Sen. Kissel Announces Open Space Funding for Waterworks Property

State grant helps the Trust for Public Land’s efforts to preserve 224 acre parcel

State Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, today said that the Town of Windsor Locks and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) have been awarded a grant in the amount of $490,000 to assist in the acquisition of 224 acres of the Waterworks Brooks Easement. The funding, announced on November 25th by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, is part of the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program, which is administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The grant for the Windsor Locks property is part of a $10.2 million allocation awarded to 29 communities throughout Connecticut and is part of the state’s effort to preserve 21 percent of Connecticut’s land as open space by year 2023. Sen. Kissel said that it is important to note that the funding for this project comes from previously allocated bond funds.

“There has been a great effort by so many people to ensure that this land is protected. This is a tribute to all of their hard work,” said Sen. Kissel. “This piece of land has an abundant amount of forest and wetlands as well as recreation space. This is a very wise investment and one that the people of Windsor Locks and the entire region will put to good use. Nonetheless is still up to the people of Windsor Locks to vote to purchase this land.”

According to the DEP, the easement is the most significant open space parcel and the largest unfragmented forest remaining in the densely developed community. Waterworks Brook originates on the parcel and empties into the Connecticut River shortly after leaving the property. The permanent protection of this parcel will preserve the pristine water resources of the site. It will also protect a habitat of Greatest Conservation Need (dry oak forest) and provide needed passive recreational opportunities to town and area residents.