Current Reviews

Ridgefield

Ridgebury School Outdoor Classroom and NRI

The King’s Mark Resource Conservation and Development Area Council approved a request from the Ridgefield Conservation Commission, the Ridgebury School and the Ridgebury School Garden Club for Environmental Review Team assistance in reviewing the Ridgebury School and the adjacent town owned open space Person Gorge and Ridgebury Slopes. Ridgebury School is a K-5 elementary school located in the northern end of town on Bennetts Farm Road. The school property is approximately 20 acres in size and contains the school building, parking, mowed grass area, playing fields and a large pond. There are two adjacent town owned open space parcels that connect with trails to the school. Peterson Gorge is 16 acres and Ridgebury Slopes is 14 acres in size. The parcels are in the Saugatuck River watershed which is a drinking water supply watershed for other communities. These parcels feature streams, wetlands and forest. The sites contain areas of steep slopes limestone outcrops, a vernal pond, and a pond that is choked with phragmites. The area is rich in history with Indian camps, Rochambeau’s army encampments, as well as being close to two old stagecoach routes.

The request to the ERT is to provide a basic natural resource inventory, information on habitat management and restoration and information on educational opportunties using an outdoor classroom/schoolyard habitat to include information on natural and cultural resources and the management and restoration actions needed to preserve, protect and restore natural habitats while balancing public, educational use and enjoyment of the properties. The town and school seek to understand the current environment, the opportunities for education and what can be done to manage the resources in a coordinated way.

The main areas of information requested and concerns are: Soils, topography and geology, erosion and sediment control due to steep slopes, stormwater management – parking, building and slopes, wetlands/ponds/streams – non-native invasives and habitat restoration, vernal pool, wildlife – past beaver activities, culvert problems, habitat restoration and enhancement, deer problems, forestry and vegetation – management and invasives control, historic significance – Native American, Revolutionary War, watershed – water quality and education, checking on the health of the wetlands, forests, and wildlife.

Pictures below were taken at the May 10, 2011 ERT Field Review Part I & June 2, 2011 ERT Field Review Part II

Vernon/Tolland

Gunther Property and Tolland Agricultural Center NRI

The Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area Council have approved a request from the Vernon Planning and Zoning Commission and the Tolland Inland wetlands Commission for Environmental Review Team assistance in reviewing a proposed purchase of the Gunther Property by the Tolland Agricultural Center Board of Trustees. The Gunther Property is adjacent to the Tolland Agricultural Center (TAC) Property on Hyde Avenue in Vernon. The TAC property is approximately +/-30-35 acres in size and was purchased from the town of Vernon from their Town Farm property.

The Gunther Property is 4 parcels located to the southwest and southeast of the TAC property on Hyde Avenue. The parcels are located in Vernon and Tolland. The parcels in Vernon include: Parcel 68,.38 acres in size and contains several buildings, Parcel 58 to the rear is 4.57 acres and is in hayfield, Parcel 80 is 3.4 acres on contains buildings and hayfield, Parcel 269 in Tolland is 14.3 acres in size and is in hayfields. The total acreage of the Gunther Property is 22.65 acres.

The purchase of the Gunther Property would allow the TAC to expand some of their current programs such as the hiking trails, nature area, the Sheep and Wool Festival and the Tolland County 4-H Fair. It would also allow them to explore such programs as organic food production and community gardens while maintaining open space in the towns of Vernon and Tolland. The ERT review will allow TAC to identify constraints and opportunities for program use should TAC purchase the property. The ERT will identify and discuss agricultural and natural resources on the Gunther Property in relation to the adjacent TAC Property. Information would also assist TAC in preparation of applications for funding. The purchase of the Gunther Property would enable a synergistic expansion of the TAC programs, protect natural resources and keep a majority of the land is agricultural production.

Specific concerns and information requested include: Soils, Geology, Water quality/Wetlands/Watershed, Wildlife, Fisheries, Forest Management, ConservationIinvasive Management, Agriculture, Land use, Historic significance and Renewable Energy.