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Park Association-Support Act Establishing a Tax Abatement
Testimony of Eric Hammerling, Executive Director, Connecticut Forest & Park Association Public Hearing Subject Matter Position Raised Bill 5477 : AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TAX ABATEMENT FOR Support CERTAIN CONSERVATION EASEMENTS . Raised Bill 5476: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A STATE -WIDE GEOGRAPHIC Support INFORMATION SYSTEM TASK FORCE . The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is the first conservation organization estab lished in Connecticut in 1895. For 12 5 years, CFPA has offered testimony before the General Assembly on various State Park and Forest, trail recreation, forestry, and land conservation iss ues. I am pleased to testify today to express CFPA’s support of Raised Bill 5477 , “An Act Establishing a Tax Abatement for Certain Conservation Easements .” What would this bill do (in plain language)? This bill would enable, but not require, muni cipalitie s to pass a local ordinance to waive property taxes for landowners who place a conservation easement on a portion of their property to protect the trail corridor of a State - designated Greenway . This would be a n outstanding way to support municipalities in encourag ing landowners to protect these speci al ly designated corridors in perpetuity fo r public use and enjoyment . Why is a tax abatement for Greenways both critical and urgent ? Greenw ays are designated by the state (C.G.S. Section 23 -10 2(b) ) as noteworthy recreational resources, and an incentive is needed to keep these trails intact for future generations. State -designa ted Greenways typic ally stretch across multiple properties owned by a patchwork of private, municipal, and state landowners. The loss of just one section of trail on one property can sever corridor conti nuity along a Greenway, and trails on private lands are the most vulnerable. -
2018 Open Space Plan: Part One
REDDING, CONNECTICUT OPEN SPACE PLAN 2018 SUPPLEMENT TO THE REDDING TOWN PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT 2018 Prepared by the Redding Conservation Commission Redding Open Space Plan 2018 A report on the protection of natural systems in Redding, Connecticut. Prepared by the Redding Conservation Commission as a supplement to the 2018 Town Plan of Conservation and Development. The Conservation Commission David Pattee, Chairman Stuart Green William Hill Tina Miller Wallace Perlman Susan Robinson Redding, Connecticut Town of Redding Page 1 Open Space Plan – 2018 Table of Contents OPEN SPACE PLAN............................................................................................................... 1 2018 OPEN SPACE PLAN: PART ONE ................................................................................... 3 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3 Section 1-1: Goals of the Open Space Plan .................................................................................. 3 Section 1-2: Existing Open Space ................................................................................................. 4 GREENBELTS ............................................................................................................................. 5 Section 1-3: Lands for Protection ................................................................................................ 6 Section 1-4: Additional Open Space Concerns ............................................................................ -
CONSERVATION THEMES H E L
B e t CONSERVATION THEMES h e l Overview of Conservation Themes Bethel’s character is largely the result of its unique combination of land and Protecting important water, as well as historic and scenic resources. As these resources are mutually resources is a critical element in maintaining dependent upon one another, negative impacts to one can negatively impact community character and others. Properly protected, these important resources will continue to have ensures quality of life for positive impacts upon the Town’s quality of life, for generations to come. current and future These issues are addressed early in the planning process since it is necessary to generations. identify those resources that the community wishes to preserve and protect before making decisions about where to locate development and what types of development to encourage. Although Open Space preservation was identified as the most important issue in community workshops, this section leads with a discussion of natural resources, which are also a very important consideration and can have a tremendous impact on the qualities of individual pieces of open space. Open Space Land Resources Historic Resources Water Resources o rces 19 NATURAL RESOURCES Overview “The nation behaves well if Preserving and conserving natural resources protects environmental functions, it treats natural resources maintains biodiversity, and prevents environmental damage. as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.” Theodore Roosevelt Tree Canopy Water Resource 20 Protect Land Based Natural Resources Bethel is fortunate to have so many acres of forest land, meadowlands, and other undeveloped natural lands. -
