| Senator Rob Kane (R-32) applauded
the recent awarding of a $98,000 state Open Space Grant
to help the Southbury Land Trust, Inc. pay for a conservation
easement on the Daffodil Hill Farm.
“This is a worthwhile investment that allows
the farm to continue operating as a farm, while at the
same time preserving and protecting open space for future
generations,” said Senator Kane.
The Daffodil Hill Farm includes approximately seven
acres used to grow flowers and produce, and an additional
10 acres of upland forest with a stream that drains
to the Pomperaug River. The property is a plant and
wildlife habitat for several species listed on the State
Endangered Species List and the Connecticut Natural
Diversity Database. According to the state Department
of Environmental Protection, the land trust and the
state will share the conservation easement on the property.
Public access will be made available.
Governor M. Jodi Rell earlier this week announced
$10.2 million in state grants to help preserve 2,440
acres in 29 communities across Connecticut, including
Southbury. These grants are funded by previously approved
state bond funds and funds from the 2005 Community Investment
Act. Since 1998, the state’s Open Space and Watershed
Land Acquisition Program has provided more than $94.1
million to assist with the purchase of approximately
21,624 acres. The state is now more than 70 percent
of the way toward achieving its goal of preserving 21
percent of Connecticut’s land as open space. So
far, 485,845 acres of Connecticut land has been designated
as state or local open space.
“Governor Rell is absolutely correct in saying
that it is important to strike the right balance between
economic growth and development and the need to protect
our irreplaceable land and natural resources. I applaud
the Governor’s ongoing support for preserving
open space,” said Senator Kane.
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