Winchester watershed conservation hailed as ‘historic milestone’

“Conservation at this scale requires the creativity and commitment of many partners.”
Tim Abbott, conservation director for the Cornwall-based HVA

WINCHESTER — The protection of more than two dozen parcels comprising 1,364 acres of pristine watershed land is being hailed as the largest conservation project to leverage federal funding from the 20-year-old Highlands Conservation Act.

In making the announcement on Sept. 27, Gov. Ned Lamont and officials from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Cornwall-based Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) noted that Winchester is the first environmental justice community to benefit from the funding.

The Highlands Conservation Act, which is one of the most significant sources of federal land protection grant funding available in the state, encompasses 3.4 million acres in portions of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Today’s announcement marks a historic milestone in our fight to conserve land in western Connecticut,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). “Safeguarding Winchester’s watershed land will help keep public drinking water clean and protect our wildlife and forests for future generations to enjoy.”

Lamont lauded the effort as “a great example of federal, state and local working together to accomplish big things.”

DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said she is grateful for the partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, HVA, Town of Winchester and the private volunteers and donors who collaborated on the project.

In addition to protecting key watersheds, drinking water supply and habitats for a diversity of wildlife, she said, “this conservation project and others like it also addresses climate change in a meaningful way by fortifying and preserving forestland.”

Winchester Town Administrator Todd Arcelaschi noted that “the serenity and beauty of the natural resources of Winchester are the foundation and bedrock of our community.”

Conservation easements placed over these municipal water company lands will ensure that they remain a source of clean drinking water for the City of Winsted. The town still owns the land and operates its municipal water company.

Winchester Land Trust President Jen Perga noted in the announcement that the new easement creates a large corridor of protection land for animals to move north and south through town.

The property has been protected through the Highlands Conservation Act, matched by DEEP’s Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Fund, and additional donations raised privately through the HVA’s Greenprint Partners Pledge Fund.

“Conservation at this scale requires the creativity and commitment of many partners,” said Tim Abbott, conservation director for the HVA.

“I’m deeply grateful to the town leadership for pursuing this opportunity, but perhaps even more impressive is the unanimous support that this effort received from town voters at a selectmen’s meeting to approve the transaction,” he said in the release.

Since 2004, the Highlands Conservation Act has brought nearly $25 million to Connecticut and protected more than 7,257 acres in 15 Highlands communities.

Latest News

Blues and bloodlines: The Devon Allman Project at Infinity Hall Norfolk

Devon Allman

Venla Shalin

On Friday, Aug. 15, The Devon Allman Project will play Infinity Hall in Norfolk. As the son of the legendary musician Gregg Allman, Devon carries on the family tradition while stepping out on his own.

“We’re honored to keep the tradition alive,” said Allman. “But I don’t play my records and try to compare them to records from 50 years ago. I try to write songs that mean something to me, and hopefully they’ll resonate with other people.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Peggy Ann McEnroe

AMENIA — Peggy Ann McEnroe, 60, a lifelong area resident, passed away surrounded by her family on Aug. 4, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York.Peggy Ann was the owner and operator of Peggy’s Sweet & Savory café in Amenia, New York (formerly known as Back in the Kitchen).

Peggy had a passion for food and travel and her creativity and generosity knew no bounds. Born on Dec. 10, 1964, in Sharon, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas McEnroe and Caroline Ann McEnroe.She was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Purchase.

Keep ReadingShow less
Evelyn Ann Moody Lamberti

WASSAIC — Evelyn Ann Moody Lamberti, 87, passed away July 13, 2025, in Barre, Vermont.

Born on Dec. 13, 1937, in Hartford, Connecticut to Hazen and Helen Moody, she spent her early years in Wassaic, New York and graduated from the first graduating class of Webutuck Central High School in 1955. She attended New Paltz College and then worked for the Dutchess County Supervisors Office in Poughkeepsie, New York.She married David Lamberti on Oct. 10, 1959, in Wassaic and moved to Vermont.

Keep ReadingShow less
Caroline (Lynn) P. Chase

SOUTHFIELD, Mass — Lynn Chase of Southfield, Massachusetts, passed away on July 30, 2025, at Berkshire Medical Center after a courageous seven-month battle with an aggressive cancer. Despite the challenges, Lynn continued to inspire those around her with her strength and determination.

How do you begin to talk about the extraordinary life of Lynn Chase?

Keep ReadingShow less