Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed a $564,200 grant investment by Governor Ned Lamont’s administration and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to preserve 198.37 acres of open space in East. Two grants were administered by the Governor’s administration for purchases 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.
“Open space protects local environments and provides valuable educational and recreational opportunities,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful for the Governor’s valuable and important investment in protecting natural land in East Haddam. These land purchases will benefit our region for decades to come.”
“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 $564,200 investment comes in two grant allocations:
The Town of East Haddam will receive $243,100 to aid its purchase of the Kronberg Property, a 75-acre property on the east side of North Moodus Road. Part of a 95-acre land purchase in total, these 75 acres will be dedicated open space, with a 22-acre hayfield having limited public access to protect local agriculture. The land is located next to East Haddam Middle School and has walking trails to expand upon the school’s trail network.
The East Haddam Land Trust will receive $321,100 to aid its purchase of the 123.37-acre Honey Hill Farm on the north side of Honey Hill Road in East Haddam. The property adds to a large open space corridor in southeast East Haddam including the Lena and Roaring Brook Reserves, Devil’s Hopyard State Park and the Nature Conservancy’s Burnham Brook Preserve. Existing woods roads will be incorporated into hiking trails, which can also be used for snow-shoeing and environmental education, and the land will enhance protections for animals like cottontail rabbits through land management.
In August 2022, Sen. Needleman wrote to the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program endorsing the Honey Hill Farm acquisition.