June 26, 2017
Executive Director's Message 
Introducing Jordan Giaconia

We've reached another exciting milestone at the Connecticut Land Conservation Council!

On behalf of the CLCC Steering Committee, I am delighted to announce that Jordan Giaconia has joined our staff as Program Coordinator to further develop and manage CLCC's programs to build and support land trusts throughout the state.  

A native of Lyme and graduate of the University of Connecticut, Jordan brings on-the-ground project experience to CLCC, having worked in a variety of positions with conservation organizations at the local, state, and national levels; most recently serving as Legislative Advocate for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and Special Projects Assistant for the Land Trust Alliance in Washington, DC.

In his first two weeks on the job, Jordan has hit the ground running - traveling around the state to meet land trusts, landowners and other conservation partners; preparing for our annual regional summits and focus groups; coordinating work for our advancement initiatives; and brainstorming with our Steering Committee to put together new technical assistance programs to strengthen your land conservation work.

You can read more about Jordan on our website.  Better yet? Invite him to a board meeting or other land trust event and get to know him in person.  Jordan can be reached at jgiaconia@ctconservation.org

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

With warmest regards,
Amy
Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director
CLCC News
Action Alert!  This week is critical!
Now is the time to ask your legislators to support land conservation budget priorities!

With the Connecticut General Assembly deep into negotiations to craft a biennial budget by June 30, NOW is the time to contact your legislators and urge them to support land conservation budget priorities  including  bonding for open space , protecting the Community Investment Act, saving the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)funding mechanisms for State Parks (Passport to the Parks) Conservation Districts & Council on Soil and Water Conservation , and other programs that protect public health and the environment.  Click on each budget priority to view action alerts and talking points or contact abpaterson@ctconservation.org for more info.
New CLCC Webpage:  Municipal Tax Assessments of Conserved Land

CLCC has created a new webpage devoted to municipal tax assessments of conserved land in our Information Resource Library. Information thus far includes links to: (1) a 2017 Yale FES student report and associated materials on the topic prepared for CLCC; (2) links to info on Public Act 490; (3) a list of relevant Connecticut General Statutes; and (4) sample municipal tax abatement policies.  Please contact Amy at  abpaterson@ctconservation.org for comments or additions (including case studies) to share.
Connecticut Land Trusts in the News
Prepare to be inspired! 
New Haven Land Trust President Walker Holmes Selected as CT State Director of The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has announced the selection of Walker Holmes as its new CT State Director. Also the President of the New Haven Land Trust, Walker joined TPL in 2010 to lead urban park, garden, and playground projects in CT cities. She has been running the Parks for People Program, focused on improving several Bridgeport schoolyards, for 5 years.   Read more about Walker.   Photo credit:  TPL
Photo Credit:  New Canaan Land Trust
New Canaan Land Trust Announces Executive Director Transition and the Protection of the Silvermine Fowler Preserve

The New Canaan Land Trust recently welcomed Yale FES graduate Aaron Lefland as its new Executive Director, taking over the position from Michael Johnson.   The land trust also announced its  successful partnership with the Trust for Public Land to permanently protect a 6.5-acre addition to the 41-acre Hicks Meadows-Kelley Uplands Audubon Sanctuary.  More details are here.

Pictured l. to r.: Michael Johnson, NCLT President Art Berry, and executive director Aaron Lefland.
Aspetuck Land Trust Board Members Photo Credit: Aspetuck Land Trust
Aspetuck Land Trust Receives Aquarion Environmental Champion Award

Aspetuck Land Trust was awarded the 2017 Aquarion Environmental Champion Award which recognizes efforts that have significantly contributed to the improvement of environmental quality through the protection, conservation, restoration and stewardship of CT's water, air, soils, and plan and wildlife habitats.
Photo Credit: CT Audubon Society 
Connecticut Audubon Society Announces Major New Preserve

The Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) recently announced its acquisition of Deer Pond Farm, an 835 acre preserve on the border of CT and NY. Learn more about scheduled walks at the preserve here.  

Pictured is Cathy Hagadorn, Deer Pond Farm program director.
Supreme Court Upholds 36-year old conservation easement in favor of the Lyme Land Conservation Trust

In Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Inc. v. Beverly Platner, et al, the Connecticut Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that the successor owners of a conserved property in Lyme, CT violated a conservation easement when they landscaped protected areas of their property. The court sent the issue of attorneys' fees and damages back to the lower court.  This dispute has now persisted for a decade since the successor owners violated the 1981 conservation easement on the property. (Synopsis credit:  Land Trust Alliance)
State News Headlines
Land Trust Resources & Opportun ities
Land Trust Alliance Responds to New Tax Break Analysis

Land Trust Alliance President Andrew Bowman released a response to a Wall Street Journal blog about tax breaks associated with conservation easements. Entitled "When a Conservation Tax Break Protects Backyards and Golf Courses," the blog post is based on findings from a new Brookings Institute study authored by Adam Looney.  
Enter the 2nd Annual "Land is My" Video Contest

It's time to start planning your video submission for the second annual Land Trust Alliance "Land is My" video contest. Rules and deadlines are here.   Check out CLCC's 2016 video.
Rally Registration Now Open


Rally 2017 is celebrating 30 years! Join your peers from across the country October 26-28 in Denver, CO. Early bird registration ends on August 28, 2017. Register here.
Funding and Project Assistance Opportunities
Job and Volunteer Opportunities

Our 2017-18 Annual Membership Appeal is Underway!
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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