Partnership Opportunities for Lake-Friendly Living Service Providers NH LAKES Lakesmart Program
Partnership Opportunities for Lake-Friendly Living Service Providers NH LAKES LakeSmart Program Only with YOUR help will New Hampshire’s lakes remain clean and healthy, now and in the future. The health of our lakes, and our enjoyment of these irreplaceable natural resources, is at risk. Polluted runoff water from the landscape is washing into our lakes, causing toxic algal blooms that make swimming in lakes unsafe. Failing septic systems and animal waste washed off the land are contributing bacteria to our lakes that can make people and pets who swim in the water sick. Toxic products used in the home, on lawns, and on roadways and driveways are also reaching our lakes, poisoning the water in some areas to the point where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive. NH LAKES has found that most property owners don’t know how their actions affect the health of lakes. We’ve also found that property owners want to do the right thing to help keep the lakes they enjoy clean and healthy and that they often need help of professional service providers like YOU! What is LakeSmart? The LakeSmart program is an education, evaluation, and recognition program that inspires property owners to live in a lake- friendly way, keeping our lakes clean and healthy. The program is free, voluntary, and non-regulatory. Through a confidential evaluation process, property owners receive tailored recommendations about how to implement lake-friendly living practices year-round in their home, on their property, and along and on the lake. Property owners have access to a directory of lake- friendly living service providers to help them adopt lake-friendly living practices. -
Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan Outline
Connecticut National Recreational Trails Program Recreational Trails Plan Last Updated September 2011 Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan Introduction Connecticut, though small in land area, is rich in natural, historical, and recreational resources. Weaving through and connecting the varied landscapes are trails of all descriptions, from the narrowest of hiking paths to multi-use corridors running through many cities and towns. Thousands of walkers, cyclists, equestrians, skaters, and others take advantage of these pathways each day. While always recognized for their recreational value, trails today are also seen as a means to improve the health and economic vitality of the areas through which they pass. This plan is intended to ensure that Connecticut’s trail system is sustained and expanded in a way that supports these functions and meets the needs of trail users without compromising the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) basic mission. An examination of the existing trail network and potential connections is needed, as is a look at how the system may be best improved in the future. This includes forging new partnerships beyond the traditional trail constituencies. Trails and greenways have a positive impact on individuals and improve communities by providing not only recreation and transportation opportunities, but also by influencing economic and community development. Some of the many trails and greenways benefits include: * making communities better places to live by preserving and creating open spaces; * encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyles; * creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation and non-motorized transportation; * strengthening local economies; * protecting the environment; and * preserving culturally and historically valuable areas. "To make a greenway is to make a community." - Charles E. -
Town of Harpswell Open Space Plan
Town of Harpswell Open Space Plan March 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1 Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................i Executive Summary ..............................................................................................................ii 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................1 2. What is Open Space and Why is it Valuable?..................................................................2 2A. Definition of Open Space ...................................................................................................... 2 2B. A Vision for Open Space in Harpswell ................................................................................ 6 3. What is the Open Space Plan? .........................................................................................7 3A. Description of the Plan.......................................................................................................... 7 3B. The Plan’s Development Process.......................................................................................... 8 4.Assessing Harpswell’s Open Space.................................................................................10 4A. Topography of Harpswell................................................................................................... 10 4B. History and Accomplishments 1987 – 2008...................................................................... -
