Annual Conservation Policy Priorities

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Every year, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council sets a Conservation Agenda identifying key legislative policy and funding priorities critical to land conservation at every level.

The 2024 Connecticut General Assembly convened on February 7 and adjourns on May 8.

Below are CLCC’s top recommendations on State priorities for 2024; you can also view a one-page summary.

CHAMPION FUNDING and STAFF for LAND CONSERVATION and STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS

  • Continue state bonding investments for trails, open space, and agricultural land protection
  • Protect the Community Investment Act supporting state programs for open space, agriculture, historic properties, and affordable housing
  • Strengthen CT DEEP’s capacity to promptly fill vacancies and create new positions to support land conservation programs and funding
  • Protect the Passport to the Parks program and fund.

INCENTIVIZE NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS AND RESILIENCE

  • Update Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) statute to incentivize greater land conservation and urban greenspace projects
  • Champion nature-based solutions as a priority and preferred alternative in state policies, goals, and legislation to address climate change and prevent biodiversity loss
  • Protect existing tax benefits and support new incentives for land conservation

PROMOTE COMMUNITY CONSERVATION and COLLABORATION

  • Strengthen inter- and intra-agency cooperation to foster local partnerships for the acquisition and stewardship of land that serves multiple purposes.
  • Explore expanded opportunities for financial assistance and alternative mechanisms to accelerate the pace of land conservation

Click on the button below to read CLCC's 2024 Conservation Policy Priorities.

Annual Conservation Policy Priorities

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