Ledges Preserve In Brookfield Awarded $325K State Grant

BROOKFIELD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is awarding approximately $3.7 million in state funding to aid in the purchase and protection of more than 1,025 acres of open space in 14 communities throughout Connecticut. Additionally, $46,875 will aid in the creation of five new community gardens and green spaces in a targeted investment community.

On that very short list is Ledges Preserve, a 45.31 acre parcel located at 16 Dunsinane Road in Brookfield. The project, sponsored by Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, will receive a state grant of $325,000,

The property is contiguous with the Town of Brookfield’s 116-acre Burr Farm and includes 33 acres of a greater (524-acre) core forest block. This purchase will protect an intact wildlife corridor with bobcat, black bear and fisher sightings in and around the parcel, according to a news release from Lamont's Office. The property features two small ponds and Dingle Brook, which feeds into Pond Brook and then Lake Lillinonah. The Nortwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will formalize a loop trail, linking to an existing trail across Dingle Brook and the abutting Burr Farm. The Dunsinane Road cul-de-sac will facilitate public parking and access.

The project will receive funding through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program, which are both administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“These state grants will increase the availability of open space and protect our natural resources, moving us closer to meeting our overall goal of permanently protecting 21% of Connecticut’s land base,” Lamont said. “The Urban Green and Community Gardens grants address needs within urbanized areas of the state, creating more equitable access to outdoor green spaces and promoting fresh, locally grown food. Both programs significantly improve the quality of life for our residents, attract visitors and businesses to the state, and make Connecticut a great place to live and work.”

Section 23-8 of the Connecticut General Statutes establishes a goal of protecting 673,210 acres (21 percent) of the state’s land base as open space. The goal calls for 320,576 acres (10 percent) to be held by DEEP as part of the state’s system of parks, forests, fisheries, and natural resource management areas, and 352,634 acres (11 percent) to be acquired by DEEP’s partners, which include municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies.

As of December 31, 2022, DEEP estimates that its partners hold approximately 252,197 acres or 71.5 percent of their share of the state’s open space goal, and that DEEP holds approximately 263,387 acres or 82.22 percent of its share of the goal. In total, 516,031 acres have been preserved (76.67 percent of the total goal), leaving an additional 157,179 acres remaining to meet the 21 percent open space goal.

Wednesday’s grant announcements are the 25th round of grants awarded under these programs. The application period to receive a grant under the upcoming 26th round is now open, with applications due by October 2, 2023. Grant application forms and instructions can be found online here.