Corps and Nutmeg RC Flyers "Team Up to Clean Up"

Ranger Mark Gabso and volunteers help load debris .

A typical day of Flying at Thomaston Dam.

Lake: Thomaston Dam, Thomaston CT, CT

Partners: USACE; Nutmeg R/C Flyers

Partnership Type: Cooperative Agreement

Corps POC: Vincent Gualtieri , Park Manager Thomaston Dam

Story: On 22 June 2003 the Nutmeg R/C Flyers held a picnic to celebrate 28 years at Thomaston Dam. In June of 1972 the radio control flying club obtained permission from the New England Division to use an area in the Hancock Brook Lake reservoir in Plymouth, CT. However due to plans for a proposed shooting range in the area by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, arrangements were made by Basin Manager Bernard C. Manor for a letter permit to use a portion of tract A- 147 at Thomaston Dam, a former farm field.

The club founding members rolled up their sleeves. They erected a safety fence, cleared brush and trees, formulated bylaws, posted safety rules, constructed a radio transmitter rack, and landscaped the grounds and field. The Corps has assisted in grading of the area, spreading process stone, adding picnic tables, a grill, benches, and a restroom.

Over the years, the Nutmeg R/C flyers membership has grown to over 110 fliers, one of the largest in the region. They have a training program for teaching new members to fly and have encouraged many young people to enter the hobby. The club is chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which supplies the standards, safety rules and liability insurance for members. The flyers have an excellent safety record and are committed to improving the site at Thomaston Dam.

In January 1990 the club voted to dedicate the field in honor of two special life members, Warren Losee and John White, and a plaque was erected. Also in 1990 Basin Manager Reese E. Morgan converted the old letter permit into a more appropriate cooperative agreement. In 1993 and 2000 the Club was recognized by the Corps for volunteer efforts in cleanup of flood debris in the Leadmine Brook Area.

URL: http://www.nutmegflyers.com/cleanup2003.htm