Annual Conservation Policy Priorities
Woody Campbell
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 adjourned 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.