PHOTOS: A Look at the 87-acres in Higganum

These 87 acres of forest land in Higganum have been central to the debate of the land conveyance bill that includes, as one item on the bill, the swap of this property with that of 17.4 acres in the Tylerville section of Haddam along the Connecticut River.

According to the proponents of the swap, the 87 acres could be used to connect Cockaponset State Forest to Route 81 in the Higganum section of Haddam and allow the DEP and residents of the local community better access to this area of forest in Connecticut's River Valley.

The swap, currently awaiting a vote in the legislature, has generated controversy, with opponents saying it would ruin one of the most scenic areas of the Connecticut River by developing the 17.4 acres in Tylerville and could dampen future land sales or donations to the state. 

The proponents for the swap invite the public to "walk the property and view the forest and tree canopy up close." For a detailed map of the property or additional information on the 87 acres involved in the swap, visit Haddam Land Swap. 

Details of the proposed swap are included in the most recent proposal presentation (see attached).