Inn and Country Store. I saw town trucks further down the road too, but it was not obvious what was planned for the other spots. The parking area immediately upstream of the power plant has new police tape, blocking all of the parking areas. The power plant has the same barricade up as they have for a short while now, and does not want the general public down at the picnic area.
Historically, the Bulls Bridge Inn has allowed a very limited number of locals to park BEYOND the willow tree in the back lot. That, of course, was under normal circumstances and if space was readily available. When their lot is full, they would prefer to have all parking spaces for their regular patrons. Considering the potential parking pressure now, all whitewater boaters should make extra effort to be courteous and not take up any spots that could be used by paying customers. (Better yet, let's become paying customers on a more regular basis)
As of right now (this could change), the towns of Kent and New Milford (Gaylordsville), as well as the engineers working at the power plant, see private whitewater boaters as a unique user group, one that has made a positive impact on the river corridor. We can continue being seen in this light as long as we continue being good stewards of the river and surrounding areas.
Best strategy moving forward:
1. Be polite and stay out of the way.
2. Make it obvious that you are a whitewater boater. Make it obvious that your car belongs to a whitewater boater. OBVIOUS! Not everyone understands what our stickers are. I'm going to leave an extra boat on top of my car (locked).
3. If asked to leave, or denied access, please respect that directive. We would probably only be asked to leave if conditions change. If they do change, we can address access later. Right now, making sure we do not escalate any potentially difficult scenarios.
Historically, the Bulls Bridge Inn has allowed a very limited number of locals to park BEYOND the willow tree in the back lot. That, of course, was under normal circumstances and if space was readily available. When their lot is full, they would prefer to have all parking spaces for their regular patrons. Considering the potential parking pressure now, all whitewater boaters should make extra effort to be courteous and not take up any spots that could be used by paying customers. (Better yet, let's become paying customers on a more regular basis)
As of right now (this could change), the towns of Kent and New Milford (Gaylordsville), as well as the engineers working at the power plant, see private whitewater boaters as a unique user group, one that has made a positive impact on the river corridor. We can continue being seen in this light as long as we continue being good stewards of the river and surrounding areas.
Best strategy moving forward:
1. Be polite and stay out of the way.
2. Make it obvious that you are a whitewater boater. Make it obvious that your car belongs to a whitewater boater. OBVIOUS! Not everyone understands what our stickers are. I'm going to leave an extra boat on top of my car (locked).
3. If asked to leave, or denied access, please respect that directive. We would probably only be asked to leave if conditions change. If they do change, we can address access later. Right now, making sure we do not escalate any potentially difficult scenarios.
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