A Shout-Out to Open Space |
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At the CTLCV Environmental Summit opener on January 19, Governor Lamont and CT DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes reminded us of the importance of open space to all communities in CT.
As Governor Lamont said, open spaces enhance our quality of life -- allowing us to stay healthy physically and mentally -- benefits that have been underscored by the pandemic and the public’s need for access to the outdoors.
Commissioner Dykes emphasized the essential role that land conservation plays in addressing the impacts of climate change. Forests and trees, wetlands, soils, and other natural resources absorb greenhouse gases, filter air pollutants, and reduce flooding – among a myriad of public health and ecosystem benefits.
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There has never been a more important time to invest in land conservation. |
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With a sense of urgency, CLCC looks forward to continuing our work with the GC3, Governor Lamont, and the administration on implementation of these recommendations in the upcoming year.
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Amy Blaymore Paterson
Executive Director
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P.S. Visit our website or contact me anytime to learn more about the “municipal funding option” to fund land conservation and address climate change at the local level.
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Learn Alongside Us
CLCC Staff Blog and Anti-Racism Resources List
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This month's blog post, "What will be our legacy?" comes from CLCC's Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow, Yaw Darko.
"Our work in land conservation is not free from injustice, but our efforts to acknowledge the inequality in our work, to recognize the history of environmental injustice, and provide equitable access to land is a start."
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New Website and More in the Works for 2021
The CLCC team is hard at work in developing and implementing new tools and programs in 2021 including a redesigned, easy to navigate, inviting new website, land trust outreach publications, Advancement Initiatives with an equity lens, Regional Collaborative Feasibility Studies, the 2021 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference, and more. Stay tuned for announcements and further information. (We are pretty excited!)
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Connecticut Farmland Trust |
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Protecting Two Farms within 48-hours...Twice in 2020! |
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The Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT), CT’s only statewide land trust devoted to farmland preservation, broke some internal records in 2020. In June, CFT protected the Gustafson Farm (Watertown) and Kuss Farms (Bethlehem) -- totaling 362 acres -- within 48 hours. In September, they did it again, with back-to-back closings on the Stanley Boniewski Farm (Middletown) and the Gallup Homestead Farm (Voluntown). The preservation efforts were undertaken in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners…
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Governor's Council on Climate Change (GC3) Update
On Friday January 15, 2021, with opening remarks from Governor Lamont, the GC3 met to release the final draft of the text of the GC3 Phase 1 report, entitled Taking Action on Climate Change and Building a More Resilient Connecticut for All. The report provides an assessment of the state’s progress toward mitigating carbon emissions and addressing climate change adaptation and resilience, and outlines 61 near-term strategies to meet these challenges.
If you aren’t already receiving GC3 announcements, you may sign-up here by selecting “DEEP Matters: Climate Action.”
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CT Council on Environmental Quality Announces Priorities |
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The Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has announced its 2021 legislative priorities. The main topics cover protecting agricultural land and core forests, improving the efficacy of CT's bottle bill, and preventing releases of home heating oil.
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Land Trust Resources & Opportunities |
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The IRS revised Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contribution) in December 2020. The revised form is now available on the IRS website.
The Land Trust Alliance 2021 Land Trust Census is underway. Offered every 5 years, the Census is the only comprehensive survey of private land conservation in America.
Call for presentations for the Land Trust Alliance Rally 2021. Overarching themes for proposals include: Inclusion, Climate Change and Water.
Proposals are due March 1.
The Forest Stewards Guild will host a virtual town hall on February 2 to inform landowners and managers how to promote healthy oak in their woods.
CT DEEP will host a virtual training course on February 26 on making great maps using the Avenza phone app.
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CT DEEP announced funding for projects that reduce the impact of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in the state. Deadline: 2/12/21
The Hartford Audubon Society is offering mini-grants to help fund and support initiatives within the state, especially within the Hartford County area, which directly benefit the bird life in Connecticut. Deadline: 2/15/21
The second sign-up period for the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is now open. Deadline: 2/19/21
The USDA-NRCS is now accepting applications for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Deadline: 3/1/21
The Environmental Professionals Organization of CT (EPOC) is accepting applications for its 2021 grant program. Deadline: 3/31/21
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has established the 2021 Restoration and Resilience Fund to assist public lands impacted by increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rolling deadline.
The Clif Bar Family Foundation Small Grants Program supports innovative small and mid-sized groups working to protect the Earth's beauty and bounty, create a healthy food system, increase opportunities for outdoor activity, and more. Applications due February 1, June 1, October 1.
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New COVID relief bill extends tax breaks for charitable giving |
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Here's a tip for your donors...
The 2021 Covid relief bill signed into law in late December extends the universal charitable deduction through 2021.
Notably, married couples who don’t itemize may deduct up to $600 above the standard deduction for their 2021 donations. Individuals may continue to deduct $300 above the standard deduction for 2021.
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Photo Credits
Amy snowshoeing - Gordon Paterson; Amy, Josie & Harriet - CLCC; Yaw Darko - CLCC; Truck with Hay - Kuss Farms shared by Connecticut Farmland Trust; Manchester Land Conservation Trust Risley Preserve Panorama - CLCC; Black Bear - Bill Arnold
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Connecticut Land Conservation Council
deKoven House
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-852-5512
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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.
©2020 Connecticut Land Conservation Council. All rights reserved.
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