(a) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall permit equestrian use on multiuse trails on state park and forest lands, unless specifically prohibited by said commissioner. Prior to a decision to prohibit equine use of any multiuse trail on state park and forest lands that have historically been utilized by equestrians, said commissioner shall consult with the Equine Advisory Council established pursuant to § 23-10d.

(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit nonequine uses by the public of the trails specified in subsection (a) of this section nor prohibit the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection from temporarily closing any multiuse trail for safety reasons or the protection of natural resources.

(c) The permitting of equestrian use on a multiuse trail by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall not be deemed an expansion of such trail.