Connecticut Land Conservation Council
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eNews | September 28, 2018
Remembering Tom ODell
The land conservation community lost a true conservationist, dedicated colleague, and dear friend with the passing of Tom ODell on July 28, 2018 from complications of ALS.

Both as a professional and volunteer, Tom worked tirelessly to advance land conservation in his town of Westbrook, regionally, and statewide. As a long-time CLCC Steering Committee member he served on our Policy & Advocacy Subcommittee, helping to shape our annual legislative agenda and advocating for stronger and more responsible conservation commissions. 

In 2014, we awarded Tom the CLCC Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Land Conservation.  This award recognizes “an individual fiercely devoted to land conservation, whose long-term commitment to conservation causes has furthered the work of one or more conservation organizations in Connecticut.” Tom could not have been more deserving of this honor . 
This photo was taken at the 2016 Rockfall Foundation Annual Meeting where Tom was awarded the foundation's Distinguished Service Award. With two of our dear conservation friends now gone, it is especially meaningful.

We will continue to work hard to protect and enhance the state’s natural resources in Tom's honor and memory. He will be deeply missed.
Sincerely,
Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.
Executive Director

Pictured next to me from l. to r. Sandy Breslin (1954-2017), Tom, David Brown, and Alicia Sullivan.
CLCC News
Spread the Word to Protect Public Lands
Vote Yes on Question #2 on November 6th!

On November 6th, you and your land trust have a historic opportunity to help pass a statewide ballot measure to better protect state-owned conservation and agricultural lands. Please vote YES on Question #2!

Going to Rally? Join us for Dinner!
Save the Date - Friday, October 12
CLCC is organizing our annual dinner gathering for Connecticut land trusts attending Rally 2018 in Pittsburgh.
Email Amy to reserve your spot!
Space is limited. Details are coming soon.
Land Trusts in the News
Darien Land Trust
With Appreciation - Shirley Nichols
After 14 years as the executive director of the Darien Land Trust , Shirley Nichols will be stepping away from the day-to-day operations of the organization. She will continue to work with the DLT as a trustee emeritus and will assist Beth Harmon, the new executive director, with the transition starting in September."...
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Shirley pictured with her sons Ben, Will and Luke. Credit: DarienTimes
State News
Good news for Open Space Grant Program (OSWA)

New OSWA Grant Round -- DEEP has announced that it is accepting applications from municipalities, land trusts, and water companies for the next round of the competitive Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) .   Application deadline is February 7, 2019


OSWA Receives State Bonds - On September 13, the State Bond Commission approved $5 million for the OSWA program -- the first bond allocation for the program since 2014 and some relief from years of cuts to OSWA's other funding source, the Community Investment Act . Please thank Governor Malloy and your Legislators.
Federal News Headlines
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in Trouble - Conservation Fund Running Dry (Source: CT Post)

Opponents of Plum Island Making Gains - Preserve Plum Island Group sees progress on several fronts . (Source: CT Mirror)  
Funding & Project Assistance Opportunities
Clif Bar Family Foundation Small Grants provide general organizational support as well as funding for specific projects. Deadline: 10/1


USFS FY2019 Landscape Scale Restoration Request for Applications being accepted for organizations interested in helping DEEP meet the State Forest Action Plan. Deadline: 10/12

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program  (EQIP) offers agricultural landowners financial resources and one-to-one assistance in implementing conservation practices.
 Deadline: 10/19

Bafflin Foundation Seeks Proposals from land trusts in support of arts, animals and the environment, including land acquisition projects. Deadline: 10/31

CT DEEP Recreational Trails Grants Program funds trail projects, including acquisitions and easements, for non-profits, municipalities, and others. Deadline: 10/31

CT DEEP Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program matching grants program for municipalities, land trusts and water companies. Deadline: 2/7/19

The Conservation Fund offers bridge loans to land trusts.

Sustainable CT Grants Portal provides a comprehensive listing of resources to help your community implement Sustainable CT actions.
Land Trust Resources & Opportunities
"Black Rat Snake", Babcock Ridge, protected by Avalonia Land Conservancy
Photo courtesy of Bruce Fellman - Honorable Mention
Job Opportunities
Tip of the Month
Now's the Time to Mow Mugwort
Connecticut’s newest invasive plant is spreading rapidly throughout our road
network. The CT Botanical Society advises "Mow Mugwort Now."


Photo credit: Sigrun Gadwa
Connecticut Land Conservation Council
deKoven House
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457

860-852-5512
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Educate. Protect. Inspire. Connect... Together we are EPIC
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.