The Farmington Land Trust, Inc. protects
open space in the Town of Farmington through:
|
|
 |
|
|
Cowles parcel
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Carey parcel
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Vernal pond treasures at
Bancroft Memorial
|
 |
|
Stewarding at Clatter Valley
|
|
|
|
| |
|
- Acquisition of open space via outright gifts, conservation
easements and other conservation options
- Stewardship practices that restore biological diversity and
promote wildlife habitat
- Education of the public, government and business
community about the importance of open space and our
collective role in its protection
- Advocacy at the local and state level for policies and
actions that ensure the long-term protection of Farmington's
natural resources.
|
| |
|
| |
President's message:
Charles Leach, President,
Farmington Land Trust
|
|
|
We are fortunate that several private groups and municipal
agencies work together to preserve Farmington’s beautiful semi-
rural ambience. In collaboration with the Town Planner’s office, our
Planning and Zoning [TPZ] and Conservation Commissions
interpret and implement the long range plan of Conservation and
Development. The Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission
has the complex task of interpreting wetlands regulations as they
apply to permitting developments - with the aim of protecting our
ecologically valuable marshes, streams, aquifers and wet soils.
All of these oversight activities serve to protect against
environmental damage and loss of habitat, and to conserve the
natural beauty of the town.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Map of Farmington
Land Trust Parcels
(Click to view map)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Jack Emery, a founder of the
Farmington Land Trust
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Howard Coe, a founder of the
Farmington Land Trust, Inc.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Dick Noyes, Executive Director
Farmington Land Trust, Inc.
1988-2002
|
|
|
|
On the private side, your Land Trust directly stewards about 300
acres of open space by conservation easement and fee
ownership. Our parcels are scattered through- out the town, and
range in character from upland woods to old farm fields and
riverbanks. Carefully thought out conservation plans tell us how
each property can be best stewarded. Some are inviolate nature
preserves to which only limited entry is permitted; while the public
is welcomed to others on which there are trails, river access,
fishing spots and historic artifacts. A member of our stewardship
committee is assigned to monitor each property. Stewardship
efforts include wildlife inventories, removal of invasive species,
defense against encroachments, trail maintenance among others.
Stewardship also includes collaborations with our town and with
regional conservation groups such as the Farmington River
Watershed Association. We also work with state and national
environmental organizations and with historic preservation groups.
|
Though we are a relatively small land trust in terms of acreage, we
have had a big impact through our advocacy efforts: We played a
major role in achieving passage of legislation [Public Act 06-89]
which increases protection of conserved lands against
encroachments. We vigorously supported the town’s purchase of
the Krell Farm. And we continue our years-long effort to help the
Town achieve effective Inland Wetlands Commission [IWW]
function by separating IWW from TPZ.
|
In short, we are partners with our town and with many others
dedicated to conservation. Such partnerships and regional efforts
are the way of the future, and you can be proud that your
Farmington Land Trust is right there at the forefront showing the
way!
|
Sincerely,
Charles Leach
President, Farmington Land Trust, Inc.
|
|
