Ridgefield Conservation Commission
Open Space Use Rules
1. Open space land shall be open to the general public from sunrise to sunset unless closed by Town officials for safety.
2. Fishing is permitted on any open space land under the rules and regulations established by the State of Connecticut DEP.
3. Hunting, trapping, carrying or using firearms or bows and arrows, discharging fireworks or explosive is prohibited on any open space land.
4. Swimming or wading is permitted only at Martin Park (not included in this catalog).
5. Riding horses, bicycles or mountain bikes is permitted on areas set aside and appropriate for their use. Only established trails should be used and wet or worn trail conditions may cause closing of such trails without advance notice.
6. Dogs and other pets are permitted on open space land provided such pets are under control of their owners or keepers at all times.
7. Overnight camping is permitted in areas designated for camp use by special permit obtained from Parks & Recreation on town-owned land only. Overnight camping is prohibited on state-owned land (Seth Low Pierrepont State Park and Bennett's Pond). Sanitary facilities must be provided by campers in accordance with the regulations of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
8. Fires may be kindled in designated areas after obtaining a special permit from Parks & Recreation for town-owned land only, subject to the regulations of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
9. No person shall deface, remove, destroy, or otherwise injure in any manner whatsoever any structure, rock, tree, flower, shrub, or any other plant life; not disturb or molest any bird or animal.
10. Littering is prohibited and is punishable by fine.
11. Motorized vehicles may not be operated or parked on any open space land, except in designated areas.
12. Violation of any provision of the Ridgefield Open Space Use Ordinance is sufficient cause for eviction and any such violation shall result in a fine of not more than $100 per violation.
A complete copy of the Ridgefield Open Space Use Ordinance can be obtained from the Ridgefield Conservation Commission, Parks & Recreation, or Town Hall.