Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) and the Town of Sherman are collaborating to preserve the 117-acre Glen Brook property on Route 39 North, which will expand NCLC’s adjacent 142-acre Strauss Morrissey Preserve. A town vote on this significant conservation initiative is scheduled for January 11, 2025.
The Glen Brook property will enhance public recreation by adding two miles of new trails, bringing the total to five miles, and improving parking facilities. The expansion will offer new opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor activities. The Glen Brook property also serves as a critical ecological resource, providing habitat for rare and endangered species, including butterflies and forest bird species, while providing essential climate resilience through flood mitigation and water filtration.
On November 11, 2024, NCLC requested a $50,000 contribution from Sherman’s Land Acquisition Fund to support the $1,485,000 purchase. The proposed contribution represents only 3% of the total cost but plays a vital role in achieving the permanent preservation of this property. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has already awarded $965,250 for the project. Sherman’s Board of Selectmen, Land Acquisition Fund Advisory Board, and Conservation Commission unanimously endorsed the proposal.
NCLC, the largest land trust in Connecticut, has conserved over 13,300 acres, including 1,600 acres in Sherman. The organization is committed to protecting critical lands and waters, with its efforts extending to 22 public hiking preserves, 49 working farms, and 45 miles of rivers and streams.
Catherine Rawson, Executive Director of Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, highlighted the broader benefits of the Glen Brook project: “This project not only preserves vital habitats and enhances climate resilience but also expands opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature. The Town of Sherman’s commitment to land conservation strengthens our shared goal of protecting the region’s irreplaceable natural and working lands for future generations.”
Sherman’s First Selectman, Don Lowe, expressed support by noting, “The Town of Sherman has long prided itself on its natural beauty and commitment to ensuring our town’s environmental health as well as its rural, scenic character. The opportunity to preserve the Glen Brook property offers an invaluable chance to protect this character while enhancing the quality of life for residents and the broader community without adding ongoing costs to the town budget.”
Bill McCann, Chairman of the Sherman Conservation Commission, added, “While the benefits of land conservation are clear, the challenges are significant. In Connecticut, high property values, small parcel sizes, and limited funding make it difficult to protect land at the necessary pace to attain our State and local goals. We are fortunate to have NCLC as a partner. By supporting their acquisition of the Glen Brook property, Sherman will contribute to local and broader regional conservation efforts, helping to secure these natural lands that will benefit future generations in Sherman and beyond.”
The Glen Brook acquisition aligns with state and federal conservation goals, including the Farmland Protection Policy Act and Connecticut’s goal to protect 21% of its land. The initiative underscores the economic and environmental benefits of land conservation, as in New England, every $1 invested yields $4 to $11 in returns through clean water, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation.
Residents of Sherman are encouraged to participate in the January 11 vote to approve the $50,000 allocation from the Land Acquisition Fund. This contribution will help safeguard Sherman’s natural beauty and environmental legacy for future generations.
Learn More – Strauss Morrissey Preserve Expansion Project FAQs
