Sen. Berthel Applauds Land Preservation Grants for Steep Rock Association

Hartford—State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) today applauded the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) awarding $350,000 to help preserve farmland and forest in Washington Depot. The grant was made through the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program. Specific details of the grant are included below.

“This grant is a victory for our entire region. I’d like to thank the Steep Rock Association for applying for this grant,” said Sen. Berthel. “Since 1925, Steep Rock Association has been a true asset in our community, as they are conservation advocates, who help ensure that our community is able to enjoy nature, whether it be hiking, biking, canoeing, or simply being part of the great outdoors. The purchase of this parcel of land will help Steep Rock continue their mission, as the intention is to continue to use this land for agricultural purpose, and also add public trails to existing hiking trails in the area.

“The outdoors are a central part of life here in northwest Connecticut. Conservation of our natural resources will always be one of my legislative priorities.”

Town: Washington Depot

Project Name: Hillside Farm

Sponsor: Steep Rock Association

Grant: $350,000

Total Area: 85 acres

Description: Steep Rock Association aims to preserve 85 acres of open-space farmland and intact core forest. It will use the land to extend its trail system and to permit continued agricultural use. The parcel contains 1,800 feet of frontage on Sprain Brook; a Class A cold-water stream. The site is less than 2 miles from the Audubon Society’s 13,800-acre Important Bird Area. The parcel is part of 450 acres of intact core forest. There are three key habitats of Greatest Conservation Need located on the property. These habitats are Appalachian hemlock northern hardwood forest, laurentian Acadian meadow/shrub swamp/shrub thicket, and circumneutral maple/ash basin swamp. Steep Rock Association plans to create a 1.5-mile hiking trail, and will allow catch and release fly fishing. Thirteen acres are currently being farmed for hay and corn and will continue to be farmed after purchase. It can be accessed by the public from Nettle Hollow Road.