News
CLCC is joining other conservation and environmental advocates this week in support of several bills, including the following.
You, too, can take part in this civic action. Please consider submitting comments and testimony online or in person on behalf of your community.
Riparian Area Bill
What: HB 5334 – An Act Concerning Riparian Buffers
Why: CLCC supports this bill, which would amend the CT Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Act to make certain that municipal inland wetland and watercourse commissions have the authority to regulate riparian buffers and recognize the role of vegetated buffers in water quality and resilience.
When: The Environment Committee will hold a public hearing on March 4. View the full Environment Committee public hearing agenda (PDF) here.
What You Can Do:
- Check out the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut’s Action Alert.
- Learn more about Riparian Buffers.
Environmental Rights Amendment
What: SJ 37: Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution Concerning Environmental Rights
Why: CLCC supports this opportunity to give the public the opportunity to decide whether to amend the CT Constitution to elevate environmental rights to the same level as free speech or property rights. If approved by the Connecticut General Assembly, an amendment would appear on a future state ballot.
When: The Government Administration and Elections Committee will hold a public hearing on March 4.
What You Can Do:
- Check out and share CT NOFA’s Action Alert.
- Learn more about the campaign for an Environmental Rights Amendment via CT NOFA.
CT’s Wildlife Action Plan
What: HB 5330: An Act Concerning Certain Wildlife Action Plans
Why: CLCC supports this bill, which would strengthen the implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan, ensure resources are available for monitoring and tracking of environmental concerns, and better allocate funding for the state’s non-harvested wildlife program.
When: The Environment Committee will hold a public hearing on March 4 to consider House Bill No. 5330. View the full Environment Committee public hearing agenda (PDF) here.
What You Can Do:
- Check out and share Audubon CT’s Action Alert.
- Learn more about CT’s Wildlife Action Plan via CT DEEP.
Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities
There’s no better time to advocate for land conservation than right now. It’s peak Advocacy Season as the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) is in action. Some ways you can get involved include:
🗻 Join ALPs.
Volunteer for your local land trust and join CLCC’s Advocates for Land Protection Program (ALPs). Essentially, that means serving as your community’s point person on policy and advocacy action during this legislative session. You’ll learn about upcoming bills, share news and engagement opportunities with your community, and take part in meaningful civic action on behalf of our wild and working lands.
Want to learn more? Book a brief call with Rebecca, CLCC’s Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow.
📆 Save The Date
Land Conservation Day at the State Capitol, to be held on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22. From 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM we will bring land conservation to the state legislature and spotlight the impact of the Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) and Urban Green & Community Garden (UGCG) grant programs that are crucial to land acquisition and protection. This event is an opportunity for anyone who values land conservation in Connecticut to amplify our collective voice in support of funding and capacity for land conservation and farmland preservation programs.
📣 Share your stories
Celebrate the impact of land conservation success in Connecticut with members of congress and their staff during the Land Trust Alliance’s annual Advocacy Days event in Washington, D.C. This year’s event will take place April 13-16. CLCC will be represented by Amy and Rebecca. We encourage land trust staff and volunteers to join us!