April 20,2017
Executive Director's Message
The stakes have never been higher 

Yesterday, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released Environmental Quality in Connecticut 2016, its annual report on the condition of the state's air, water, land and wildlife. The report is built upon 30 environmental indicators that measure the state's progress towards meeting its goals during the past ten years or longer.  

We are fortunate to be able to rely upon CEQ to give us an independent and objective analysis of the conditions that impact our state's environment and public health.  I urge you to read the report cover to cover; but prepare yourself.
 
The news is sobering, if not alarming, with the report showing a regression or lack of progress in meeting many of our state's environmental goals, including those for land conservation. 
 
And the icing on the cake?  CEQ - the state's only environmental watchdog agency - is proposed for elimination under the Governor's budget.   Couple this news with the continuous assaults on the environment coming from Washington, D.C. and it is hard not to feel defeated.
 
But we will NOT be defeated!
 
Whether you write a letter to the editor, volunteer at a clean-up event, participate in a March for Science, or just go for a walk in the woods, Earth Day (April 22) is a perfect day to recharge your commitment to taking action to protect all that we care about. 
 
The stakes have never been higher.
 
With appreciation for all you do,

Amy

P.S. Take action to help save CEQ today by contacting the leadership of the Appropriations Committee and asking that they restore funding for CEQ.  Read more HERE.
CLCC News
Now Hiring Program Coordinator

CLCC is accepting applications for a full-time Program Coordinator. This position will report to the Executive Director and primarily be responsible for developing and managing CLCC's organizational advancement initiative, technical assistance program, and training and education program. Read the full description HERE.  Application deadline is April 24.
Connecticut Land Trusts in the News
Prepare to be inspired! 
Photo Credit: New Haven Land Trust
New Haven Land Trust merges with Schooner, Inc.  

As part of a new merger, the New Haven Land Trust and Schooner, Inc. have partnered together to provide a summer nature camp program, including a sailing component, for kids ages 6-12 years old. Read more about the merger HERE. Find out more about the camp HERE.
Aspetuck Land Trust Partners for Wellness

Residents of The Jewish Home in Bridgeport are helping Aspetuck Land Trust get its conservation message out by preparing the land trust's mailings to members and prospects. Read more HERE (go to page 8) in the Spring 2017 edition of the Land Trust Alliance's Saving Land Magazine.
State News Headlines
  • Gov. Malloy Appoints Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to Serve on the Connecticut Green Bank.  Read more HERE.
  • DEEP Seeks Input into the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).  Read more HERE.
  • CT Greenways Council Accepting Nominations for Official State Greenway Designations.  Read more HERE.
  • DEEP and UConn Need Help from Land Trusts with Bird Atlas Project. Read more HERE.
Funding and Project Assistance Opportunities
  • NRCS Technical Assistance Programs. NRCS has announced another FY2017 sign-up period for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The deadline to apply to be considered during this ranking period is May 19, 2017.  More details HERE. 
  • DEEP Wildlife Division's Regional Young Forest Initiative for At-Risk Species.  DEEP is seeking program participants to receive technical and financial assistance to implement EQIP Program practices to create young forest habitat essential to New England cottontail rabbits, American woodcock and over 50 other species.  The first deadline for project applications is June 16, 2017. More details HERE.  
  • EPA New England's Healthy Communities Grant Program.  The US EPA has announced available grant money to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. More details HERE.
  • NEEF Every Day Capacity Building Grants.  The National Environmental Education Foundation has grant funds of up to $5,000 to help Friends Groups build their organizational capacity to serve public lands. More details HERE.
Land Trust Resources & Opportun ities
Photo Credit: CT DEEP
Inland Fish Community Map Now Available

DEEP and UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) have developed a fish community map for Connecticut's Inland Waters. The map is designed to select by either town or waterbody to filter results. Access the map HERE. For questions, contact Mike Beauchene at Mike.Beauchene@ct.gov.
Nominate a Land Trust for National Excellence Award

The Land Trust Alliance is now accepting submissions for their National Excellence Award. This award highlights the amazing work of land trusts in the following areas: 1) Outstanding initiative to broaden support for land conservation; 2) Outstanding collaboration initiative; and 3) Outstanding communications, education and outreach initiative. More information is HERE. Nomination deadline is April 24, 2017.
Photo Credit: USDA NRCA
UConn NRCA Launches Environmental Programs

  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
Lead a Trails Day Hike

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) has opened registration for Trails Day, June 3-4, 2017.  Register your event and get hike ideas HERE by May 15 to have your event published on CFPA's website .  For more information c ontact Chuck Toal at trailsday@ctwoodlands.org.

Job and Volunteer Opportunities
  • Conservation Easement Steward - Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  More HERE. 
  • Director of Development and Programs - Avalonia Land Conservancy.  More information is HERE.
  • Consultant to develop Habitat Restoration Plans for Long Island Sound Watershed Regional Conservation Partnership Program.  More HERE.
  • Long Island Sound Water Quality Campaign Manager - The Nature Conservancy. More HERE.
  • Bird Research Technician - Aton Forest.  More HERE.
  • Seasonal Camp Director - Audubon Connecticut.  More HERE.
  • Land Conservation Projects Manager - Westchester Land Trust.  More HERE.
  • Nature Center Director - The Connecticut Audubon Society.  More HERE.
We Count on Your Support!
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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