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About CLCC
The mission of the CT Land Conservation Council is to advocate for land preservation, stewardship and funding, and ensure the long term strength and viability of the land conservation community.
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March 21
31st annual
CT Land Conservation Conference
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT
REGISTER TODAY & SAVE!
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Steering Committee
Alicia Sullivan, Chair
Trust for Public Land
Tim Abbott
Litchfield Hills Greenprint
David Bingham
Salem Land Trust
Sandy Breslin
Audubon Connecticut
David Brown
Middlesex Land Trust
Margot Burns
Lower CT River Council of Governments
Kevin Case
Land Trust Alliance
Eric Hammerling
Connecticut Forest & Park Association
Elaine LaBella
Housatonic Valley Association
Connie Manes
Kent Land Trust
Elisabeth Moore
Connecticut Farmland Trust
Shirley Nichols
Darien Land Trust
Tom ODell
CT Association of Conservation & Inland Wetland Commissions
Catherine Rawson
Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust
David Sutherland
The Nature Conservancy
Humphrey Tyler
Lyme Land Conservation Trust
Staff
Amy B. Paterson
Executive Director
Cristina Gastador
Communications Coordinator
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Executive Director's Message
Sorting out the Governor's Proposed Biennial Budget
Governor Malloy released his proposed Biennial Budget (Fiscal Year 2016/2017) last week and the overall news for conservation is pretty gloomy, including:
Open Space Funding -- Good news ... Bad news
While the budget contains $10 million in bonding for DEEP's open space grant program (OSWA) and the Dept. of Agriculture's PDR Program for each of the next two years, a Deficiency Mitigation Bill released on Friday proposes eliminating $10M in existing open space grant funding from the Community Investment Act (CIA) account.
Community Investment Act -- A complete sweep
The budget would also sweep $13.5 million in 2015-16 and another $27 million (or whatever funding is left) in 2016-17 from the CIA into the general fund, delivering an unprecedented blow to open space, farmland preservation/dairy support, historic properties, and affordable housing programs.
Council on Environmental Quality -- Staff Eliminated
The budget proposes eliminating staffing for CEQ -- the state's independent, environmental watch-dog agency -- and transferring it into the Office for Legislative Affairs.
DEEP and State Parks -- Further cuts proposed
The budget proposes additional cuts to the DEEP budget, the bulk of which appears to be from conservation, including a $2 million reduction for State Parks.
Now more than ever -- we need to stand together
These proposals are not final until the General Assembly approves a budget in June -- and fighting to restore these unprecedented cuts will be our top priority this session. Now, perhaps more than ever, your commitment to join our efforts to defend conservation programs is essential as we move forward in the budget process.
Thanks for all you do to protect Connecticut's special places. See you March 21 at Wesleyan!
With warmest regards,
Amy
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2015 Conference Countdown - What's New?
Saturday, March 21, 2015
8:30am - 4:45pm, followed by post-event reception
Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Building a Community that Cares About Land Conservation ...
Over Generations
Keynote Speaker
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| | A standing room only crowd and lots of smiles at the 2014 Conference |
NEW! Special Exhibits for 2015!
Community Engagement Showcase
Featuring communication and outreach materials from land trusts across the state, including newsletters, brochures, calendars and other print materials! Interested in participating?
State Plan Smorgasbord
Space is limited!
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| Federal News
Action Needed to Make CE Incentive Permanent
As reported last week in our Policy Update, The America Gives More Act of 2015 (H.R. 644), which includes the Conservation Easement Incentive Act (H.R. 641), making permanent the conservation easement incentive, passed the House and now moves on to the U.S. Senate. Please contact Connecticut Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, thank them for their past support, and ask that they maintain their commitment to making the conservation easement incentive permanent by co-sponsoring S. 330. You can reach either office via the switchboard at 202-224-3121 or directly: Senator Murphy: (202) 224-4041 and Senator Blumenthal: (202) 224-2823.
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Land Trust Project Opportunity
Conserving Heirloom Malus domestica Apples on Land Trust Properties
From the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
Did you know that heirloom apple trees, Malus domestica, are often found on land trust properties? Many trees are untended, have not been pruned in recent memory and will quietly disappear without active conservation measures. The Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies is undertaking a conservation management project to document and preserve Malus domestica biodiversity in New England. Researchers will conduct site visits and collect information including the location and current health of trees, as well as make recommendations for in situ and ex situ management and preservation. Members interested in participating may contact Emily Wright at (212) 810-7285 or [email protected].
