Land Trust Chairman Calls for Urgent Open Space Funding

During a recent government meeting, Rob Fryer, chairman of the New Canaan Land Trust, emphasized the urgent need to replenish the town's land acquisition fund, which has been depleted over the past two budget cycles. Fryer highlighted that protecting open space is a top priority for residents, ranking third in a recent survey. He noted that the town previously established a $100,000 fund, which was partially allocated to the Land Trust for acquiring a property on Valley Road to serve as its headquarters and expand the Brown Preserve.

Fryer pointed out that while significant opportunities for land acquisition arise infrequently, such as a recent $2.3 million grant awarded for the protection of 85 acres in Monroe, New Canaan risks missing out on similar opportunities without a robust funding mechanism. He explained that the state requires buyers to contribute at least 35% of the purchase price for open space grants, which could either come from the Land Trust or the town. Currently, the town has no funds available, which could lead to lost opportunities for conservation and potential development of the land by private developers.

Fryer urged the elected officials to prioritize the development of a sustainable funding mechanism for the open space acquisition fund, reiterating the importance of protecting the town's remaining open spaces. His comments reflect a broader concern about the future of land conservation in New Canaan and the need for proactive measures to secure funding for such initiatives.