WETHERSFIELD, CONN., August 10, 2017—Working Lands Alliance, a project of American Farmland Trust, announced today a new grant for its Farmland Protection Circuit Rider project. The grant, made to WLA by the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Inc., will further efforts to build the capacity of local land trusts and municipalities to protect farmland in Litchfield County from development.
Because of its proximity to New York City and the scenic views that draw visitors to the area year-round, the valuable agricultural lands that remain in Litchfield County continue to be threatened by development.
“Connecticut is noted for having a strong land trust community and a long history of land conservation efforts in the state,” WLA Project Director Clark Chapin said. “However, not all have experience in protecting farmland. This project will build the knowledge and capacity of our land trusts and municipalities to undertake projects that protect farmland and promote farm viability successfully.”
The project is a collaboration between American Farmland Trust, Working Lands Alliance, Connecticut Farmland Trust and Connecticut Land Conservation Council.
Land trusts or municipalities serving Litchfield County interested in receiving assistance should contact WLA project director, Clark Chapin, at (860) 683-4230 or cchapin@farmland.org to learn more about the resources and support available.
###
Working Land Alliance, a project of American Farmland Trust, is a broad-based, statewide coalition working together to preserve Connecticut’s most-precious resource, its farmland. Since 1999, WLA has been the statewide voice for farmland preservation efforts, ensuring that we protect the farmland that is the cornerstone of our communities and our quality of life. Learn more at www.workinglandsalliance.org.
American Farmland Trust is the only national conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land. Since 1980 American Farmland Trust has helped to permanently protect more than five million acres of farm and ranch land. Learn more at www.farmland.org.
