Resource Library
2/13/24 – During our Summit on Land Use in Connecticut, many programs and funding opportunities were discussed as they became relevant to the conservation. These resources from each department provide opportunities for groups and individuals to achieve the goals of different land use projects. Programs mentioned include grant programs, tax credits, and strategic plans being made to help reach a diverse set of land use goals in the state. Also included are links to all panelist’s organizations and recordings from the full-day event.
Panelist Organizations
- Grasstops Departments
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Grassroots Organizations
Programs & Funding Sources
- Community Investment Fund
- CT DECD – Historic Home Tax Credit
- CT DECD – Historic Restoration Grant
- CT DECD – Historic Tax Credit
- CT DECD – Survey and Planning Grant
- CT DECD – Urban Act Grant
- CT DEEP – Client Concierge Service
- CT DEEP – Partnerships in Parks
- CT DEEP – SCORP
- CT DEEP – Urban Green Communities Grant
- CT DoAg – Farmland Restoration Resiliency and Preparedness Program
- CT DoAg- Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Grant
- CT DOH – Community Development Block Grant
- CT OPM – Conservation & Development Policies Plan
- OBRD – Assessment Grants
- OBRD – Loan Program
- OBRD- Other Funding Opportunities
- OSWA Grant Program
- US Fish & Wildlife – Highlands Grant
Recordings from the Summit are available to watch here »
CIRCA has published a new factsheet on the important role Conservation Commissions have integrating climate change resilience into local decision-making processes.
Defenders of Wildlife has launched a unique online tool, WALT (Wildlife and Land Trusts), designed to assist land trusts in identifying federal resources for habitat conservation. This tool serves as a comprehensive resource, enabling land trust staff to align their conservation goals with suitable federal programs, and provides necessary contact information for federal staff.
The Land Trust Alliance has made available the Framework and Resources for Change, a tool to help land trusts organize learning and grow critical Diversity, Equity and Inclusion competencies, no matter where they are in their learning journey. Thanks to generous funding of an anonymous foundation and other individual donations, the Alliance hosted a webinar “Making the Most of the DEI Framework & Resources for Change” to introduce this tool and help land trust board members, staff and volunteers get started on their DEI journeys.
11/15/23 – A panel of experts from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, Save the Sound, The Nature Conservancy, and the Housatonic Valley Association discussed a new report, Conserving Northwest Connecticut: Adaptive Strategies for Accelerating the Pace of Conservation. This webinar explored how you and your organization can use the report to inform your own strategic conservation planning and educate your constituents and stakeholders.
Farmland Information Center, 2016
“Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies are a case study approach used to determine the fiscal contribution of existing local land uses. COCS studies conducted over the last 30 years show working lands generate more public revenues than they receive back in public services. Their impact on community coffers is similar to that of other commercial and industrial land uses. On average, because residential land uses do not cover their costs, they must be subsidized by other community land uses. Converting agricultural land to residential land use should not be seen as a way to balance local budgets…”
Pollinator Pathways, led by town conservation volunteers, create continuous corridors of pollinator-friendly habitats for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. The goal is to connect spaces within 750 meters, which is the average range of native bees, to ensure they have a thriving environment.
The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) is committed to understanding and managing invasive species in Connecticut through gathering data, promoting native plant alternatives, and collaborating with experts and the public to protect the state’s ecosystems.
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) hosted a series of one-hour, lunchtime Zoom discussions on state land conservation planning and open space grant funding programs.