Rep. Tom Vicino Applauds Governor on 1,000 Acre Preserve

State Representative Thomas Vicino (Westbrook, Clinton, Killingworth) joined Governor Dannel Malloy, lawmakers and environmental advocates to announce the states participation in the preservation of the 1,000 acres of forestland known as “The Preserve” in Westbrook,  Essex and Old Saybrook.  Setting protections for this parcel was the highest priority for many preservation groups in Connecticut.

“Protecting this land and critically important natural resources is a wise investment for future generations,” said Rep. Tom Vicino. “This land contains several watershed areas, including the Trout Brook, which is a major source of clean drinking water for Westbrook residents. The decision to keep the area free from development, that could have included hundreds of new homes, a golf course and related pollution, will ensure the water quality remains high and the public health is protected.”

The 1,000-acre coastal forest will be purchased and protected as open space through cooperation with multiple environmental groups and a commitment of funds from the state.   The Preserve consists of land along Long Island Sound in three towns: 926 acres in Old Saybrook; 71 acres in Essex; and four acres in Westbrook. Along with Old Saybrook and the Trust for Public Land, the state will help acquire and steward the land.

“We will take action to make funds available for the state’s participation in the purchase of the property and to address issues concerning joint ownership and stewardship of the land with the Town of Old Saybrook, which will also be making a significant financial contribution,” said Governor Malloy.  “The permanent protection of The Preserve has been a goal of the land conservation community across our state for more than 15 years and it’s time to act to achieve this important goal.” 

The General Assembly will be asked to supply $3.3 million to the cause consisting of a reallocation of federal open space funds combined with a bond authorization.    The rest will be raised through private donations and fundraising.

Background on the Preserve:

The Preserve is considered to be the last, large unprotected coastal forest between New York and Boston.   The woodland plays an important role in maintaining water quality in Trout Brook and the Oyster and Mud rivers, which feed into the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound along with mitigating storm surges.    The parcel will be permanently protected from future development and connect to 500 acres of existing town parkland—including miles of trails—providing expanded opportunities for hiking and viewing a variety of birds and wildlife.

The recent depressed housing market provided a unique opportunity to preserve the land at a decent price; the estimated value is approximately $8 million.

In addition to its recreational and habitat resources, The Preserve provides important water quality benefits to residents.  Surface waters on the property drain to three different watersheds: the Oyster River, Mud River and Trout Brook, as they make their way to Long Island Sound.  The protection of The Preserve will ensure that storm water on the site is recharged to local aquifers.  An aquifer protection area is located just east of the Preserve and supplies an average of 200,000 gallons per day of drinking water to Westbrook and Old Saybrook.