Open Space Grant Assigned to Mansfield Parcel

HARTFORD, CT – Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Monday announced that state grants totaling $6.05 million are being awarded to 23 municipalities across Connecticut to support the purchase of 2,005 acres of land that will be preserved as open space.

And a Mansfield parcel is involved.

“Connecticut’s tradition of preserving open space has helped define our landscape and preserve its important natural resources and geographical beauty,” Governor Malloy said. “These grants continue our open space preservation legacy and will increase the availability of open space for our residents across our state.”

The grants are being awarded through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and assists local governments, land trusts, and water companies in purchasing open space using funding from the Community Investment Act and state bond funds. This grant program requires match by the grant recipient and requires the open space land be protected by a conservation and public recreation easement, ensuring that the property is forever protected for public use and enjoyment.

“Since this program began in 1998, more than $125 million in state funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies to assist in the purchase of more than 33,300 acres of land, including farmlands, in 137 cities and towns,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said. “These important open space properties protect natural resources and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

The goal of state officials is to protect 673,210 acres of land by 2023. Currently, the state has more than 500,000 acres designated as state or local open space lands – close to 75 percent of the goal.

The 2018 Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant awards include $207,000 for the Simpson Family Property at 652 Warrenville Road in Mansfield.

The 114 acres are located in the central eastern portion of town on Warrenville Road. The parcel an undeveloped woodlot with limited development potential based on soils, its stony nature, presences of wetlands and steep slopes. The property is located across the street from the Mount Hope Property that is protected through a state grant in 1999.

Photo Credit: Tim Jensen