Monthly Review | September 2024 | |
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Hi Amy,
As we wrap up another month at CLCC, I find myself reflecting on a recurring theme from our recent board meeting—how do we measure the impact of our conservation work? For some of our programs, the answers are clear: the number of acres protected with support from our grant programs, the successful passage of conservation-focused legislation, and the enhancements we’ve helped secure for state grant programs. However, the metrics are sometimes not as easy to quantify when it comes to community-centered conservation, capacity building, and other key programs.
But what I’ve learned is that while our impacts may sometimes be hard to quantify, they are there—often revealed through the stories we share, the connections we foster, and the relationships we build across communities.
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Sometimes, a picture speaks volumes where words fall short. Throughout this month, I’ve been reminded of the many faces of conservation—the people, landscapes, and moments that reflect the essence of our mission. I invite you to explore these snapshots with me as we continue to chart a course for meaningful, long-lasting impact.
Sincerely,
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Amy Blaymore Paterson
Executive Director
abpaterson@ctconservation.org
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Empowering Conservation
Key Updates on OSWA and UGCG Grant Programs
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As Connecticut’s most vital source of state land conservation funding for land trusts, municipalities, and water companies, the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) not only supports the preservation of natural and working lands but also nurtures urban green spaces and community gardens through the Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Program (UGCG).
Here are opportunities and updates regarding OSWA, UGCG, and companion programs we are excited to share:
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2024 OSWA and UGCG Grant Applications due 12/2 >>
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Recording of CLCC/DEEP State Funding Info Session available >>
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DEEP Brownfield Grant applications for land trusts, etc. due 11/22 >>
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CLCC Transaction Assistance Grant applications due 9/30 >>
Are you looking for inspiration?
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DEEP’s monthly reports on OSWA closings are available >>
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Governor's press release announcing 2023 grant awards here >>
As we reflect on the importance of our advocacy for these programs, we recognize their profound impact on Connecticut land trusts and their communities—underscoring CLCC’s commitment to ensuring OSWA and UGCG are well-funded, administered efficiently, firmly positioned to leverage other funding opportunities, and accessible to all communities.
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Bird & Hike with Connecticut Land Trusts
Connecting Communities Through Nature
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On September 14, we hosted a "Bird and Hike" event for Waterbury residents, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Steep Rock Association Macricostas Preserve, 45 minutes away. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for bringing the community together for a morning of guided birdwatching and outdoor adventure. Many participants expressed gratitude for the provided transportation, underscoring the importance of removing access barriers—a core principle of CLCC's Bird and Hike with CT Land Trusts program.
A key, yet subtle goal of this program is to intentionally build relationships. CLCC is dedicated to understanding not only Connecticut's ecological landscape but also its social landscape. The residents of Waterbury and neighboring communities are just one of many groups across the state with whom we aim to forge meaningful, lasting connections and enhance the impact of land trusts.
We look forward to hosting more initiatives with land trusts and new partners, creating greater opportunities for those we serve in communities across the state.
Support for this program was provided by the Connecticut Community Foundation
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Climate Smart Project Spotlight
Great Meadows Conservation Trust
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One recipient of CLCC's Climate Smart Land Stewardship grant, the Great Meadows Conservation Trust (GMCT), is undertaking a significant project to combat soil erosion and improve cropland on six acres of active farmland, while also restoring 2.5 acres of early successional habitat.
Jim Woodworth, GMCT Stewardship Chair, emphasized the importance of CLCC's Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant: “The GMCT has benefited from the expertise and funding of our NRCS EQIP contracts. However, the extra support from the Climate Smart Stewardship Grant by CLCC was invaluable. NRCS funding usually covers no more than 70% of costs and is reimbursed after work is completed. Receiving the Climate Smart Stewardship Grant upfront was crucial for keeping the GMCT Stewardship Fund solvent during these months."
The CLCC Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant provides vital funding for conservation efforts, empowering organizations like the Great Meadows Conservation Trust (GMCT) to foster a more resilient agricultural landscape.
Funding for this grant program was paid for by the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant. Funding is awarded and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
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Responding to Land Trusts’ Needs
Coming Soon: New CLCC Land Capital Grant Program
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Wike Brothers Farm, Sharon, Connecticut | photo by CLCC | |
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In CLCC’s 2023-2024 Census, land trusts identified matching funds and assistance identifying new sources of funding as two of their top five needs related to land acquisition. In response to this request and building on the success of our Transaction Assistance Grant Program (TAG), CT Conservation Partnership Program, and Climate Smart Land Stewardship Program, CLCC is working to develop a new Land Capital Grant Program.
The Land Capital Grant Program will provide grants for land and conservation easement acquisitions, aiming to bolster land trusts' capabilities to rapidly secure critical conservation lands. Through this grant program, CLCC aims to bridge funding gaps and ensure the timely completion of acquisition efforts. The grant prioritizes projects that either leverage or have exhausted other public and private funding sources.
Pending funding from The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, CLCC intends to introduce the Land Capital Grant Program later this year. Please stay tuned for further updates.
In the meantime, if your land trust has a conservation project slated for completion within the next 12 months, we encourage you to contact Yaw O. Darko, CLCC's Senior Project Specialist and Land Capital Grant Program administrator, to discuss your project details and potential eligibility.
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Don't Forget to Keep An Eye On... | | |
Connecticut Land Conservation Council
deKoven House
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-852-5512
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The mission of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council is to elevate and strengthen land conservation in Connecticut. We envision is a future where every Connecticut community is supported and sustained by a diverse mix of conserved land, and land conservation is embraced as an essential community value.
ctconservation.org
©2024 Connecticut Land Conservation Council. All rights reserved.
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