Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-5c-1
These regulations shall apply to each Natural Area Preserve. There shall be a Management Plan for each Natural Area Preserve, such plan to be adopted according to provisions of subsection (b) of this section.
The commissioner shall appoint a site manager for each Natural Area Preserve who shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. The site manager shall administer, manage, and protect the area in accordance with these regulations and the Management Plan for that Natural Area Preserve.
No person shall construct, place, or continue any encroachments, including structures, easements, rights of way, or land uses in a Natural Area Preserve unless such encroachment is permitted by these regulations or the Management Plan for such preserve.
The commissioner shall prepare information about Connecticut's Natural Area Preserves, which shall be made available to all interested persons. Such information should not promote the Natural Area Preserves in a manner that would attract more visitors than is compatible with the use of an area.
Until such time as a Management Plan is adopted, existing activities within a preserve shall continue unless the commissioner finds that an activity is adversely affecting protected resources.
The commissioner shall prepare a Management Plan for each Natural Area Preserve.
A Management Plan, or a renewal, revocation or modification of a Management Plan, shall become effective upon approval by the commissioner.
The commissioner may divide a Natural Area Preserve into zones of allowable uses. Use of Natural Area Preserves shall be allowed only to such extent and in such manner as will not permanently degrade the protected resources of the preserve. Zones shall be established giving consideration to the protected resources of the Natural Area Preserve as stated in the Management Plan and to the characteristics of the area such as use tolerance, natural attractions, and the presence of endangered or threatened species, species of special concern, or easily disturbed species or features. Location markers identifying the zones may be installed in the preserve.
Location and form of any trails other than natural wildlife paths shall be specified in each Management Plan. Trails may be constructed to provide for allowable use of a Natural Area Preserve and to prevent deterioration of the area by uncontrolled traffic. Trail construction shall be kept to a minimum and designed to prevent soil erosion. Use of paving materials and elevated walks is permissible when necessary and provided for in a Management Plan. The trail plan shall conform to the goals of the Natural Area Preserve as stated in the Management Plan. Unless otherwise specified, trails shall be for pedestrian traffic only.
All other structures and improvements shall be provided for in each Management Plan. Interpretive signs and structures to enhance environmental education are encouraged.
Rules shall be consistent with this section of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Rules may apply to an entire preserve or to specified zones or subdivisions of a preserve.
If necessary to protect resources of the preserve, construction of boundary markers, fences, or barriers may be allowed, if constructed in a manner that will not create a detrimental effect on movement of wildlife or on other natural conditions. A survey of the preserve boundaries shall be kept on file with the commissioner and with the clerk of each town where the preserve is located.
Installation and maintenance of vehicular access lanes may be allowed within a preserve if deemed essential by the commissioner for fire control or other management activities. Clearing for such lanes shall be of a minimum width and length. Lanes shall be closed to all vehicles except service and emergency vehicles.
Construction of fire breaks may be allowed when deemed necessary by the commissioner and shall be kept to a minimum.
Cutting of grass, brush, trees, or other vegetation, pruning of trees, removal of dead wood, opening of scenic vistas, or planting may be allowed, if necessary to preserve the protected resources of the preserve.
Installation of guard rails, fences, steps, and other devices necessary for visitor safety may be allowed. Control of plants and animals may be allowed pursuant to Section 23-5i of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Installation, change or maintenance of man-made water control structures may be allowed if necessary for the protection, maintenance or restoration of natural conditions or protected resources.
Control of erosion and soil deposition affecting a Natural Area Preserve may be allowed if necessary to preserve the protected resources of the preserve.
Ingress and egress may be restricted by a Management Plan to specified locations and conditions.
Non-motorized recreational activities such as hunting, skiing, hiking, fishing, and canoeing may be allowed by a Management Plan. Such permitted activities shall be defined in the Management Plan and limited to appropriate times, places, and intensity.
Buffer areas shall be established adjacent to Natural Area Preserves wherever possible, in order to minimize the adverse effects of external influences. Such areas may be managed for purposes which do not adversely affect the preserve. Buffer areas may be controlled by ownership, by dedication as part of the Natural Area Preserve or as a buffer to the preserve, by agreement, or by other appropriate means. Provision for buffer areas shall be included in the Management Plan where such areas are possible.
A person wishing to engage in research or educational activities in a Natural Area Preserve shall obtain approval from the commissioner. The commissioner may approve research or educational activities with such conditions and restrictions as he or she deems necessary. A copy of the proposal for and results from any research conducted on a Natural Area Preserve shall be given to the commissioner. A person authorized to engage in educational or research activities shall notify the site manager before commencing and upon completion of such activities.
There shall be no introduction to, removal from, or consumptive use of any material, product, object, plant, or animal in a Natural Area Preserve unless specifically designated in the Management Plan.
No fires may be started in a preserve, except as specifically designated in the Management Plan. Every effort shall be made to prevent fires from spreading into a preserve. All uncontrolled fires shall be brought under control as quickly as possible. Any special procedures and methods to be used for prevention and control of fire shall be included in a Management Plan.
The commissioner and the site manager shall keep records in duplicate for each Natural Area Preserve. The records shall include the Management Plan , and other pertinent documentary material studies, reports, and descriptions of significant events and shall be open to the public at all reasonable times and places. Information exempted from the Freedom of Information Act may be withheld if the commissioner deems such exemption necessary to protect the resources of the preserve.
Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-5c-1