Connecticut Delegation Members Secure Funding to Protect Open Space in Simsbury

WASHINGTON - Today, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) joined Representatives Chris Murphy (CT-5) and John Larson (CT-1) to announce that Congress approved and President Obama is expected to sign into law $1.415 million in funding to protect the Tulmeadow Farm in Simsbury. This preservation grant is funded by the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program which helps to protect threatened privately-owned forestlands, meeting up to 75% of a project's total cost. The House included funding supported by Murphy and Larson for Tulmeadow Farm's preservation in the federal budgetary process for Fiscal Year 2010, but this important project was excluded from the Senate's version of the bill. While these two versions were being reconciled, Dodd, Lieberman, Larson, and Murphy asked that the final legislation include funding to protect Tulmeadow Farm. Both the House and the Senate passed the funding bill, and President Obama is expected to sign it in the coming days. "As one of Connecticut's oldest active farms, Tulmeadow Farm is a treasure to both the Farmington Valley and our state," said Senator Dodd. "These federal funds are an extraordinary opportunity to preserve this natural resource for generations to come."

"The purchase of the final 73 acres of Tulmeadow farm will mark a significant achievement for the Forest Legacy Program, Simsbury, and the entire state," said Senator Lieberman. "I am proud to have been able to work with the rest of the delegation to protect the natural beauty of the farm for years to come."

"With precious little open space left in Connecticut, this funding couldn't have come at a better time for our state. Tulmeadow Farm is already a popular destination for families in the Simsbury area, and protecting even more land will give generations to come a place to go to enjoy all that nature has to offer," said Congressman Murphy.

"Northwestern Connecticut is home to some of our state's most pristine natural resources. The 73 acres of preserved land will add to the great legacy of Tulemeadow Farm and remain an important resource for current and future generations in the region," said Congressman Larson.

The $1.415 million FLP grant would help protect the remaining 73 acres of the farm currently without a permanent protection arrangement (187 additional acres are already protected by previous agreements). Preservation of this land is strongly supported by the community, and the Simsbury Land Trust has committed to raising the additional private funds needed to complete the purchase. The Trust manages and protects over 800 acres, maintaining trails and meadows, and hosting educational and recreational events for residents. Right now, the farmland hosts Flamig Farm's annual "Halloween Haunted Hayride," which is a popular attraction in the area.

"On behalf of the Simsbury Land Trust and for the people in Simsbury who have shown us such strong support over the years, we are very appreciative of all the work our elected officials have done to make this funding a reality. It wouldn't have happened without them. This grant is a huge benefit to the town and will enable us go forward to raise the remaining funds to make sure this land will be protected for generations of Connecticut residents to come," said Chuck Howard, Simsbury Land Trust President.