Martha Marx

STATE SENATOR MARTHA MARX WELCOMES $139,750 INVESTMENT IN SALEM OPEN SPACE BY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed a $139,750 grant investment by Governor Ned Lamont’s administration and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to preserve 47.53 acres of open space in Salem. The grant was administered by the Governor’s administration through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, part of a $3.7 million investment to purchase more than 1,000 acres of open space across the state.

“The open space in our communities protects our environment and often provides lovely outdoor recreation for residents,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful that the Governor’s administration is investing in open space in Salem, helping the Salem Land Trust educate our town in the process.”

“These state grants are important because they will increase the availability of open space so that we can protect the exquisite natural resources we have in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Protecting these lands will significantly improve the quality of life for our residents, attract visitors and businesses to the state, and continue making Connecticut a great place to live and work. I am glad the state could partner with towns on these projects.”

The Salem Land Trust will receive aid to acquire the Stahlschmidt Preserve Project, a 47.53-acre property at 460 Old New London Road through this grant. The property features about 15 acres of inland wetlands and supports a wide variety of plants, trees and wildlife. The Salem Land Trust plans to clear trees to create a public parking area at the road and a single loop trail for passive recreational and environmental educational use. The Trust may also work to install bridges and will develop a management plan for the property.