Watertown, CT Wildlife Corridor

Concerned residents in Watertown and Waterbury, CT started an effort in January, 2014, to protect a pristine piece of forest.  The parcel, which is part of the last piece of contiguous open space in the area, includes 3 wetlands and 1 water course. 

The original intent was to set aside open space within the approximately 10 acre property for a proposed new sub-division, to protect 2 of the wetlands and a watercourse and to provide open space for a wildlife corridor. The request was denied in September, 2015 by the Watertown Planning and Zoning Commission and developer.  Adjacent to this piece of property is a continuation of this forest with approximately 6.5 acres, which includes an additional large wetland and a water course.  The owner of this property has offered to donate it to the Watertown Land Trust.  In order for the Land Trust to accept this donation, they need access to the property through Watertown, CT.   At this juncture, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the developer have not provided for access, which is why residents have pursued this lawsuit.

During the course of this action, residents received written support from several important and knowledgeable entities to protect this existing open space (The Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, Central Naugatuck Valley Regional Planning Agency and Northwest Conservation).   All confirmed that this truly was a special parcel due to its wetlands and watercourses, along with the fact that it is one of the most primitive, pristine young forests that they have seen in a very long time.  So special, that the Watertown Land Trust has expressed interest in acquiring it through donation.   

Waterbury, CT GIS Parcel Map for Map Block Lot #0154-0016-3317

Unfortunately, the approximately 10 acre paracel will be destroyed when the new sub-division construction begins and the sub-division will not have any open space within the approximately 10 acres.  The Watertown Land Trust was hoping open space would be provided, so they could acquire the open space,to not only protect the wetland area, but to serve as access to the donated parcel.  However, at this time, residents have the chance to protect the 6.5 acres now if we act quickly through legal means!

THE GOALS OF THIS FUNDING CAMPAIGN:

To raise money to continue our lawsuit to acquire access to protect this pristine piece of property and hopefully begin the process to create a tri-town wildlife corridor between Waterbury, Middlebury and Watertown, CT.  

We have done everything we can do to protect this property and now we need YOUR FINANCIAL HELP to continue our fight in court. 

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS EFFORT to preserve this pristine 6.5 acre property, with a $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 or more donation asap.  Please share this campaign and this cause with your family, friends and colleagues.   Any money collected above and beyond the amount of funds required for the lawsuit will be donated to the Watertown Land Trust.

Thank you for supporting this cause!

Many of the residents from Georgetown Drive, Watertown, CT and Ridgeland Drive, Waterbury, CT; and also several residents from Bunker Hill Road, Watertown, CT