Monthly Review | June 27, 2023
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Extra, extra, read all about it!
I’m delighted to share that CLCC and several Connecticut land trusts and conservation organizations have been featured in the July issue of CT Magazine. The main piece, written by David Holahan, sheds light on the profound significance of land trusts and their conservation efforts in safeguarding the natural heritage of our beautiful state.
The article emphasizes the remarkable impact land trusts have on Connecticut communities and their indispensable role in helping our state achieve its conservation goals.
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Highlighting some of CLCC's initiatives and accomplishments, the article showcases the diverse ways land trusts positively influence our state – from enhancing recreational opportunities to climate change mitigation and ensuring our communities have clean air and water.
While none of this is news to us, it is heartening to see land trusts receive the attention and accolades they deserve; and, in the words of David Holahan, a reminder that “Connecticut would not be the same without its 130 individual and regional land trusts devoted as they are to conservation.”
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#LoveYourCTLandTrust and a huge thanks for all you do to protect special places across Connecticut.
Sincerely,
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Amy Blaymore Paterson
Executive Director
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P.S. We'll share the online version of the article as soon as it is available. Meanwhile, here's another takeaway: We are running out of time when it comes to meeting state land conservation goals and protecting what’s left. With ample state and federal funding available, NOW is a terrific time to pursue land conservation projects in your community. CLCC is offering a number of opportunities to learn more about land conservation funding opportunities and stands ready to assist with your projects. Join us at an info session or during office hours, or contact me anytime to chat. |
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2023 Legislative Session Recap |
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Land Conservation Funding and Programming Get a Boost
In 2023, strategic advocacy together with an unwavering commitment by legislative champions, a strong partnership with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and targeted outreach by land trusts to key legislators, were the ingredients to a successful legislative session for CLCC’s top land conservation priorities, including millions in funding for land conservation and trails.
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The bipartisan Biennial Budget also includes funding for a significant bump in DEEP staff to support CT state parks and to advance environmental equity and justice, as well as sets a new state goal of increasing urban tree canopy by 5% by 2040.
Key legislative victories included a critical technical fix to DEEP's open space grant (OSWA) statute to provide clarity on how a land trust may combine state grants with federal, municipal, and/or private match funding. CLCC’s top legislative priority, this amendment will add efficiencies to the OSWA program and allow applicants to leverage multiple funding sources for their land conservation projects...
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Expanding Farmland Access |
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CLCC Conducts Research Study for CT Department of Agriculture
CLCC is honored to be mentioned in an article by Morning Ag Clips. In partnership with the CT Department of Agriculture, CLCC is undertaking a study to examine land access and tenure models, with an emphasis on land trusts and publicly owned land. This initiative seeks to address access and equity issues borne by socially disadvantaged producers within Connecticut’s agricultural sector.
Land trusts are and can play an indispensable role in ensuring an equitable food system. Through farmland conservation and facilitating access to land, land trusts can be an invaluable resource to new and beginning and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color producers...
To further the impact of this study, CLCC has received funding through the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. This funding will enable CLCC to facilitate deeper conversations and collaborations between land trusts, community groups, and producers... |
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2023 Excellence in Conservation Award Presentations
Please join us at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam on June 29 at 5:30pm to honor the Connecticut River Gateway Commission for its 50 years in supporting land conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. After the award ceremony, we will explore Gillette Castle and trails surrounding the area. RSVPs appreciated.
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Learn about Conservation Grant Funding |
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CLCC Office Hours via Zoom
First and Third Tuesdays of each month Next session July 5 - 10-11am
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Regional Info Session via Zoom
Next Session co-hosted by MetroCOG
June 29 - 10-11am
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Together, We Can Do So Much... |
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Do you #LoveYourCTLandTrust? We sure do!
As Connecticut’s only statewide land trust service organization, CLCC empowers and supports land trusts by:
- Providing direct, financial assistance to support land acquisition projects.
- Offering capacity building, technical assistance, networking, training and education opportunities.
- Advancing new and lasting collaborative partnerships among land trusts and related organizations.
- Advocating for conservation funding, policies to address climate change, and other critical land conservation issues at the local, state, and federal level.
- Ensuring inclusive conservation and fostering relationships between land trusts and their communities to address local needs.
Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support our work.
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Photo Credits - CLCC unless otherwise noted:
Connecticut Magazine July Edition Article by David Holahan
Lower Connecticut River Valley courtesy of Tom Walsh, Shoreline Aerial Photography
Berries Stock Photo
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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.
©2023 Connecticut Land Conservation Council. All rights reserved.
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