SB 887 – The Governor’s bond package – includes authorization of $5M for the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA). Also included are proposed authorizations to fund trails and resilience projects.

The Community Investment Act, a dedicated fund to support OSWA, including the Urban Green and Community Garden Program, and other state land use programs, appears protected in the proposal.

HB 6441 – The Governor’s Act Concerning Climate Change Adaptation includes several proposals which provide municipalities with funding tools to better respond to the impacts of climate change at the local level.

Section 3 of the bill enables a Municipal Funding Option – giving communities the opportunity to establish a limited buyer’s conveyance fee program to generate revenue for climate resilience and other local environmental projects.

CLCC is kicking off our winter series of virtual gatherings with this terrific set of workshops emphasizing Land Trust Standards & Practices led by land trust consultant, Connie Manes. Join us for one; join us for all!

Details and registration coming next week!

The Kent Land Trust is pleased to announce that it is applying for Renewal of its Land Trust Accreditation.

"Accreditation brings our board and staff together by providing a framework for excellence in our operations," said Connie Manes, Executive Director. "...We are proud to be part of the community of more than 440 accredited land trusts nationwide."

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Adapted from News from the Office of the Governor - 2/18/21

"Underscoring the urgent threat posed to the state by the climate crisis, Governor Lamont outlined key legislative proposals he is introducing for the 2021 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly to adapt to the very real and unavoidable impacts of climate change, mitigate the sources and impacts of climate change beyond 2050, and prioritize the most vulnerable communities."

Many of the proposals, including those set forth in HB 6441 - which includes in Section 3 enabling legislation for a municipal buyer's conveyance fee option - implement recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) for near-term climate action as set forth in the Phase I Report.

Tomorrow! The Social Black Bear: What Bears Have Taught Me About Being Human presented by Ben Kilham - hosted by Salisbury Association Land Trust, Colebrook Land Conservancy, Cornwall Conservation Trust, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Norfolk Land Trust, Sharon Land Trust and Winchester Land Trust in Collaboration with the Scoville Memorial Library. February 26 at 4:00pm.

Avalonia Land Conservancy and UConn CLEAR are hosting their Finding the Right Trees for the Right Time speaker series starting on March 10. The series is free to attend but registration is required.

Register now for Virtual Joint Conference of the CT Conference on Natural Resources and CT Outdoor & Environmental Education Association scheduled for March 15-16. The overarching theme of the conference is Creating a More Equitable & Inclusive Environmental Sector.

The CT Green Building Council will host its Northeast Summit for a Sustainable Built Environment (NESSBE) on March 25-26. Registration is now open.

CT Forest & Park Association and CT DEEP will host a Project Learning Tree Facilitator Training on April 8 and April 15. Registration is required.

The Cornell Bird Lab and the Land Trust Alliance have announced their 2021 Land Trust Grant Program, funding capacity & partnership and management & restoration projects. Deadline: 3/1/21

The USDA-NRCS is now accepting applications for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Deadline: 3/1/21

The CT Urban Forestry Council has opened the 2021 round of Community Forestry Small Grants Program. Deadline: 3/15/21

The Environmental Professionals Organization of CT (EPOC) is accepting applications for its 2021 grant program. Deadline: 3/31/21

One Tree Planted is looking to work with CT organizations on reforestation projects. They fund projects ideally ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 or more seedlings.

The Beaver Institute provides grants through the CT Beaver Initiative to land trusts and CT property owners to nonlethally resolve conflicts with beavers. Rolling deadline.

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.

Development Assistant - CT Forest & Park Association

Realty Specialist - US Fish and Wildlife Service

Seasonal Recreation Worker - Regional Water Authority

Natural Resources Analyst - Regional Water Authority

Conservation Compliance Officer - Town of Westport

Inland Wetlands/Conservation Enforcement Officer - Town of Ridgefield

Multiple positions - Sustainable CT

Executive Director - Opacum Land Trust (MA)

2021 Connections Crew Leader - Housatonic Valley Association

Summer Internships - Housatonic Valley Association

Osprey Nation Coordinator - Connecticut Audubon Society

Stewardship Intern Program Manager - New Canaan Land Trust

Summer 2021 Field Ecology Intern - Highstead

Trails Protection Coordinator - CT Forest & Park Association

Multiple Seasonal Positions - CT DEEP

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.