Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is awarding approximately $3.7 million in state funding to aid in the purchase and protection of more than 1,025 acres of open space in 14 communities throughout Connecticut. Additionally, $46,875 will aid in the creation of five new community gardens and green spaces in a targeted investment community.
The selected projects will receive funding through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program, which are both administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
“These state grants will increase the availability of open space and protect our natural resources, moving us closer to meeting our overall goal of permanently protecting 21% of Connecticut’s land base,” Governor Lamont said. “The Urban Green and Community Gardens grants address needs within urbanized areas of the state, creating more equitable access to outdoor green spaces and promoting fresh, locally grown food. Both programs significantly improve the quality of life for our residents, attract visitors and businesses to the state, and make Connecticut a great place to live and work.”
Section 23-8 of the Connecticut General Statutes establishes a goal of protecting 673,210 acres (21%) of the state’s land base as open space. The goal calls for 320,576 acres (10%) to be held by DEEP as part of the state’s system of parks, forests, fisheries, and natural resource management areas, and 352,634 acres (11%) to be acquired by DEEP’s partners, which include municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies.
As of December 31, 2022, DEEP estimates that its partners hold approximately 252,197 acres or 71.5% of their share of the state’s open space goal, and that DEEP holds approximately 263,387 acres or 82.22% of its share of the goal. In total, 516,031 acres have been preserved (76.67% of the total goal), leaving an additional 157,179 acres remaining to meet the 21% open space goal.
“Since the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program began in 1998, more than $157 million in state funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies to assist in the purchase of more than 42,000 acres of publicly accessible land.” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Open space preservation is more important now than ever – it is critical in our mitigation efforts to fight against climate change, protects our natural resources and wildlife, maintains healthy air and clean water for our residents, and provides outdoor recreational opportunities throughout our beautiful state.”
The grants announced today for local project(s) include:
Project Name: Ledges Preserve
Sponsor: Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy
Location: 16 Dunsinane Road, Brookfield
Grant Amount: $325,000
Size: 45.31 Acres
Description: This property is contiguous with the Town of Brookfield’s 116-acre Burr Farm and includes 33 acres of a greater (524-acre) core forest block. This purchase will protect an intact wildlife corridor with bobcat, black bear and fisher sightings in and around the parcel. The property features two small ponds and Dingle Brook, which feeds into Pond Brook and then Lake Lillinonah. The Nortwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will formalize a loop trail, linking to an existing trail across Dingle Brook and the abutting Burr Farm. The Dunsinane Road cul de sac will facilitate public parking and access. Gentle slopes at the property will offer good hiking opportunities and steeper areas with outcrops will offer a more interesting challenge for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Open-Space/Open-Space for a full list of properties that are receiving funds