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Upcoming Events/Training Opportunities
Free Workshop: Your Land, Your Legacy
From Opacum Land Trust
Join Opacum Land Trust, the New England Forestry Foundation, and the North Quabbin Partnership for a free workshop: Your Land, Your Legacy - Reaching Your Goals: An Introduction to Estate Planning and Land Conservation. This workshop will feature landowners who completed, or are considering, conservation for their land. This event will take place Saturday, February 28 from 10am - 12pm at the Monson Free Library, Sylvia DeSantis Meeting Room, 2 High Street, Monson, MA. Free coffee and a light lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Lisa Hayden to RSVP at [email protected] or (978) 952-6856 x 121.
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Submit Your Event for CT Trails Weekend
From Connecticut Forest & Parks Association
What are you doing on June 6 and 7? Join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) and over 200 volunteer leaders and partnering groups for the largest National Trails Day� celebration in the nation. Event registration is open and we invite leaders for trail events of all kinds to join in the fun.
For more information and to complete the online registration form, visit the Trails Day webpage. Events received by March 1, 2015 will be included in the printed Connecticut Trails Weekend Booklet.
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Become a Peabody/Beardsley Frogwatch Citizen Scientist From the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
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Gray Tree Frog
Credit: Twan Leenders
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Would you like to help the environment? Do you know of a wetland near you with frogs calling? The Yale Peabody Museum is looking for volunteers to help monitor frog populations in nearby wetlands during the spring and summer. The time commitment is 15 minutes one or two times per week, 1/2 hour after sunset. You do not have to be a frog expert as training is provided. Co-sponsored with Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. Training workshops on Wednesday, February 25, Yale Peabody Museum auditorium, 7:00-8:30pm OR Wednesday, March 4, Hanson Center of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 7:00-8:30pm. Click HERE for more information. Click HERE to pre-register for the training workshops. Contact Jim Sirch at [email protected] for any questions.
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Land Trust Resources
Help with Board Recruitment
From the Fairfield County Community Foundation
Are you looking to recruit new board members? Or learn ways to better engage your current board members? Check out the programs being offered through BoardServe Western Connecticut. BoardServe enhances nonprofit governance by training nonprofit leadership and potential board members and placing qualified board candidates in nonprofit organizations. For more information, click HERE. Questions? Contact Casey Levene at (203) 297-6246.
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Job Opportunities
Farmington Land Trust -- Interim Executive Director Position
The Farmington Land Trust seeks an Interim Executive Director to start on or about April 1, 2015 for an approximately twelve-month assignment. The Interim will typically work 10-20 hours per week, having a flexible schedule determined by the organization's scope of activity. For more details and application information, click HERE.
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Stamford Land Conservation Trust -- Part-Time Administrative Assistant
The Stamford Land Conservation Trust is seeking a part time (10 hours/week +/-) Administrative Assistant to work on everything from organizing, completing and maintaining property files to event planning and fund raising as well as research and special projects (accreditation, etc.). Experience with computer record-keeping a big plus. Candidate must be able to come to Stamford. If interested, please leave a message at 203-325-1850.
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CT NOFA -- Agricultural Program and Events Manager
The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) is seeking a full-time Agricultural Program and Events Manager. Responsibilities include carrying out various CT NOFA programs, developing print and digital promotional materials, assisting with website development and maintenance, managing social media, and organizing and implementing various events. A Bachelor's Degree is required, preferably in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, non-profit management or related fields. This is a full-time position for 40 hours per week in CT NOFA's Derby, CT office. The rate of pay is commensurate with experience. Benefits do not include medical insurance. Read HERE for full details. Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] by Wednesday, February 25, 2015.
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Land Trust to Land Trust
Newton Forest Association Releases Holcombe Hill Video
What's the most effective way to communicate the value of your land trust's work? Sometimes it is enough to just let the land do the talking. (Read more at our CLCC Blog HERE).
Thanks to NFA for sharing this breathtaking video submitted by local avid video artists, Garrett Uhde and Phil Keane. Click
HERE to view video. Read related news article HERE.
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| Winter's Day at Holcombe Hill
Credit: Garrett Uhde
Video credit: Blue Sky Farm & Studio |
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Land Trust Seeks Examples of Signage and other Best Practices
On behalf of a Connecticut land trust, we are asking what other land trusts are using for best practices (e.g. signs, fences, etc.) on the following issues:
- Best practices regarding hazards or potentially dangerous conditions on land, e.g. cliffs, ponds or other bodies of water.
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Best practices regarding public entrances, e.g. active agricultural fields, sensitive wildlife areas or habitat restoration areas.
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Best practices regarding pet restriction locations, e.g., sensitive wildlife areas or landowner prohibition.
The actual language of any signs would also be greatly appreciated. If you have any insight or answers, please contact CLCC Executive Director Amy B. Paterson at 860-685-0785 or [email protected]..
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WE COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT!
Join CLCC today!
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