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Educate. Protect. Inspire. Connect...
with you
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Celebrating CIA and OSWA
The land conservation world is replete with acronyms. It's hard to keep up with them all.
But here are two that I know you will recognize immediately: CIA and OSWA
The
CIA
has invested more than $152 million in 1,400 projects throughout the state -- providing across the board protection and enhancement of the natural, historic, and cultural resources that make our communities so special.
Funded through the CIA and state bonding, the
OSWA
program has provided more than $125 million to assist in the conservation of 33,000+ acres of land in 137 CT municipalities.
Together, these programs continue to deliver -- strengthening the quality of life and local economies of every town in CT, irrespective of tough fiscal times.
After another year of state budget challenges, we think that is a really good reason to celebrate!
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Please ask your State Legislators to join you this summer for a "Conservation Conversation" hosted by land trusts across the state. We can't think of a better way to thank them for their continued support of the CIA and OSWA programs.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
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Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.
Executive Director
Banner photo credit: Creative Commons
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Mark your Calendars!
Regional Conservation Conversations
Celebrating the CIA and OSWA Grant Program Success Stories
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Join us this summer to visit land conservation success stories around the state made possible by DEEP's
Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition Program (OSWA) - funded by the
Community Investment Act -
and other state, federal, and local investments. Enjoy a fun, informal walk at a preserve or garden, and talk with State Legislators and local leaders about your land conservation priorities.
"Beaver Pond" protected by Haddam Land Trust
Photo courtesy of P.Smith - 1st Place Winner
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2018 Legislative Session Re-Cap
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The 2018 state legislative session ended on May 9 and thanks to your support and participation, the land conservation community emerged with some important victories, including passage of Senate Joint Resolution 35 and protection from further cuts to the Community Investment Act.
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Great Meadows Conservation Trust
Earth Day Clean Up is a Community Event
Over sixty people joined the
Great Meadows Conservation Trust
for its Earth Day clean up event at the Trust’s Wood Parcel in Wethersfield. Activities included trash clean-up, adaptive trail work and bench building. Also participating were Senator Chris Murphy (pictured above), State Representative Antonio Guerrera, State Senator Paul Doyle, and numerous local elected officials. View the Fox61 video…
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Photo courtesy of Great Meadows Conservation Trust
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House Fails to Pass Farm Bill
.
The
House version of the Farm Bill was defeated on May 18 by a vote of 198-213. Controversy around the vote included proposals related to immigration; stricter work and job training requirements for food stamp recipients; renewal of certain farm subsidies; and forest management and public access. National conservation and farmland organizations have provided differing perspectives on the House bill vote including the
Land Trust Alliance
,
Young Farmers Coalition
, and
Outdoor Alliance
. A Senate version of the Farm Bill is expected soon.
(Various Sources)
Sign-on to NWF's Effort to Recover America's Wildlife Act
. Join the National Wildlife Federation in supporting dedicated funding to recover America’s wildlife by adding your organization’s name to the NWF letter to show your support. If successful, this effort would increase funding for wildlife conservation in Connecticut by $12M/year and provide a significant increase in wildlife funding for all 50 states.
(Thanks to CT Audubon Society for sharing this info.)
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Funding & Project Assistance Opportunities
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USFS Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program offers h
elp for Regional Conservation Partnerships to build their capacity to plan and implement landowner outreach and land management activities.
Register
here
for informational webinar scheduled for June 5
.
Deadline: June 15
USFS Community Forest Program
offers a unique opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests that provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products. View a webinar on this program
here
.
Deadline: June 29
American Honda Foundation Grants
ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 support nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that address youth and scientific education including in the areas of science, technology, and the environment.
Deadline: August 1
Access Fund: Climbing Conservation Grant Program
supports projects that preserve or enhance climbing opportunities and conserve the climbing environment nationwide. Land trusts are eligible to apply. Most grants range from $1,000 to $4,000.
Deadline: August 1
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Land Trust Resources & Opportunities
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"Johnson Farm" protected by Steep Rock Association
Photo courtesy of Woody Campbell - Grand Prize Winner
Invasive Plant Control Workshop: From Theory to Practice.
Experts from The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will present up-to-date information on impacts of invasive species and alternative methods for their control during the morning, followed by practical field demonstrations in the afternoon.
June 2, 2018, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Job & Volunteer Opportunities
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Fundraising Events:
How to Raise More Money & Have More Fun!
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"Love 'em or hate 'em - (fundraising events) are unavoidable and important strategy for many fundraising shops..."
"...while you are at it, why not try to turn your event into a wonderful party? ... "
(Source: Gaily Perry, Fired Up Fundraising)
Photo courtesy of CT Farmland Trust
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Connecticut Land Conservation
Council
deKoven House
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-614-8537
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Educate. Protect. Inspire. Connect...
Together we are EPIC
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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.
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