Ives Trail Greenway
IVES TRAIL GREENWAY CONNECTING DANBURY BETHEL AND RIDGEFIELD, CT Hiking the Ives Trail June 5, 2010 by Mike Cunningham The Ives Trail is a multi-town trail in western Connecticut. The length is approximately 15 miles. Back in February when I put this hike in for National Trails Day, it seemed likely that the Ives Trail would be finished by then. We had relocated the trail from its original path and there were several easements needed. The new trail sections had not been blazed and were definitely not finished although I know where they go. Much of it, but not all, had ribbon flags to indicate the way. I had GPS waypoints for various critical places. The trail includes a stream crossing which will eventually have a bridge on it. It did not. It can be crossed on rocks and there is a ladder there, but it is swampy on both sides. We got wet feet. The trail is nominally 15 miles and is a real bushwhack. I put the hike in to the AMC, the GMC, the ADK and the CFPA. Somehow it did not get into the CFPA book. No one from the GMC or ADK signed up for the hike although there was one inquiry through the GMC. Ten people signed up for the hike. The forecast was for showers sometime late in the day. As the hike was likely to take about 8 hours running into the showers four people did not come. We met at the appointed time and drove to the start of the hike. -
Friendship Hill National Historic Site Geologic Resource Evaluation Report
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Program Center Friendship Hill National Historic Site Geologic Resource Evaluation Report Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/GRD/NRR—2008/022 THIS PAGE: Waterfall on Ice Pond Run, Friendship Hill NHP. ON THE COVER: Gallatin House, Friendship Hill NHP NPS Photos Friendship Hill National Historic Site Geologic Resource Evaluation Report Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/GRD/NRR—2008/022 Geologic Resources Division Natural Resource Program Center P.O. Box 25287 Denver, Colorado 80225 February 2008 U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. The Natural Resource Publication series addresses natural resource topics that are of interest and applicability to a broad readership in the National Park Service and to others in the management of natural resources, including the scientific community, the public, and the NPS conservation and environmental constituencies. Manuscripts are peer- reviewed to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and is designed and published in a professional manner. Natural Resource Reports are the designated medium for disseminating high priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management applicability. Examples of the diverse array of reports published in this series include vital signs monitoring plans; "how to" resource management papers; proceedings of resource management workshops or conferences; annual reports of resource programs or divisions of the Natural Resource Program Center; resource action plans; fact sheets; and regularly- published newsletters. Views and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the National Park Service. -
Regional Plan of Conservation and Development
Eversource Energy Southwest Connecticut Reliability Project Bulk Filing #1 of Municipal Documents Regional Plans of Conservation and Development SWCT Reliability Project June 2016 Eversource Energy Note: This page is intentionally left blank SWCT Reliability Project June 2016 ADOPTED EFFECTIVE 7/1/2009 The regional plan shall be designed to promote with the greatest efficiency and economy the coordinated development of its area of operation and the general welfare and prosperity of its people - CT General Statutes 8-35a This Document has been extracted from HVCEO’s historic website. The website is archived here for reference There are formatting changes from the original to provide improve navigation throughout the document. This original document was created by HVCEO, and has been extracted by Mike Towle, Associate Planner, WestCOG, on 5/24/2016 In 1947 Connecticut first authorized regional planning. The goals were to provide a larger context for land use decisions made by individual towns, and to have a governmental entity available to address issues that extended beyond the boundaries of any single community. These goals remain today. How HVCEO has managed this responsibility for Greater Danbury since its formation in 1968, and the challenges encountered, is recorded in the History of HVCEO. State statutes require that the physical elements of regional planning be codified in an advisory regional plan by each regional planning organization in Connecticut. The Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Official (HVCEO) is one of fifteen suchregional planning organizations. This document is HVCEO's physically oriented Regional Plan of Conservation and Development. This Plan updates earlier regional plans of 1971, 1981 and 1997. -
