October 20, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the release of state funding for acquisition of open space in Hamden. Senator Crsico said the preservation project qualifies through the state’s Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust program, administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Senator Crisco stood with Governor M. Jodi Rell this morning on the 25.7-acre Sablitz property for today’s announcement of the grant. The parcel abuts the Naugatuck State Forest and adjacent property belonging to the YMCA.
“I’m particularly pleased by the acquisition announced today because of its ecological and practical implications, adding acreage that is contiguous with the pristine Naugatuck State Forest,” Senator Crisco said. “This new parcel not only adds uninterrupted land to the feeding and breeding habitat of many plant, animal and bird species, but it protects and preserves access to the popular Blue Trail, a hiker’s treasure that draws enthusiasts from throughout the region.”
Despite the tough fiscal times we face Connecticut is moving forward to meet it’s open space goals because protecting important lands is a stewardship we take seriously and an investment that will return huge dividends for generations to come,” Governor Rell said.
“In most of these instances there simply won’t be a second chance to purchase parcels of this quality that are as significant so it behooves us to do so to the maximum extent possible. I’m delighted this grant was awarded to the benefit of Hamden residents, those of neighboring towns, and those of future residents,” Senator Crisco said. “Connecticut residents—and their state government—have long been known to respect natural resources here and appreciate the undeniable connection between large tracts of open space, wildlife habitat, and our overall quality of life.”
Senator Crisco said this $700,000 grant for the Sablitz parcel in Hamden is part of a comprehensive, statewide effort to preserve 21 percent of the state by 2023. Last week Governor Rell released $10.4 million through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, the 15th in a series of those grant allocations dating back to 1998.
