NflAndTrust.org
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Description
The NFLT's goal is to preserve land in the New Fairfield township that has ecological, scenic, historical or other significant characters.
Of particular interest is the creation of a greenway along the Short Woods creek from the Pootatuck State Forest to State Route 37.
The Beginning of the New Fairfield Land Trust dates back to the summer of 1996. There had been some discussion by our Board of Selectman as to the possible benefits a Land Trust could offer New Fairfield. The BOS decided to contact resident Peggy Day and asked if she would organize a citizen research group. The First Selectman, at that time, Cheryl Reedy, had mentioned, in her weekly column, that any citizens interested in investigating whether a Land Trust would work in New Fairfield could contact Peggy. So in August of 1996 five New Fairfield residents met and agreed to form a committee for the purpose of researching what a Land Trust was, what one could do for our Town, and whether we felt a Land Trust could be successful in New Fairfield. The five participants were William McCann, Kevin Hicks, Peggy Day, Russell Strilowich, and Gary Hellman. Peggy, an attorney, headed up and hosted our monthly meetings as we began our research. The individuals would gather information from national and local organizations and report back to the committee. In talking with Naromi Land Trust's (Sherman) President Dick Donohoe, we found that we were the fourth group from New Fairfield to contact him over the last 15 years. He was very helpful and supportive as were the other organizations. Before very long we had not only decided that a Land Trust could indeed be of great benefit in protecting the character of our town, but that we would be the group to create it. Over the next few months we wrote our mission statement and by-laws borrowing from other local land trusts, while Peggy drew up our certificate of incorporation. We learned through our research that public support and interest were key factors for the success of a land trust. William created a membership brochure and started plans for a town meeting to introduce ourselves and inform our community of the benefits of preserving open space. Our efforts drew support from several areas. First our local printer, New Fairfield Printing, offered to print our membership brochures. Then, the Citizen News distributed the brochures at no charge and published articles about our new organization as well. The Board of Selectmen agreed to help us with incorporation fees and to allow us use of the Senior Center to hold our informational meeting.
Languages
English
Contact
- nflandtrust.org
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- New Fairfield Connecticut
- US 06812
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- +1.2037465726
