Grants aid land trusts in saving open space in Northwest Corner

Two conserved properties in the Northwest Corner received grants last month from the state as Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grants totaling $9 million. The funds will protect a total of 2,732 acres in 35 communities — including the 253-acre Camp Francis in Kent and the 84-acre Cooley Farm in Cornwall. A press release explained that the Kent Land Trust was granted $500,000 to help it purchase the former Girl Scout camp, which “directly abuts protected open space (Wyantenock State Forest and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust).”It is “principally an undeveloped forest block” with “multiple natural resources that are important to protect and preserve. “With an irregular topography, numerous bedrock outcroppings, a large wetland, several vernal pools and a dense hardwood second-growth forest, this parcel is a rich and diverse wildlife habitat.”Kent Land Trust members said they are “thrilled.” “With this key grant along with more than $200,000 in matching contributions now in place, we are kicking into high gear to raise the additional grants and donations needed to complete the fundraising,” said the trust’s executive director, Connie Manes. “We hope to complete our campaign and purchase the property this coming summer.”Of the grant for the purchase of the Cooley Farm, Cornwall Conservation Trust (CCT) President Barton Jones said, “The Cornwall Conservation Trust is grateful to Gov. Malloy and the legislature for taking the long view in their support of the preservation of open space in Connecticut. “The grant we have received from the state this year will go toward preserving 85 acres of field and forest at the end of Cherry Hill Road. The protected property offers exceptional views to the west and will eventually be linked to the Hart Preserve. “The property will also continue to be farmed as a result of an additional federal grant under the Ranch and Farmland Protection Act. “After this acquisition CCT will own approximately 800 acres of forest and farmland in Cornwall that will help to assure its continued rural and farm character.”The $450,000 grant will help preserve a property that, according to the state’s press release, is currently used for haying, but “also contains a wetland area and a tributary to the Housatonic River, and a trail network. The purchase will help assemble a larger fragmented forested block in this area.”