Dear Landowner Or Steward

Dear Landowner or Steward,

You are receiving this letter because a friend or colleague thought you might have an interest in the 2015 Coverts Project Seminar and recommended you. The COVERTS PROJECT is seeking woodland owners, managers and other interested individuals who want to learn more about forest and wildlife stewardship in exchange for a commitment to share that information with others in their community.

The COVERTS PROJECT aims to demonstrate how well-planned forest stewardship can improve wildlife habitat and enhance the other benefits that you (or your community) as a woodland owner may enjoy. This September 17 to 20 (Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon), we are offering another in-depth seminar on forest and wildlife stewardship at Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, Connecticut. A seminar outline and application are also attached. All costs of the seminar (meals, lodging at the camp, reference and curriculum materials) will be covered. In exchange, we ask participants to return to their communities and share what they've learned with others: to create opportunities for other landowners to get answers to their questions.

Specifically, Cooperators agree to: 1. Develop a sound forest and wildlife stewardship plan for their own woodland or other land which they may be involved in managing; 2. Maintain for at least one year an up-to-date set of reference materials (provided by the project) and be available to answer questions other landowners have; 3. Make an active effort, in conjunction with other Cooperators to reach out to landowners in their community and make the information available.

Coverts Project Cooperators become part of a special, informed network of conservation-minded individuals who have ready access to natural resource professionals and resources across Connecticut.

Successful candidates for this program must have time for the course and community-sharing activities. We will provide continual communications and support during the year following the seminar and longer for those who choose to remain actively involved.

Please look over the accompanying materials and, if you’re interested, complete the application form and return it as soon as possible (space is limited). If you have any questions, feel free to call. Selection for this year's participation in the project will be completed this summer, and participants each will receive in the mail a set of reference materials shortly thereafter. Many thanks. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Worthley Associate Extension Professor

THE CONNECTICUT COVERTS PROJECT Co-sponsored by The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System The Connecticut Forest & Park Association The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection