Selectmen say Camp Timber Trails must secure commercial recreation permit before operating

The Tolland Board of Selectmen told Camp Timber Trails on Feb. 9 that the camp must show Planning Board approval for a three‑year Commercial Recreation Permit before operating this season.

At the meeting, Maggie Zellner, president of Camp Timber Trails, provided the town with a schedule of upcoming events and said organizers plan to submit permit applications via DocuSign roughly 10 days before each application deadline. Zellner noted Odyssey Teen Camp will submit materials independently. The Board noted that it has not received documentation showing the Planning Board approved the camp’s three‑year Commercial Recreation Permit and said the camp operated last year without the permit.

"We will not allow the camp to operate this year without obtaining the required permit," said Steven DellaGiustina, a Selectman. The Board asked Camp Timber Trails to clarify whether the three‑year permit application had been submitted previously and to supply any approval documents so the Board may review event applications.

Why it matters: a Commercial Recreation Permit is required to authorize multi‑day or commercial events on town‑regulated property. Without proof of Planning Board approval, Selectmen said they will hold permitting until the town confirms the permit’s status.

Next steps: Camp Timber Trails was asked to supply the permit documentation; town staff will review incoming DocuSign applications on the schedule provided.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.