Deep Brook Preserve
Introduction
The Deep Brook Preserve is widely used for passive recreation by hikers, runners, bikers, dog walkers, anglers, and cross country skiers. The southern terminus of the ever-popular Al’s Trail near Queen Street connects to Commerce Road and the Route 84 crossing. The Deep Brook portion of the trail is a beautiful and secluded walk through the forest next to the stream, which belies its location within a mile of the center of Town.
Public Access
Deep Brook is located at the end of Old Farm Road, and there is parking near the kiosk. The Preserve borders Deep Brook, on both sides, and there are walking trails that link to walking and riding paths on town and state properties. Hikers and other visitors share the trails with horses and must obey all right-of-way rules.
Description and Special Features
The portion of Deep Brook flowing through the Preserve, along with a portion of the Pootatuck River, is classified by the State as a Class 1 Wild Trout Management Area. There are only 9 such areas in Connecticut that contain sufficient numbers of wild trout and are able to sustain naturally. Trout, particularly the brook trout, are a classic environmental indicator of excellent water quality and a healthy watershed. The stream is managed without stocking on a catch and release basis. The Preserve provides some limited stream protection by maintaining a narrow buffer along the stream.
The Deep Brook Preserve is fortunate to have people concerned with its care and preservation. A number of conservation organizations including the Newtown Conservation Commission, the Pootatuck Watershed Association, Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited, The Newtown Tree Project, Roots for Newtown, and a variety of volunteers including citizens, scout groups, and students have provided ongoing volunteer hours to protect and improve the water quality at the Preserve. Volunteers have planted many of the trees separating the Preserve from the agriculture fields, shading the brook. Volunteers also have been active in removing invasive species from the Preserve. These activities are coordinated by the Newtown Conservation Commission. The Pootatuck Watershed Association and Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited have an ongoing program to monitor the health of the brook while Trout Unlimited has coordinated with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services to construct bank stabilization projects.
The Deep Brook Preserve is fortunate to have people concerned with its care and preservation. A number of conservation organizations including the Newtown Conservation Commission, the Pootatuck Watershed Association, Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited, The Newtown Tree Project, Roots for Newtown, and a variety of volunteers including citizens, scout groups, and students have provided ongoing volunteer hours to protect and improve the water quality at the Preserve. Volunteers have planted many of the trees separating the Preserve from the agriculture fields, shading the brook. Volunteers also have been active in removing invasive species from the Preserve. These activities are coordinated by the Newtown Conservation Commission. The Pootatuck Watershed Association and Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited have an ongoing program to monitor the health of the brook while Trout Unlimited has coordinated with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services to construct bank stabilization projects.
While the Preserve and Deep Brook seem protected, the stream is delicate and a number of challenges and threats exist. Deep Brook has its headwaters at the view of Newtown on Castle Hill Road, behind Head O’ Meadow School, along South Main Street, and in the center of Newtown. It flows through Dickinson Town Park or Hawley Pond, the golf course, under the railroad and Wasserman’s Way and through a railroad tunnel. Over the last 10 years the stream has suffered two major oil spills, one from the Fairfield Hills Campus and one from Reed School. Prompt reporting from citizens alerted officials to the spills. In 2013, a fish kill was reported by citizens walking dogs along the Brook. State DEEP officials attributed it to a toxic release from the Fairfield Hills campus. Other threats include urban runoff from Newtown town center, increased impervious surfaces through development, runoff from the Fairfield campus, a State salt storage area, and proposed developments in the vicinity of the Preserve. While the area of the Preserve seems large, most of the surrounding land is not protected and continued vigilance is necessary.
History and Acquisition
The Deep Brook Preserve provides a very special and precious location in the heart of Newtown. The original 21.66 Acre (A) Preserve was formerly a part of the State of Connecticut Fairfield Hills complex and was conveyed to the Town of Newtown as part of the Fairfield Hills property transfer in 2004. The parcel was conveyed with the stipulation that:
An adjacent parcel is protected as part of the Preserve which is the location of the now closed and demolished Fairfield Hills wastewater treatment plant. This 4.28 acre parcel provides some additional protection to the brook.
- It was to be used for open space and recreational purposes
- Should the Town not use the property for these purposes, not retain ownership, or lease any of the parcel, ownership reverts to the State of Connecticut.
An adjacent parcel is protected as part of the Preserve which is the location of the now closed and demolished Fairfield Hills wastewater treatment plant. This 4.28 acre parcel provides some additional protection to the brook.
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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