In The News
Killingworth, Ct.—As the annual Cranberry Harvest reaps berries this season, the Killingworth Land Trust (KLCT) will reap benefits from their considerate neighbors. Doug and Irene Buttendorf, of Killingworth, have deeded over 23 acres to the KLCT. Properly developing this environmentally sensitive area has been, and remains, a high priority for the Cranberry meadows’ designers; thus the Buttendorfs have exceeded the regulation requirement of 15% of open space plus opted for a conservation subdivision.
The conservation subdivision grant allow the Buttendorfs to put in a special, private road plus offer protection to the endangered plants around the bog. The land deeded included two vernal pools, a unique and highly valued peat bog, and a timber area surrounding the bog.
The total mass of the Cranberry Bog is 47 acres thus the donation from the Buttendorfs more than double the amount of space owned by the KLCT in the bog area. The 2001 partial purchase of the bog was made possible through fund raising efforts and an endowment fund. The fund is maintained by the KLCT for the bog’s upkeep and as a buffer fund to purchase surrounding open space based on availability. The Pond Meadow Natural Area Committee has been formed to restore and maintains the habitat and to facilitate the use of the area for research and public programs. The KLCT offers an effective way for Killingworth to preserve natural assets.
In addition to the recent transfer of land from the Buttendorf’s, the KLCT has also been awarded a $17,000 grant from the State of Connecticut’s Department Of Environmental Protection, through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). The LIP provides technical advice and cost assistance to landowners for habitat management resulting in the protection, restoration, reclamation, enhancement, and maintenance of habitats that support fish, wildlife and plant species considered at risk. The program is made possible through grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which recognizes the need to help states with the stewardship of their at-risk species. Good stewardship can slow or reverse the decline of some species. The LIP funds up to 75% of the cost of an approved project and the landowner and/or partnering conservation group must provide the matching funds an/or in-kind services.
As the LKCT and the Buttendorf’s work in tandem to secure the conservation of this environmental ‘gem,’ Killingworth residents will view a sanctuary of plants, wildlife and beautiful homes naturally blending together for future residents.
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