| State
Senator Tom Herlihy (R-8th) and Representative Robert Heagney
(R-16th) today announced open space grants totaling over $700,000
for their districts as part of the ninth round of Connecticut
Natural Heritage, Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition
Grant Program. Simsbury was awarded $527,500 to help preserve
105 acres of the Conservation Easement Rosedale Farm and $195,750
for the acquisition of the Development Rights on 50 acres
of the Ethel Walker School Property. “This
is continuation of the state’s effective commitment
to preserving our environment for future generations,”
said Senator Herlihy, who serves as the Deputy Minority
Leader of the State Senate. “I am pleased to know
the residents of Simsbury and those in surrounding communities
will have the chance to enjoy these picturesque areas for
generations to come.”
The
Simsbury Land Conservation Trust, Inc. sponsored the Rosedale
Farm project, while the Town of Simsbury sponsored the Ethel
Walker School acquisition.
“I
am very happy to see these two significant parcels in Simsbury
acquired. The prime farmland and wildlife acreage at Rosedale
Farm, along with its scenic frontage along the Farmington
River are a piece of the history and heritage of Simsbury
that should never be in jeopardy of development. Similarly,
the 50 acres at Ethel Walker School fits in well with the
town’s open space protection plan, adding significant
acreage to their holdings,” said Representative Heagney.
“Not
only is the Rosedale Farm a visually pristine area that
extends out along the Farmington River, but a majority of
its acreage protected today is actively used for agricultural
purposes,” explained Senator Herlihy. “I would
also like to commend the Ethel Walker School for actively
pursuing their funding. These 50 acres are part of a multi-phase
open space protection plan of nearly 400 acres and combines
forest, wetland, floodplains and meadows that currently
is being used for forestry and equestrian purposes.” |