69 Dams Removed in 2020 to Restore Rivers
69 Dams Removed in 2020 to Restore Rivers American Rivers releases annual list including dams in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin for a total of 23 states. Nationwide, 1,797 dams have been removed from 1912 through 2020. Dam removal brings a variety of benefits to local communities, including restoring river health and clean water, revitalizing fish and wildlife, improving public safety and recreation, and enhancing local economies. Working in a variety of functions with partner organizations throughout the country, American Rivers contributed financial and technical support in many of the removals. Contact information is provided for dam removals, if available. For further information about the list, please contact Jessie Thomas-Blate, American Rivers, Director of River Restoration at 202.347.7550 or [email protected]. This list includes all dam removals reported to American Rivers (as of February 10, 2021) that occurred in 2020, regardless of the level of American Rivers’ involvement. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement by American Rivers. Dams are categorized alphabetically by state. Beale Dam, Dry Creek, California A 2016 anadromous salmonid habitat assessment stated that migratory salmonids were not likely accessing habitat upstream of Beale Lake due to the presence of the dam and an undersized pool and weir fishway. In 2020, Beale Dam, owned by the U.S. Air Force, was removed and a nature-like fishway was constructed at the upstream end of Beale Lake to address the natural falls that remain a partial barrier following dam removal. -
Diagnostic / Feasibility Study for the Management Of
DIAGNOSTIC / FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BUTTONWOOD POND MEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS BAYSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTSM DIAGNOSTIC/FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BUTTONWOOD POND, NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS PREPARED FOR THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD AND THE MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL UNDER MGL CHAP. 628 MASSACHUSETTS CLEAN LAKES PROGRAM BY BAYSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, INC. 296 NORTH MAIN STREET EAST LONGMEADOW, MASSACHUSETTS FINAL REPORT AUGUST, 1988 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Project Summary Part I: Diagnostic Evaluation Introduction Data Collection Methods Lake and Watershed Description and History Lake Description Watershed Description Watershed Geology and Soils Historical Lake and Land Use Limnological Data Base Flow and Water Chemistry Bacteria Storm Water Assessment Sediment Analysis Phytoplankton Macrophytes Zooplankton Macroinvertebrates Fish Comparison with Other Studies Hydrologic Budget Nutrient Budgets Phosphorus Nitrogen Diagnostic Summary Management Recommendations Part 11: Feasibility Assessment Evaluation of Management Options Management Objectives Available Techniques Evaluation of Viable Alternatives Recommended Management Approach Impact of Recommended Management Actions Detention Program Diversion Program Dredging Program Education Program Watershed Management Program Monitoring Program Funding Alternatives Environmental Evaluation Necessary Permits Public Participation Relation to Existing Plans and Projects Feasibility Summary References Appendices A: Information Provided by -
The Ridgefield Encyclopedia ===
=== THE RIDGEFIELD ENCYCLOPEDIA === A compendium of nearly 4,500 people, places and things relating to Ridgefield, Connecticut. by Jack Sanders [Note: Abbreviations and sources are explained at the end of the document. This work is being constantly expanded and revised; this version was updated on 4-27-2021.] A A&P: The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company opened a small grocery store at 378 Main Street in 1948 (long after liquor store — q.v.); moved to 378 Main Street in the Bissell Building in the early 1940s. It became a supermarket at 46 Danbury Road in 1962 (now Walgreens site); closed November 1981. [JFS] [DD100] A&P Liquor Store: Opened at ONS133½ Main Street Sept. 12, 1935; [P9/12/1935] later was located at ONS86 Main Street. [1940 telephone directory] Aaron’s Court: A short, dead-end road serving 9 of 10 lots at 45 acre subdivision on the east side of Ridgebury Road by Lewis and Barry Finch, father-son, who had in 1980 proposed a corporate park here; named for Aaron Turner (q.v.), circus owner, who was born nearby. [RN] A Better Chance (ABC) is Ridgefield chapter of a national organization that sponsors talented, motivated children from inner-cities to attend RHS; students live at 32 Fairview Avenue; program began 1987 with six students. A Birdseye View: Column in Ridgefield Press for many years, written by Duncan Smith (q.v.) Abbe family: Lived on West Lane and West Mountain, 1935-36: James E. Abbe, noted photographer of celebrities, his wife, Polly Shorrock Abbe, and their three children Patience, Richard and John; the children became national celebrities when their 1936 book, Around the World in Eleven Years.