Posted on May 10, 2023
HARTFORD—House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora on Wednesday applauded news that land conservancy projects in North Branford and Guilford would benefit from state funding provided through grant programs administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
A project sponsored by the North Branford Land Conservation Trust, Inc., will receive $385,450 while a project sponsored by the Town of Guilford will receive $174,200.
Candelora, who serves residents of both communities as state representative for the 86th Assembly District, credited Gov. Lamont’s administration for its recognition of the importance of open space and passive recreation in Connecticut communities.
“Preservation of the scenic character of our towns is a worthwhile endeavor, and when these awards come from the state it’s typically because of sweat equity from local residents and volunteers who have dedicated considerable time and effort to design and execute a vision that others might not appreciate until they experience the final product,” said Candelora, who has previously signaled his support of the North Branford project to DEEP officials. “This is good news for residents of both towns, and I applaud the Governor’s administration for its investment.”
The funding awards for North Branford and Guilford are part of an approximate $3.7 million package announced by the Governor’s administration, which has moved to help protect more than 1,000 acres in 14 communities statewide. Read the Governor’s announcement here.
NORTH BRANFORD & GUILFORD PROJECT/ACQUISITION INFORMATION:
Project Name: Beech and Pomps
Sponsor: North Branford Land Conservation Trust, Inc.
Location: West side of Beech Street and north side of Pomps Lane, North Branford
Grant Amount: $385,450
Size: 37 Acres (17.6 acres on Beech Street and 19.4 acres on Pomps Lane)
Description: The North Branford Land Conservation Trust will purchase two South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Class III Watershed parcels, one on Beech Street and one on Pomps Lane. The forested parcels are part of the Regional Water Authority’s Lake Gaillard reservoir lands where access is very limited to protect high water quality. They do not drain into Lake Gaillard but are situated in the Branford River watershed and drain into Notch Hill Brook. North Branford has limited town-owned land devoted to nature-based outdoor recreation and hosts no federal or state open space land. The town population and need for local trails and natural areas continues to grow. These parcels are a green space gateway to nearly one-third of the town. The North Branford Land Conservation Trust will create trails and an 8 to 12-car parking area with a bicycle rack. At the Beech Street property, two ADA-accessible parking spaces and a wheelchair accessible path (packed gravel or boardwalk) leading to a vernal pool will be built.
Project Name: East River Preserve Northern Inholding
Sponsor: Town of Guilford
Location: Westerly of Podunk Road, Southerly of Leatherman Road, Guilford
Grant Amount: $174,200
Size: 26.8 Acres
Description: This purchase secures an inholding and complements open spaces and trails at the town’s adjacent 583-acre East River Preserve and Guilford Land Conservation Trust’s 95-acre Eastwoods property. The public can access the property and existing extensive, popular trail network from the Leatherman Road cul-de-sac. The New England Trail, which traverses the northwest corner of the property, relies heavily on this preserve for a great distance, as it approaches its terminus at Guilford’s shoreline. A new trail bisecting the property, is under consideration. The property is forested with 10+/- acres of inland wetlands, including a natural spring. Swamp white oak, a very uncommon tree species, was documented during a vegetation survey by a licensed forester with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The property is capable of hosting spotted, wood and eastern box turtles.
