January 27, 2017
Executive Director's Message
Impressive Numbers, Inspiring Stories

56 million.  That's the total number of acres conserved by land trusts across the nation, according to the Land Trust Alliance's 2015 National Land Trust Census.   In Connecticut, our land trusts have conserved a total of 190,193 acres. Read  Connecticut's report HERE. 

And while these numbers are impressive, they only tell part of the story.
 
Photo shared by the New Haven Land Trust
In the Winter 2017 edition of Saving Land Magazine, the Alliance shared some of the stories behind the numbers, including one featuring the New Haven Land Trust and the transformative impact its  Truman Street Greenspace & Garden has had on residents in the neighborhood. Read the full article HERE.
 
Connecticut land trusts work incredibly hard every day protecting  special places and making a difference in people's lives. 

Impressive numbers.  Inspiring stories.

With appreciation for all you continue to do for all of us,

Amy

P.S. Please send us your land conservation success stories! When you share your stories you inspire others ... and you inspire us. And if you are interested in hosting a site visit or other celebration with your elected officials and would like some help with outreach, give me a call!  (860) 614-8537
CLCC News & Programs
Important Update! CLCC Model Conservation Easement 
Amendment Clause and other provisions revised as of 12/28/16

The CLCC Model Conservation Easement and accompanying Commentary were revised as of December 28, 2016, and are available HERE.   The main revision seeks to address the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) ongoing position that including an amendment provision may cause the easement to not meet the perpetuity requirement of IRS Code §170(h), thereby possibly undermining a landowner's claim for a charitable deduction.  More HERE or contact Amy B. Paterson at abpaterson@ctconservation.org
2017 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference Updates
On-line Registration Opens Next Week

33rd Annual Connecticut Land Conservation Conference
Saturday, March 18, 2017
8:30am - 5:00pm (followed by reception)
Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT

Featuring a keynote address by Dr. Bilal Sekou, the 2017 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference will offer an exciting and expanded curriculum featuring 7 subject matter tracks with 44 workshops, as well as office hours, exhibits, and even an opportunity to get creative with some art projects!  
Workshop Sneak Peek HERE.  

Connecticut Land Trusts & RCPs in the News
Prepare to be impressed! 
Kent Land Trust Honors Bill Arnold

At Kent Land Trust's (KLT) December Annual Meeting, the community honored Bill Arnold, who has retired as KLT President after 13 years of dedicated service.   Among the many awards that Bill has received in recognition for his leadership in land conservation was CLCC's 2015 Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Land Conservation. 
Thank you, Bill!
FCRCP Open Space Story Map Now Available 
From Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership

The Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership (FCRCP) built a Strategic Conservation Map for Fairfield County which identifies and highlights priority lands rich in natural resources within the county. Click HERE to access the FCRCP Story Map to walk through the creation of their map.
State News
Photo Credit:  USDA NRCS
CT is Lead State in Innovative Conservation Partnerships
From USDA-NRCS
CT NRCS State Conservationist Thomas L. Morgart announced CT as a lead state for a National Project proposal submitted by The Last Green Valley, Inc. as part of the USDA's  Regional Conservation Partnership Program.   The $6.1 million project will serve as a conservation pipeline of forest and bird habitat plans, EQIP practices and Healthy Forests Reserve Program easements on private forestlands to increase the pace of conservation. Read the full release HERE .
National News
IRS Designation of Conservation Easement Tax Shelters - Update

Last month, the IRS took steps to protect the integrity of conservation easements. The categorization of conservation easement tax shelters as a "listed transaction" puts an end to abusing donations as a money-making opportunity. You can read more about the issue HERE and HERE. To read the Land Trust Alliance's statement, click HERE.
NEC Future Final Environmental Impact Statement Now Available
From The Federal Railroad Administration

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the release of the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for NEC Future, the FRA's vision for improvements to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) rail line from Washington D.C. to Boston, Mass. Download the EIS HERE.   Please share your comments with us: abpaterson@ctconservation.org.
Funding Opportunities
Apply Today for the Les Mehroff Grant
From CAWS

The Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists (CAWS) is currently accepting proposals for the Les Mehroff Grant. This grant awards $1,000 to a land trust or conservation organization for the preservation of plant biodiversity or for invasive species control/management. Click HERE for more information.   Applications must be submitted by February 10, 2017.
Submit Your Proposal for Clean Water Matching Grants
From CT DEEP

DEEP is now accepting proposals for the Clean Water Section 319 matching grants for FY2017. Click HERE for eligibility requirements. Proposals should be submitted by email to Charles Lee at Charles.Lee@ct.gov. Proposals must be received electronically by March 3, 2017.
Photo Credit: USDA-NRCS
Still Time to Apply for NRCS Financial Assistance
From USDA-NRCS

You still have time to submit an application for funding from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program. More information is  HERE. Applications must be submitted by February 17, 2017.
NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline is 2/3/17
From USDA-NRCS

Photo credit:  USDA NRCS (Cooley Farm)
The  Conservation Stewardship Program provides payments to agricultural producers and forest landowners for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like cover crops, ecologically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat - all while maintaining active agriculture production on their land. More information is HERE. Sign-up period will run through February 3, 2017.
Land Trust Resources & Opportunities
Photo Credit: USDA NRCA
UConn NRCA Launches Environmental Programs
From UConn NRCA

 UConn's Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) is launching exciting environmental programs for adults, teachers and teens this summer. These programs will introduce participants to basic concepts in natural resource management and innovative, user-friendly mapping technology. To learn more about the programs and see a schedule of upcoming workshops, click HERE or HERE. You can also contact nrca@uconn.edu or 860-486-4917.

Walking Along a Trail
Photo Credit: Amy B. Paterson
Learn to Build a Trail
From CFPA

Saturday, February 4, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for their annual Winter Trails Workshop! This will cover all aspects of the trail building process and is open to any trail builder of any skill set. More information HERE.
Photo Credit: CFPA
Sponsor a Trails Day Hike
From CFPA

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) has opened registration for Trails Day, June 3-4, 2017.  Invite your community, friends and supporters to hike your land trust properties.  Click HERE to register your event and get hike ideas. CFPA will publish your event in their booklet ( 3/15/17 deadline ) and on their website.  Questions?  Contact Chuck Toal at trailsday@ctwoodlands.org.
Call for Organized Sessions - Northeast Natural History Conference

Are there active research projects on your properties? What scientific and management challenges to you face? Consider organizing a session at the 2017 Northeast Natural History Conference in Cromwell, CT, April 21-23, 2017. For further details, visit HERE. 
Job and Volunteer Opportunities
CT Director of Philanthropy - Trust for Public Land (TPL)
TPL is seeking a State Director of Philanthropy who will be responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of all fund raising activities to support the organization's conservation activities in the state. More Information is HERE.
Conservationist - Highstead

 Highstead seeks an individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and has experience in land conservation, land use planning, environmental education or natural resources management to fill the new position of Conservationist. F ull job description and application submission information is  HERE . Applications due March 17, 2017.
Nature Center Director - The Connecticut Audubon Society

The Connecticut Audubon Society is hiring a full-time, senior-level position managing one of the organization's centers in western CT. The Center Director is responsible for carrying out or overseeing overall management, programming, maintenance, and communications activities of the Center, as well as for establishing and maintaining relationships with its neighboring communities. More information is  HERE.
Plant Conservation Volunteer - New England Wild Flower Society

 New England Wild Flower Society is seeking enthusiastic people who have a commitment to plant conservation and protecting natural habitats to participate in their Plant Conservation Volunteer Program. Find out more details and apply HERE. Applications due February 1, 2017.
Have you renewed your membership for 2017?
We Count on Your Support!
We look forward to seeing you on March 18th!
Connecticut Land Conservation Council
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council advocates for land conservation, stewardship and funding, and works to ensure the long term strength and viability of the land conservation community.
Connecticut Land Conservation Council | 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT  06481 | 860-685-0785
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