Annual Land Conservation Conference
Registration Opens Soon!
2012 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Wesleyan University, Middletown
8:30am-4:30pm
Conference Highlights
Keynote Address by United States Senator Richard Blumenthal
- Introductory Remarks by Jay Mar, State Conservationist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation
- 24 workshops covering a wide range of topics of interest to the conservation community (Click here for more information for a Sneak Peek of the day's events)
- 6 compelling lunchtime break-out discussion
- Excellence in Conservation Award (Click here ) for more information and to download http://www.ctconservation.org/clccexcellenceinconservationawardsubmissionform a Nomination Form)
- Organizational display tables, information and networking opportunities (Click here for the Sponsorship Benefits-Registration Flyer)
Any other Annual Conference questions?
Please contact Amy Paterson at abpaterson@ctconservation.org or at (860) 685-0785.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grassroots Support Needed to Restore Funding for Recreational Trails Program.
The Recreational Trails Program is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation known as MAP-21 that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of its dedicated funding.
But all hope is not lost. The Coalition for Recreational Trails and its member organizations have been working to identify key Champions in the Senate with the aim of having an amendment to restore dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered by the full Senate. Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help.
Please contact Senators Lieberman and Blumenthal and ask them to protect dedicated funding for this absolutely essential program by amending MAP-21 to include dedicated funding for RTP. For more information and key talking points about RTP, please click here.
Funding for State Open Space Program Approved
In December 2011 the State Bond Commission approved unanimously an allocation of $5 million to provide supplemental funding for the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant program - which means we should have at least one grant round in the upcoming year. Watch www.ctconservation.org and www.caciwc.org for further news!
Please thank Governor Malloy and Commissioner Esty for their support for the open space program and be sure to keep them apprised of plans for acquisition projects in your community.
Become a Plant Conservation Volunteer with New England Wild Flower Society
The New England Wild Flower Society is actively seeking volunteers for its Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) Corps. Participants in this program collect data on the status of rare plant populations throughout New England and assist with invasive and habitat management projects. Over 600 volunteers have been trained to document the current status of rare plant populations and identify potential threats to them. In return, PCVs are offered field trips, classes, and opportunities to interact with professional botanists to learn more about challenging species and the ecology of various habitats.
Plant species presence, health, and vigor reflect many of the unseen characteristics and conditions of a particular habitat. Through the activities of the PCV program, Conservation commission members would increase their knowledge of rare plant and indicator species, nurture relationships with other local conservationists, and more fully develop their understanding of ecological processes and current conservation issues. A more informed member of the commission will be more effective in public discussion and making important decisions about natural resources and development.
Come join us to find out about this great opportunity to become a citizen scientist and an active conservationist. The requirements are motivation, discretion, and a basic knowledge of native flora. It's a great way to learn more about plants, meet others with similar interests, and make an impact in conservation. You can email me the attached application. Training sessions will be held in March in all New England states. For more information visit our website.
LES MEHRHOFF PLANT BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION GRANT
The Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists (CAWS) is pleased to announce a $1,000.00 annual grant in Les' honor which is aimed at protecting the plant communities of Connecticut. CAWS is seeking to provide support for on-the-ground preservation efforts or invasive control efforts conducted by non-profit, community groups, or individuals directed at preserving plant biodiversity within Connecticut. The recipient/group need not be a member of CAWS in order to apply. Ideal candidates would include Land-Trusts, Garden Clubs, Citizen & Student Conservation Organizations and related groups. Applications must be postmarked or emailed by March 1, 2012. For more information please click here
Greenway Planning, Development and Stewardship - A Survey for Municipal Land Use Commissions and Land Trusts
Your answers to a simple on-line survey will help us determine how we can best design a program to support your community greenway planning, construction, and stewardship efforts and help our efforts to promote a more comprehensive, coordinated, and unified greenway vision and planning process for the State of CT. The survey is sponsored by the Eastern CT Resource, Conservation & Development Program and CACIWC. Please use this link, to participate in this survey. If you have questions please contact Tom ODell at todell@snet.net. Thank you.
Resources
CT Land Conservation Council Conference
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING of theCONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION of WETLAND SCIENTISTS
"Monitoring Wetlands and Watercourses: Methods and Benefits"
Thursday March 22, 2012 8:15 am to 4:30 pm Holiday Inn in North Haven, CT 201 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473 For Agenda and registration information click here.
Environmental Issues Guest Lecture Series – Spring 2012
Three Rivers Community College For list of topics and guest lecturers click here
No increase in the 2011-12 CACIWC membership fees! (Click here for the new membership form)
Click here for information on additional ways to support CACIWC
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