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

Swinging into spring sports at HVRHS

HVRHS sophomore Wyatt Bayer will suit up for the Mountaineers' varsity baseball team.

Photo by Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — With the arrival of warm weather, so too comes a new season of athletics at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

The Mountaineers will field teams in five different sports for the spring season: baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis and track and field.

Keep ReadingShow less
Northlight art show opens at Historical Society Gallery
One of a dozen artists participating in the Northlight Art Center’s 14th annual student exhibit is Cathleen Halloran, above, who paused for a photo by one of her several works on display. The opening reception at the Sharon Historical Society’s Gallery on Saturday, March 15, brought out a robust group of local art fans.
Leila Hawken

Fans of fine art filed into the Sharon Historical Society’s gallery on Saturday, March 15, for the opening reception of student works from the Northlight Art Center in Amenia, New York.

Northlight was founded in Sharon by Pieter Lefferts in 2010 and later moved to Amenia. This is the 14th year of the annual student exhibit.

Keep ReadingShow less
‘Urinetown’ makes use of brand new HVRHS auditorium

Tess Marks as Little Sally and Jackson Olson as Officer Lockstock in the Housatonic Musical Theatre Society production of "Urinetown."

Tom Brown

Last week’s Housatonic Musical Theatre Society production of “Urinetown” featured strong performances and superb choreography.

The remodeled auditorium at Housatonic Valley Regional High School made a big difference as well. New seats were a welcome addition, and the increased technical capability meant that the show was flawless from a production point of view.

Keep ReadingShow less
Race Brook Lodge: A timeless haven for music, art, and community

Race Brook Lodge

Lety Marcos

Tucked away on Under Mountain Road in Sheffield, Massachusetts, The Stagecoach Tavern dates back to the mid-18th century and offers fine dining in an enchanted setting. It also serves as the portal into the Race Brook Lodge, which harbors unique spaces for entertainment, lodging and wellness.

Intimate outdoor gathering areas are illuminated by strings of lights. A cluster of mid-century bungalows can be rented by guests who come to spend the weekend and attend concerts and retreats, which typically take place in the barns farther back in the woods.

Keep ReadingShow less