Halfway River
Introduction
The 13-acre Halfway River Preserve is Newtown's portion of a Housatonic River Basin Resource Restoration Project that provides residents with access to one of the state's best wild brown trout fisheries. It provides recreational and ecological benefits to the community, giving the public easy access 1,200 feet of frontage at a high-quality fishery.
Public Access
The property and access to it is about two-thirds of a mile north of Route 111, on Route 34. There is limited parking and a marked trail to the river. Hunting and unauthorized ATVs and other motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited.
Description and Special Features
The Halfway River is a tributary of the Housatonic River, upstream of the Stevenson Dam. The river contains robust wild populations of brown trout, which the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection considers "a rare resource on a statewide scale". The Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited describes Halfway River as "A fragile stream of great beauty, home to small, beautiful wild brook and brown trout" and suggests fishermen use barbless, single hooks and artificial lures or flies. A 7.5′, 2-4 wt fly rod is ideal. If spin fishing, please snap off treble hooks (leave a single hook). Recreational benefits aside, the Halfway River is now permanently protected.
History and Acquisition
The Halfway River is in the Stevenson district of Newtown. According to town historian Daniel Cruson in his book, Newtown 1900-1960, in the 17th century, the river marked the northern boundary of Stratford, and it supposedly derived it's name from its position halfway between Stratford center and Woodbury. Rock formations mark the site of the Loveland Mill, owned and operated by brothers Giles and Grover Loveland.
The Halfway River parcel went up for sale in 2008. The Town of Newtown asked The Trust for Public Land's (TPL) for assistance to permanently safeguard the streamside habitat and high water quality that support the renowned fish population. TPL purchased the property and held it until the town could assemble its own funding, which it expected to - and did - receive from a settlement with General Electric for damages to the Housatonic River. The acquisition was completed in March 2009. A parking area on Route 34 was added in 2016.
The Halfway River parcel went up for sale in 2008. The Town of Newtown asked The Trust for Public Land's (TPL) for assistance to permanently safeguard the streamside habitat and high water quality that support the renowned fish population. TPL purchased the property and held it until the town could assemble its own funding, which it expected to - and did - receive from a settlement with General Electric for damages to the Housatonic River. The acquisition was completed in March 2009. A parking area on Route 34 was added in 2016.
About the CommissionThe Newtown Conservation Commission is dedicated to the acquisition, preservation and protection of 2,000 acres of town-owned open space. In addition, the Commission is actively working to encourage healthy habitats and increase the diversity of our native wildlife and vegetation.
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3 Primrose Street Newtown, CT 06470 (203) 270-4276 |