February 24, 2017
Executive Director's Message
What a great way to start the day

True story.  Earlier this week, I had a date with Bolton Land Trust President Gwen Marrion and Treasurer Laurie Brooks to take a sunrise hike at Heritage Park.  While driving to the park and listening to the news, my mind wandered and I missed the park entrance completely. 

In my haste, I attempted a U-turn and wound up in a snow-filled ditch. (Note to self:  don't try that again with a Prius).  Unable to dig the car out, I was about to call AAA when a passerby stopped, rigged up a tow and saved the day. 

We began our hike just 20 minutes behind schedule, in time to watch the sun rise.  Any stress I was feeling was gone almost as soon as I started walking.

Despite the uncertainties underlying the world's news, thanks to the kindness of a stranger, the company of friends who share my love for the land, and the incredible healing power of nature, that early morning outing in Bolton left me feeling calm, happy and optimistic.

What a great way to start the day.


I look forward to sharing our commitment to the land and optimism for the future with you on March 18.  

With warmest regards,

Amy

With Laurie Brooks and Gwen Marrion, Heritage Park, Bolton (2/21/17)
2017 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference
Early registration discount ends March 1!  
Register TODAY and save!  


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

Dr. Bilal Sekou, Keynote Speaker
Using land to help unify communities and find common ground


Conference Brochure with Registration Form HERE
Workshop Descriptions HERE
Scholarship Information HERE
Office Hours Information HERE
Connecticut Land Trusts in the News
Prepare to be impressed! 
Four More Connecticut Land Trusts Earn Accreditation!

CLCC is proud to welcome Newtown Forest Association, Avalonia Land Conservancy, Land Conservancy of Ridgefield, and Steep Rock Association into the growing network of accredited land trusts across the nation that have proven their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public's trust in their work. Connecticut now boasts a total of 22 accredited land trusts. Read full Press Release HERE.  Congratulations! 
Colchester Land Trust Hosts Winterbrau Fundraiser

The Colchester Land Trust (CLT) held a fundraising Winterbrau on February 11 at the Fat Orange Cat Brewery in East Hampton, CT. Over 60 guests attended the event which was held to support the CLT's 200 Acre Capital Campaign effort. The CLT has purchased 115 acres of forest land and an easement on 70 acres of agricultural land on a horse breeding farm. There was plenty of beer, food and raffle prices.  Read more  HERE .


L to R: Lisa Hageman, Vice President, CLT; Amy Paterson, Executive Director, CLCC; and Andy George, President, CLT
Middlesex Land Trust Preserve Featured in Hartford Courant

Peter Marteka, contact reporter for the Hartford Courant, recently featured Middlesex Land Trust's Brainerd Quarry Reserve in Haddam. Marteka explored the area, touting it as the finest preserved quarries he has ever explored. Click HERE to read the full article and make sure to take some time to visit the preserve!
North Branford Land Conservation Trust Board Members TV Interview

Bill Dillane of NH TV interviewed North Branford Land Conservation Trust board director Hank Petroskey and president David Sargent on his TV show last month. Topics of discussion included an overview of the trust's purpose and conservation activities . More  HERE
State News
Headwaters of the Niantic River Photo Credit:  NEFF
Over 150 Acres of Critical Forestland Conserved

From New England Forestry Foundation

The New England Forestry Foundation has conserved 166 acres of critical habitat at the headwaters of the Niantic River in East Lyme, thanks to the help from multiple organizations and individual donors. NEFF's 3rd Community Forest in CT, the area lies within a forest are spanning 2,200 acres. More  HERE

CT Greenways Council Accepting Nominations
From CT DEEP

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and the Connecticut Greenways Council are now accepting nominations for official state greenway designations. More  HERE.  The deadline to apply is May 1, 2017.
Air Line State Park
Photo Credit: CT DEEP
DEEP Announces $400,000 in
Trails Grants

From CT DEEP

DEEP has awarded $400,000 in grants through the Recreational Trails Program for seven projects involving multi-use trails and greenways. More  HERE.

DEEP Announces New Green Plan
From CT DEEP

DEEP has announced updates to the 2016-2020 Comprehensive Open Space Acquisition Strategy (Green Plan). The updates include an action strategy with acquisition priorities and targeted acreages and recommendations to acquire certain lands for environmental and public recreation conservation centers. This plan guides the state's goal to conserve 21% of CT's open space by 2023. More HERE.

Participate in the 2017 GreenCircle Sustainability Award
From CT DEEP

Have you made CT greener and cleaner? If so, you deserve to be considered for a 2017 GreenCircle Sustainability Award. The GreenCircle Awards program promotes overall sustainability and recognizes those who took a holistic approach to reducing the environmental impact and resource demands of their operations and activities. More  HEREApplications are due by March 10, 2017.
Funding Opportunities
Photo Credit: USDA-NRCS 
Another Chance to Sign Up for FY2017 Funding
From USDA-NRCS

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a third FY2017 sign-up period for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Find out more about both programs HERE.
Deadline:  March 17, 2017 to be considered during this ranking period.
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@ct.gov. Proposals must be received electronically by March 3, 2017.
Land Trust Resources & Opportunities
IRS Notice 2017-10: What Land Trusts Need to Know About IRS Notice Requirements
From the Land Trust Alliance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is working to halt conservation donations that give investors back more money than they donate. IRS Notice 2017-10 (the "Notice"), published Dec. 23, 2016, identifies and classifies certain highly overvalued conservation easement transactions as "listed transactions."  So that land trusts can better understand the Notice and its repercussions, the Land Trust Alliance has prepared a document in conjunction with leading legal experts. More HERE.
Photo Credit:  Paul Fusco, DEEP
Materials to Build Bluebirds Nest Boxes Offered Free of Charge
From CT DEEP

DEEP is once again providing bundled, uncut lumber for building bluebird nest boxes at no charge to organized groups (schools, scouts, conservation commissions, and garden clubs) on a first come, first serve basis. More  HERE .  Email  Brian.Hess@ct.gov  to reserve bundles. 
Upcoming Bird Project with CT DEEP and UConn

DEEP and UConn have developed a plan to update the understanding of the state's bird populations beginning with a 5-year project to start this year. The goals for the project include a better understanding of what the state's bird conservation priorities should be, more efficient conservation planning, and a development of environmental metrics that can be used to monitor the environment's health. Land trust participation will be key to the effort.  More  HERE.
Updated Invasives Guide Now Available for Download
From CT Invasive Plant Working Group

The newly expanded edition of "Invasive Plants in Your Backyard! A Guide to Their Identification and Control" published by the CT River Coastal Conservation District is now available online for download. Click HERE to access and download the file.
Land Trust Alliance Announces Climate Change Initiative
From Land Trust Alliance

The goal of the Initiative is to provide land trusts with the strategies, training and tools they need to both adapt to and mitigate climate change in their land conservation work. Focus areas will include: 1) Delivering training and tools for land trusts wanting to incorporate climate science into their acquisition and stewardship planning; 2) Promoting the use of land to mitigate climate change; and 3) Empowering land trusts to encourage the buildout of renewable energy facilities. More  HERE.

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. 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.  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
Director of Finance and Administration - CFE/Save the Sound

CT Fund for the Environment (CFE)/Save the Sound is hiring a Director of Finance and Administration. More  HERE.
Conservation Easement Manager - Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust

Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust is currently hiring a Conservation Easement Manager. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. More  HERE.
Summer Trails Internship Program - Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is recruiting for their Summer Trails Internship program. More  HERE.
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 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 More  HERE
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. More HERE.
Have you renewed your membership for 2017?
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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 | 860-614-8537
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