Police crack down on trespassing on Wooster Island in the Housatonic River – NBC Connecticut

The uninhabited Wooster Island is nestled in the Housatonic River.

“It’s a great island,” says Ron of Sander’s Marina in Shelton.

Boaters we spoke to say that for decades, people have anchored in the river and spent the day on the water near the local landmark, but they say they would disappear without leaving a trace.

Nick from Shelton and Ron say that since the pandemic, things have been different on the island, with many more people turning to outdoor recreation.

“It’s unsafe to use boats or jet skis down here, especially jet skis – you fly in and out,” Nick said.

They say that on weekends, Wooster Island is full of people partying, playing loud music and leaving trash behind.

“Another big reason we don’t go there with the little ones anymore is because of the cuts on our feet and the fact that we’ve stepped on glass or rusty bottle caps,” says Nick, who says he’s been picking up trash on the island for years.

“People park there and stay for several days. They stay overnight. They bring grills and generators and make it a campground. This is private property in the city of Orange,” said Lt. Robert Kozlowsky of the Shelton Police Department.

These concerns are widespread among Orange and Shelton residents, according to Kozlowsky, who says Shelton police receive complaints every summer weekend.

Shelton Police say it’s important for people to remember they are allowed to use the water up to the tide line. If they reach the tide line on Wooster Island, the property becomes private property and they are considered trespassing.”

Shelton Police, Orange Police and the state are working together to put an end to the problem. There are signs in Shelton’s South Bank Park, where people park for days to get to Wooster Island. Signs have also been posted on the island itself.

“The parking problem in Shelton has been solved, but our residents still face quality of life issues,” Kozlowsky said.

Kozlowsky said there were some stops last weekend. Orange police told us they did not arrest anyone for trespassing and that they wanted to make this known with warnings before things escalate.

“We take care of it like it’s our property. And now we just can’t use it and watch it deteriorate. It’s sad,” Nick said.

“If people just clean up their mess, be considerate of other boaters and drive slowly, everyone can have fun,” Ron said.