If you have not been down to the South Branch Park River lately, the sight might be unsettling. Outreach to residents and businesses abutting the river only began in September, weeks before the work to clearcut began. There was outcry about this in West Hartford when the same process occurred along a section of Trout Brook. According to the CT DEEP, 16.4 acres of trees were destined for clearing in Hartford.

A walk along the river feels disorienting if you have been there before. Trash and abandoned cars remain on the banks, but are now surrounded by wood chips and stumps. There will not be replanting of the trees removed. According to the DEEP, this and the sediment removal is necessary maintenance for the flood control system.

The removal of trees has unveiled the multiple abandoned vehicles along the river. On previous trips, we have captured shots of a few of these.