The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut

One of The Nature Conservancy’s primary strategies for preserving biological diversity is to work with partners, legislatures and government officials to develop, pass and implement sound public policies.

Young siblings play in the Eightmile River in Pleasant Valley Preserve in Lyme, Connecticut. © Jerry Monkman

We are able to bring the expertise of our staff to help craft legislation and programs that will be science-based and fair, and produce real results on the ground.

For nearly 20 years, The Nature Conservancy has been one of the leaders in advocating for public funds for open space preservation.
In Connecticut alone we have helped to ensure that more than $250 million in state funds were dedicated to preserving lands as state forests and parks or open space purchase by communities and
other organizations

On May 8th, a six-year effort by TNC and our partners culminated in final approval of legislation designating the Eightmile River in East Haddam, Salem, a Lyme a federal Wild and Scenic River.

In Connecticut, we have also introduced or supported legislation involving forest management, conservation tax incentives, invasive plant control, wildlife management, conservation real estate law, stream flow management and climate change.

For a recap of how TNC's priorities fared in the 2008 General Assembly, please click: Connecticut Chapter Recap of the 2008 General Assembly Session.

For information on the initiatives our Connecticut Chapter is pursuing in the 111th Congress, please click: Connecticut Chapter Federal Priorities in 2008.

Use the Connecticut General Assembly's web site http://www.cga.ct.gov/ to:

Look up the language for a bill (use the "quick search at the top of the page, and then the top link under "text of bill" on the left hand side of the page that comes up)
Find your legislator (click on "House" or "Senate" on the left hand side of the home page, and then on "Find your legislator")
Check the meeting or hearing schedule (click on "Bulletin" under "CGA today" in the center of the home page)
Look up a law (click on "Statutes" in the blue ban at the top of the home page)

To receive our legislative alerts and updates by e-mail during the legislative session, so you’ll know when to contact your elected officials concerning certain conservation bills and proposed laws, please send us your e-mail to dsutherland@tnc.org.

Photo Credit: Young siblings play in the Eightmile River in Pleasant Valley Preserve in Lyme, Connecticut. © Jerry Monkman.