Open Space Grant Assigned to Ellington Parcel

HARTFORD, CT – Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Monday announced that state grants totaling $6.05 million are being awarded to 23 municipalities across Connecticut to support the purchase of 2,005 acres of land that will be preserved as open space.

And an Ellington parcel is involved.

“Connecticut’s tradition of preserving open space has helped define our landscape and preserve its important natural resources and geographical beauty,” Governor Malloy said. “These grants continue our open space preservation legacy and will increase the availability of open space for our residents across our state.”

The grants are being awarded through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and assists local governments, land trusts, and water companies in purchasing open space using funding from the Community Investment Act and state bond funds. This grant program requires match by the grant recipient and requires the open space land be protected by a conservation and public recreation easement, ensuring that the property is forever protected for public use and enjoyment.

“Since this program began in 1998, more than $125 million in state funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies to assist in the purchase of more than 33,300 acres of land, including farmlands, in 137 cities and towns,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said. “These important open space properties protect natural resources and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

The goal of state officials is to protect 673,210 acres of land by 2023. Currently, the state has more than 500,000 acres designated as state or local open space lands – close to 75 percent of the goal.

The 2018 Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant awards include $36,000 for Ellington's Bellante Preserve on Sandy Beach Road.

The sponsor is the Northern Conn. Land Trust, Inc.

The 35-acre undeveloped upland forest is located in the eastern panhandle off Route 140 (Tolland Turnpike) in the Town of Ellington. The parcel abuts the Ernie Boothroyd Nature Preserve, which is also in close proximity to the Nye-Holman State Forest.

The parcel is home to turkey, fisher cats, coyotes, rabbits, various species of birds and bear.

Photo Credit: Tim Jensen