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eNews | May 28, 2019

I won't let it go.

I’m a big fan of the NPR Politics Podcast. If you also listen then you know that at the end of each show, the political reporters share something from the week’s news that they “can’t let go of.” As I sat down to write this message, I was thinking about the recent UN biodiversity report and the incredibly distressing news of the threatened extinction of 1 million species.  News I can’t let go of.   Yet the report also states that it is not too late to make a difference – underscoring more than ever the importance of your land conservation work.   This month, I celebrated my ninth year as CLCC’s executive director and reflected on how far we have come together .

Connecticut’s land conservation community continues to grow: working to save more land, reach more people, and be a vocal and visible force at the state Capitol. All of which fills me with hope.   I can’t (and won’t) let go of that either. Sincerely, Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq. Executive Director abpaterson@ctconservation.org

P.S. The 2019 legislative session adjourns on June 5. We are in the home stretch. Read our legislative update and please continue to communicate with your legislators about issues that are important to you and your land conservation work.

CLCC News

CLCC's Accredited Land Trusts Working Group Seeks Your Input

Established in late 2018, CLCC's Accredited Land Trusts Working Group meets periodically to stay connected and current in developments affecting land trust work, Standards & Practices (S&P), and accreditation; and to plan projects – such as a CT land trust S&P template library which is underway. We want to hear from you!  What are your land trust's needs around implementing best practices? Accreditation? How can we help? Please contact Amy at abpaterson@ctconservation.org  to share your needs and ideas and/or to find out more about this peer leadership and networking group.

Land Trusts in the News

Cornwall Conservation Trust Colebrook Land Conservancy

Did you know that DEEP publishes a monthly report on land acquired by the state, municipalities, land trusts and water companies using funds from the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program (OSWA) and the Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program ? OSWA closings reported in April’s Report are the Cornwall Conservation Trust's acquisition of the Matland/Tarradiddle Property (72 acres) and the Colebrook Land Conservancy’s acquisition Deer Hill Property (74+ acres). View all CT DEEP Open Space Reports >>

Land Trust Resources & Opportunities

Information for Land Trusts - Powerline Right-of-Way Vegetation Management

If an Eversource powerline runs through one of your preserves, then the right-of-way probably provides important habitat for rare and declining species of plants and animals that require open habitats. When Eversource alerts you that they will be managing vegetation on the right-of-way, you have the opportunity to meet with a vegetation manager to discuss how this can be accomplished while minimizing impacts to important habitats.   View two reports which describe proven methods for maintaining transmission lines while preserving a biologically rich plant community dominated by native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Read more here >>

Natural Resources Conservation Academy Partners Needed for Conservation Projects

UConn’s Natural Resource Conservation Academy is looking for a few more adult partners (like YOU) for its award-winning  Conservation Training Partnerships program to pair with teens for projects at the Bridgeport workshop (June 22-23) and the Groton workshop (June 27-28). No prior knowledge or expertise necessary. Just a willingness to learn from and contribute to a partnership with the next generation of conservation leaders. Learn more about CTP >> Apply here >>

From the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

For insights into the impacts of accreditation on land trusts, including their conservation work, organizational capacity, reputation in the community, etc. view two new accreditation resources: Your Investment in Accreditation Matters; and an accreditation impact infographic, Land Trust Accreditation's Positive Impact: First Ten Years. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission has announced that the accreditation term will be extended from five years to seven years at a land trust's third renewal. Read more here >>

Workshops, Webinars & Forums

May 29: UCONN CLEAR Webinar - Oak Mortality in CT: Information for Forest Practitioners, Land Managers and Woodland Owners . Read more and register here >> May 30: CLCC Webinar - How to Conserve Energy, Build Trust and Grow Capacity with Little Green Light - an introduction to a cloud-based donor management system. View details and link to registration here >> June 4 (Litchfield) and June 11 (Salisbury): Realtors and Conservation Forum , hosted by several Litchfield County land trusts in partnership with Litchfield Community Center and Litchfield County Board of Realtors. Read more here >> June 6: Roxbury Land Trust - In Our Backyard: Conserving Our Community Assets featuring Dr. Spencer Meyer, Senior Conservationist, Highstead. Read more here >> June 13: CT Resource Conservation & Development Area - Rural Lands Rural Conference . CLCC Executive Director Amy B. Paterson will present on Growing the Economy in Partnership with Land Trusts and Land Conservation . Read more and register here >>

State News

Help Shape Important State Plans

2020 Connecticut Forest Action Plan - A ttend one of the roundtables in June to shape the health and future of our state's forests and woodlands. View details here >> The CT Urban Forest Council is conducting a survey on the present condition and future direction of urban forestry in the state. View details here >> CT DEEP is now accepting comments for the draft state Integrated Water Quality Report from now until June 26, 2019. A public meeting will be held on June 7 at 1:30pm. View details here >> Long Island Sound Blue Plan - Submit comments (deadline is June 21); participate in a public meeting . View details here >>

Funding Opportunities

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has announced funding for the Highlands Conservation Act Program . For info and assistance contact Tim Abbott. Deadline: 6/7/19 (base funding applications); 8/2/19 (competitive funding applications) View details here >> USDA-NRCS is accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants Program (CIG) to spark the development and adoption of cutting-edge conservation technologies and approaches for farmers and other landowners. Deadline: 6/14/19 View details here >> USDA-NRCS is seeking proposals to protect, restore, and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural land . Deadline: 6/14/19 View details here >> USDA-NRCS is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program. Deadline: 6/21/19 View details here >> National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects including design of trails and parks, improved access to rivers, protection of special places, and creation of recreation opportunities . Deadline: 6/30/19 View details here >>

Job Opportunities

Bureau Chief, Water Protection and Land Reuse - CT DEEP Executive Director - Farmington Land Trust Conservation Easement Steward - Forest Society (New Hampshire) River Stewards - Housatonic Valley Association Project Coordinator - Connecticut Trail Census Consultant, Community and Business Partnership Lead - Sebago Clean Waters Executive Director -The CT Council on Soil and Water Conservation

Tip of the Month

Talking Points on the Value of Wetlands

Looking for a concise list of the benefits of wetlands to help in communicating the value of your land conservation work? In "5 Wetland Services for Your Operation and Beyond" , USDA-NRCS blogger Jocelyn Benjamin provides a look at five services wetlands offer your land, your environment, and your community. Read blog >> Photo courtesy of Paul Fusco, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Connecticut Land Conservation Council deKoven House 27 Washington Street Middletown, CT 06457 860-852-5512 ctconservation.org

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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. ctconservation.org