News
During the 2026 legislative session, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) advanced advocacy policy priorities focused on strengthening state conservation and farmland preservation programs, protecting dedicated funding, advancing nature-based solutions, and safeguarding Connecticut’s public lands. Below is a summary of key outcomes and ongoing priorities.
Support Funding and Staffing for Land Conservation and Farmland Preservation Programs
Sustaining State Conservation Funding
CLCC advocated for continued investment in key Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) land conservation programs, including Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA), Urban Green and Community Garden (UGCG).
The budget adjustments maintained existing 2025 bond authorizations, including $10 million annually for OSWA. According to DEEP’s Land Acquisition and Management Office (LAM), previously authorized bond funds will still need to be allocated by the Bond Commission to support the next OSWA grant round. CLCC intends to advocate for those allocations as the process moves forward.
The Connecticut General Assembly also approved several targeted amendments to OSWA that improve administrative efficiency and make the UGCG grant program more accessible to applicants. CLCC Testimony >>
Expanding Capacity for Land Conservation Programs
CLCC strongly supported additional staffing capacity within DEEP’s Land Acquisition and Management Office to help implement OSWA and UGCG programs in accordance with Connecticut statutes.
Despite broad advocacy support, including robust attendance at Land Conservation Day at the Capitol, the final version of the Governor’s budget adjustments did not include funding for the requested new Land Acquisition and Management staff positions. CLCC will advocate strongly for these positions in the next biennial Budget. CLCC Testimony >>
Protecting the Community Investment Act
CLCC joined partners across multiple sectors to protect the integrity of the Community Investment Act Coalition and preserve dedicated funding for OSWA and UGCG as well as state programs to support farmland preservation, historic preservation, and affordable housing. CLCC Testimony >>
Supporting Farmland Access
CLCC supported efforts to strengthen the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s capacity to administer Connecticut’s new farmland access initiatives, including financial assistance programs for land trusts, new and beginning farmers, and historically marginalized producers.
Subject to final confirmation, the adopted budget includes funding for an additional agency staff position to coordinate the new farmland access grant program. CLCC Testimony >>
Prioritizing Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Resilience
Advancing Nature-Based Solutions
CLCC continued to lead and coordinate advocacy related to the implementation of 2025 legislation, recognizing nature-based solutions as a preferred strategy in state policy and planning.
Nature-based solutions include land conservation and restoration, wetlands, riparian buffers, habitat protection, invasive species management, and other natural approaches that help ecosystems sequester and store carbon naturally, support biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and protect public health.
CLCC helped to compile information to assist DEEP in preparing its report pursuant to Public Act 12-125 Section 12, evaluating how to both integrate and advance NBS in Connecticut, including consideration of best practices that encourage NBS. The public listening sessions to review the report and provide public comment are scheduled for May 26.
Riparian Area Protections
The General Assembly approved a revised version of proposed legislation implementing recommendations from the Riparian Area Working Group. While much narrower than initially proposed, the bill represents progress toward strengthening protections for rivers, streams, and associated natural resources by authorizing funding for DEEP to hire an employee to conduct training for inland wetland commissions on matters pertaining to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act, including, but not limited to, the preservation of riparian areas. CLCC Testimony >>
Protecting Public Lands
CLCC successfully opposed two proposals that would have conveyed portions of state forest land for non-conservation purposes. Protecting the integrity of Connecticut’s State Parks, State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and conservation easements remains a core organizational priority. CLCC Testimony >>
Other Notable Legislative Updates
Pesticide Reporting Modernization
The General Assembly approved legislation requiring DEEP to modernize how pesticide-use information is collected and made publicly available to researchers, agencies, and residents. CLCC Testimony >>
Helium Balloon Release Restrictions
Lawmakers also approved amendments strengthening Connecticut’s law regarding the release of helium and other lighter-than-air balloons. Retailers selling these balloons will now be required to attach weights to prevent unintended releases into the atmosphere. CLCC Testimony >>
View all of CLCC’s 2026 Testimony and Comments >>
Thank you for your participation and continued advocacy to ensure that land conservation is a priority in state policy and programs.