May 16, 2017
Executive Director's Message 
Let's make some noise!
 
CLCC has been busy at the Capitol taking advantage of every opportunity to spread the message to our legislators that land conservation is essential to healthy, sustainable communities and strong economies now and for future generations.  
 
Which Capitol? Both of them! 

In Hartford:   With a budget deficit larger than anticipated, tough decisions have become even tougher, impacting every facet of government; and all of us.  The Governor's deficit mitigation plan (to close the budget deficit for FY17) proposes sweeps of the Community Investment Act, including $4.5 million from DEEP's open space account and further cuts impacting our State Parks.  The Governor's revised biennial budget was released yesterday -- with details regarding the same under evaluation. Please stay tuned.

In D.C.:   Joined by Tim Abbott (HVA/Litchfield Hills Greenprint) and Bolton resident Allysa McDonnell (Intern, Land Trust Alliance), I traveled to DC for Land Trust Advocacy Days to thank members of our Congressional Delegation for their consistent leadership in support of land conservation programs, including those funded by the Farm Bill, LWCF, the Forest Legacy Program, and Highlands, among others, and to share stories of YOUR amazing work! We also asked that they watch tax reform carefully, as it could have a serious impact on fundraising for land trusts and other charities.   And our final message:  please save public lands, national monuments and the EPA!  #land4all

Times are indeed tough.  Whether in Hartford or in Washington, there is a sense of urgency to speak up, share your land conservation success stories and ask your legislators to protect the programs that are critical to land conservation, our public health and environment. 

Connecticut is home to the third most land trusts in the country!  Together our voices are strong! 
 
Let's make some noise!
   
With appreciation for all you do,
Amy


P.S.  Find State and Federal Policy updates and briefing papers HERE. 

With the state legislative session set to end on June 7, we're in the final push!  Please watch for more updates and alerts ... and THANK YOU in advance for speaking up!


Connecticut Land Trusts in the News
Prepare to be inspired! 
Burlington Land Trust President Honored by Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters
Paul Rochford, President of the Burlington Land Trust, received the John M. Clapp Outstanding Big Brother of the Year Award during the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Year Awards held Tuesday, May 9 at The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford. Read the full article  HERE .  Photo credit:  Paul Rochford
Photo Credit: NRCS
Connecticut Farmland Trust and Partners Ensure Farm Protection in Lebanon for Generations to Come

After purchasing his farm, Howard Wayland reached out to the Connecticut Farmland Trust about placing conservation easements on the property. Thanks to their efforts along with the assistance of the NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, the Wayland Farm will now be protected in perpetuity. Read the full release HERE.
Funding and Project Assistance Opportunities
  • Forest Legacy Program. The FLP protects working forests, those forests that protect water quality and provide habitat, forest products, opportunities for recreation and other public benefits. Deadline: June 30, 2017. More details HERE.
     
  • Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program. The FWS announced funding to provide direct technical assistance and financial assistance to coastal communities and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands. Deadline: September 30, 2017. More details HERE.
  • National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. This Program helps to connect communities to parks and natural areas by assisting local leaders in protecting special places and creating close-to-home opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors. Deadline: June 30, 2017. More details HERE
  • USDA Invests $33 Million to Improve Water Quality in High-Priority Watersheds. USDA will make an investment of $33 million in 197 high-priority watersheds across the country (including the Broad Brook and Little River Watersheds in CT) through the NRCS National Water Quality Initiative. Deadline: June 16, 2017. More details HERE.
  • NRCS Funding for Forestry Implementation on Gypsy Moth Damaged Forests. NRCS has announced the availability of funding for forest landowners with trees affected by severe Gypsy Moth damage. Deadline: June 16, 2017. More details HERE.
  • 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). Deadline during this ranking period: 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. First deadline for project applications: 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.
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.
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.  
Job and Volunteer Opportunities
  • Development Director - Roxbury Land Trust. More HERE.
  • Conservation Intern - Highstead. More HERE.
  • General Manager - The Trustees of Reservations, Islands. More HERE.
  • Senior Conservation Specialist - The Trustees of Reservations.  More HERE.
  • Part-Time Coordinator Position - Connecticut Trail Census. More HERE.
  • Executive Director - Northeast Wilderness Trust. More HERE.
  • Soundkeeper - Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound. More HERE.
  • Bird Research Technician - Aton Forest. More HERE.
  • Land Protection Specialist - Mass Audubon.  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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