Land trust’s $800K purchase of Salmon Kill acreage aided by community

The view from the Salisbury Association Land Trust’s newly purchased Salmon Kill Preserve.
Photo contributed

The view from the Salisbury Association Land Trust’s newly purchased Salmon Kill Preserve.
SALISBURY— One hundred and seventy people helped raise $800,000 so that the Salisbury Association Land Trust (SALT) could purchase and protect in perpetuity 14 acres of environmentally and aesthetically valuable farmland in the scenic Salmon Kill Valley.
The property transaction between SALT and the landowners took place in mid-December, according to John Landon, co-chairman of the Salisbury Association Land Trust Committee. The parcel purchased by the land trust is a portion of the larger Belter family farm, said SALT officials.
“We are preserving one of our town’s most magnificent views,” Landon explained.
Sellers include James and Melinda Belter, and Ann and Stephen Torrey. “Ann and James’ father had farmed it,” for many decades, said Landon, noting that in recent years the parcel had also been farmed by Allen Cockerline of Whippoorwill Farm.
Landon explained that SALT has had its eye on the property on and off for several years, but it wasn’t until this past summer that the two sides came to an agreement on the purchase price. “That is when we started actively fundraising,” he said.
“There was a proposal to build some houses on it, and a lot of people in the area didn’t want to see that happening, including us. So we reached an agreement with the Belter family. If a couple of houses were to be built there, it would have ruined that whole view of that magnificent valley.”
“We are very grateful to have received donations from so many people in the community,” said Jeanette Weber, president of the Salisbury Association. “As a result, we were able to sign the final papers just before Christmas, thus preserving the land.”
Landon said the work of SALT in protecting pristine parcels of land like the 14 acres of unspoiled farmland in the Salmon Kill Valley would not be possible without the generosity of past, present and future landowners and conservationists.
The newly purchased land, one portion of which borders the Salmon Kill — also referred to locally as the stream, creek or river — will be known as SALT’s Salmon Kill Preserve, said Landon.
“It will continue to be farmed, that’s our plan,” said Landon. “Our goal is to try to preserve as much agricultural land in town as possible.”
The Salmon Kill Valley and the creek itself have long been considered some of the most beautiful and ecologically valuable in Connecticut. The 6 miles of the Salmon Kill Creek flow through Salisbury, from the confluence of several mountain streams to its eventual confluence with the Housatonic River across from Housatonic Valley Region High School and directly above the Housatonic Trout Management Area.
Nearly a decade ago, Trout Unlimited, working with Salisbury’s private landowners and community groups dedicated to preserving the Salmon Kill Valley, launched the Salmon Kill Enhancement and Restoration Project. SALT was among the conservation groups engaged in the effort at that time.
The initiative, aimed at projects to improve the aquatic habitat of the Salmon Kill stream, was funded as part of the Natural Resource Damages (NRD) assessed to General Electric for the release of PCB’s into the Housatonic River Basin.
“It was all about trying to make it a better habitat for the fish. The trout need cooler water,” said Landon.
According to the Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT), America today is losing agricultural land at the alarming rate of 175 acres every hour and 1.5 million acres every year.
“The quality of the natural world benefits from farmland protection. Protecting farmland protects wetlands and water quality and protects properties from flooding. Farmland is also a major source of habitat for birds and wildlife,” according to CFT.
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.