Senator Kane Applauds Open Space Grant For Southbury

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) applauded the recent awarding of a $98,000 state Open Space Grant to help the Southbury Land Trust, Inc. pay for a conservation easement on the Daffodil Hill Farm.

“This is a worthwhile investment that allows the farm to continue operating as a farm, while at the same time preserving and protecting open space for future generations,” said Senator Kane.

The Daffodil Hill Farm includes approximately seven acres used to grow flowers and produce, and an additional 10 acres of upland forest with a stream that drains to the Pomperaug River. The property is a plant and wildlife habitat for several species listed on the State Endangered Species List and the Connecticut Natural Diversity Database. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the land trust and the state will share the conservation easement on the property. Public access will be made available.

Governor M. Jodi Rell earlier this week announced $10.2 million in state grants to help preserve 2,440 acres in 29 communities across Connecticut, including Southbury. These grants are funded by previously approved state bond funds and funds from the 2005 Community Investment Act. Since 1998, the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program has provided more than $94.1 million to assist with the purchase of approximately 21,624 acres. The state is now more than 70 percent of the way toward achieving its goal of preserving 21 percent of Connecticut’s land as open space. So far, 485,845 acres of Connecticut land has been designated as state or local open space.

“Governor Rell is absolutely correct in saying that it is important to strike the right balance between economic growth and development and the need to protect our irreplaceable land and natural resources. I applaud the Governor’s ongoing support for preserving open space,” said Senator Kane.