Threatened Lands
Protecting Open Space
CFE also works tirelessly to protect our open space— parcels of undeveloped land that provide opportunities for recreation and business and contribute greatly to our quality of life. With more than three million acres of open space in Connecticut, there are times when these parcels are at development risk. During those times, CFE intervenes to ensure that the land is preserved in its pristine state for all residents and wildlife to enjoy.
Oswegatchie Hills
A coastal forest on the Niantic River estuary, Oswegatchie Hills is an environmental treasure. The Hills serve as a source of clean water feeding into the estuary and are a valuable recreational space for residents and visitors alike. As the Niantic River flows directly into Long Island Sound, runoff from a proposed development would further degrade the Sound’s water quality.
CFE/Save the Sound has joined with Save the River - Save the Hills and the Friends of Oswegatchie Nature Preserve to form the Save Oswegatchie Hills Coalition with the goal of protecting this land permanently.
To learn more and join the Coalition, click here.
The Preserve
For several years, CFE fought to stop development of the 1,000-acre coastal forest known as The Preserve in Old Saybrook. CFE won decisions blocking the development at the Old Saybrook Inland Wetlands Commission, in Superior Court, and in Appellate Court.
CFE previously testified that development would unreasonably fragment the coastal forest and harm the rich array of vernal pools, wetlands and wildlife.
In 2014, CFE worked with lawmakers to secure $2 million from the state toward the purchase of the forest. During the summer, the towns of Old Saybrook and Essex each voted to commit funds for the purchase. The Trust for Public Land led the way in raising private dollars to complete the purchase, which was finalized in April 2015.
