Chester Ferry, Gillette's Castle and the Gateway Conservation Zone

The Chester Ferry, seen in the photo above, began operations in 1769 and is one of the oldest continuously running ferries on the Connecticut River. Operated by the Connecticut DOT, it runs from Chester (opposite side of river) across to Lyme (near side) from April 1st through November 30th of each year with a trip across costing $3. One of the most striking aspects of this photo, taken from high above the river at the DEP's Gillette's Castle State Park in Lyme looking south, is the undeveloped nature of the shores of the Connecticut River. The photo shows Lyme (left side of river), Chester (upper center and right) and, in the distance, Deep River and Lyme's Eustasia Island. All of the riverfront area seen in this photo is located within the Gateway Conservation Zone and has, through application of Gateway standards and conservation acquisitions, been protected from visually obtrusive development since the Conservation Zone's origin in 1973. Among all of the views one might see within the lower Connecticut River valley, this one might be most demonstrative of what the "natural and traditional riverway scene " actually embodies. It is this sort of scenery that the Gateway Commission's mission of protection seeks to preserve for "present and future generations of Connecticut citizens ". This spectacular view leaves little doubt as to why this mission is so important!