E. Haddam Set To Get $198K In $7.3M Open Space Funding Program

EAST HADDAM, CT — Of the $7.29 million in state funds set to be distributed to 17 communities to buy and protect open space, East Haddam will get $198,250 for the Saunders property.

The funding was announced by Gov. Ned Lamont Wednesday. His administration is "releasing" state funds to purchase and protect 1,013 acres of open space in 17 communities across the state.

The statement describes plans for the Saunders property: "This property on the west side of Tater Hill Road at its intersection with Honey Hill and Hedlund Roads in eastern East Haddam, contains multiple habitats at risk from climate change – mature forest, shrubby understory, 6.9 acres of forested inland wetlands, and at least two vernal pools... The East Haddam Land Trust plans to add trails through the two distinct and separate geologic terranes on both sides of the Honey Hill Fault for passive recreational uses."

Also being funded is $276,200 to restore and renew green spaces in six urban areas.

The funds are provided through the state's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program, which are both administered by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Since the state's open space program began in 1998, more than $150 million in state funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies to assist in the purchase of more than 41,200 acres of land in order to protect natural resources and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, according to DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes.

"Open space preservation and access to open space is fundamentally important to our well-being," Dykes said. "It is critical in our fight against climate change, protects wildlife habitat, and provides recreational opportunities that benefit us physically and mentally, and supports our economy by helping to attract and retain residents who are increasingly looking for opportunities to be in nature."