Founded 1895

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association ...Connecticut's oldest and most respected private nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing our natural environment.

DID YOU KNOW THAT CFPA: is the oldest private, nonprofit conservation organization in CT; is largely responsible for the establishment of many of our state parks & forest, including Bluff Point, Rocky Neck, Sleeping Giant, Sherwood Island Gillette Castle, People's and Mohawk State Forest; is a strong and respected advocate for conservation and environmental legislation in CT; established and maintains the 700 miles of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. You can made a difference. Join CFPA Membership Information Publications Officers, Directors, and Staff Join our trail volunteers: Trail Maintenance Events

TIME-TESTED AND READY TO FACE THE FUTURE   Since the first members banded together in 1895 to save Connecticut's forest from runaway fires and excessive timber harvesting, the association's singular blend of vision and persistence has protected the landscapes whose very names mean Connecticut. Peoples State Forest. Mohawk State Forest. Gillette Castle. Rocky Neck. Sherwood Island. Talcott Mountain. Over the past century, CFPA has been instrumental in the acquisition of more than 100 state parks and forest for public use and enjoyment. Today, CFPA continues to champion the needs of these public recreational facilities to assure that agencies responsible for their stewardship receive the funding, personnel and equipment necessary to maintain these natural treasures. CFPA's leadership over the years set a national example for successful forest conservation and reversed the damage to Connecticut's natural resources. When the organization began its work, Connecticut was 20% forested: today it is 60% forested. CFPA maintains a vigilant role in the sound management and protection of our land, water and wildlife resources. In addition, CFPA's visionary leaders established the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System in 1929 which traverses public and private lands throughout Connecticut and is enjoyed by thousands of citizens each year. The 700 miles of trails are maintained by hundreds of CFPA volunteers working in cooperation with many public and private landowners. But the work is never done; there are constant challenges. Our public parks require renewed attention and protection. The Blue-Blazed Trails require constant monitoring and maintenance. Much of Connecticut's forest land is held in private ownership, in need of sound management and subject to competing pressures for other uses. Additional open space lands need to be set aside to benefit future generations and maintain the high quality of life residents have come to enjoy in Connecticut. The environmental health of urban areas likewise deserves attention. Find out more about our Focus for the future. Natural Resource Management Recreational Opportunities Land Preservation  Education Advocacy

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