Connecticut Trail and the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation

[copythat]

The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, of Kent, Conn., has been granted federal recognition by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

It was federal recognition that opened the way for two other Connecticut-based tribes to build huge casino-hotel complexes in eastern Connecticut. There is some speculation the Schaghticoke nation may have some interest in similar development, although Chief Richard Velky said nothing one way or another at a press conference Thursday.

The AT stretch between 10 Mile Shelter and Mt. Algo (and maybe farther north) passes through Schagticoke land.

[Added Friday 1/21/04: Tribal officials are saying the Kent land is not under consideration, that they are looking land nearer Danbury.]

johnny
one step at a time

[Lone Wolf]

Cool! A coupla days off pulling slots, playing blackjack, eating buffets and sucking down cold ones at the bar! This trail is getting easier all the time. :jump

[Almanac]

In 2000 they threatened to close this 10-mile stretch of trail over the 4th of July weekend...part of a protest or in hopes that this would help in getting federal recognition then. There were flyers posted at various spots warning hikers and detailing a re-route (road walk). We made it through the last day before they were supposed to close the trail. I know of 2 hikers who came some crazy distance (I want to say 35-40 miles) to make it through before they closed. I can't remember now if they actually did it.

Almanac

[TJ aka Teej]

http://tinyurl.com/22lnk

"The Schaghticokes have made claims on 2,200 acres of mostly undeveloped land near the reservation in Kent, including part of the Appalachian Trail and property belonging to Connecticut Light & Power. U.S. District Judge Peter Dorsey said he could not resolve the land claims until the BIA ruled on the tribe's status."

[steve hiker]

Watch out those Connecticut women don't like hiker trash. Not the Indians the rich ones.

[Youngblood]

In 2000 they threatened to close this 10-mile stretch of trail over the 4th of July weekend...part of a protest or in hopes that this would help in getting federal recognition then. There were flyers posted at various spots warning hikers and detailing a re-route (road walk). We made it through the last day before they were supposed to close the trail. I know of 2 hikers who came some crazy distance (I want to say 35-40 miles) to make it through before they closed. I can't remember now if they actually did it.

Almanac

I camped at the first shelter north of there on July 3rd. I recall some thru's getting there around 3 am on the 4th.

Youngblood

[warren doyle]

It should be an interesting year in the Kent area. Old wealth (of the robber baron variety) against poor folks trying to get their piece of the pie. Who came first? The land, the native Americans or the people of European ancestry?
This controversy will be a welcome change for the thru-hiker experience which is becoming more sanitized/homogenized under our government's influence.
Regardless of what happens, the unbroken string of white blazes will be continued thanks to the volunteer hiking clubs.
Another new, interesting addition to the Appalachian Trail hiking experience is the the new 'Cabela's' that opened last fall near Port Clinton. It will come at a good time to break the monotony of PA's rocky ridges. Stuffed exotic animals (and real fish) galore and a reasonable AYCE buffet.