Cheshire
Land Trust

Cheshire Land Trust
Preserving Land as a Living Resource Since 1969

Our Mission

Preservation of natural resources of the State of Connecticut, including water resources, marshland, swamp, woodland, open spaces and the plant and animal life therein.
Preservation of unique historic and scenic sites.
Promote the scientific study of and educate the public regarding local natural resources including plants, animals, birds and other wildlife.
Acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise, real and personal property for the benefit of all the inhabitants of the State of Connecticut for conservational, educational, scientific and recreational purposes.

The Cheshire Trust is a nonprofit corporation funded entirely by

donor contributions from members of the community. We receive no taxpayer support.

CLT Properties

Open Space Map

Ives Farm

Hiking Areas

Become a Donor

News & Events

Calendar

Directors

Membership

 

New Acquisition - Anderson Easement

West Main St. Woodland Protected with Conservation Easement
December 30, 2009

 

The Cheshire Land Trust  announces the completion of the Anderson conservation easement, a donation to the Trust from Eric Anderson and his mother Brenda Anderson-Killer. Under the terms of the easement, a permanent deed restriction, the donors and the Land Trust agreed that this 4.73-acre woodland, just off West Main Street,  will remain undeveloped.  Surrounded by residential neighborhoods, this acreage will not be built upon because of the donors’ wish to keep the land open for future generations. The Land Trust has accepted the responsibility for monitoring the parcel, making once-a-year visits to inspect the property and make sure that all the conservation values are being preserved. The Conservation Values cited in the easement include: provision of food and shelter for birds and animals, prevention of erosion, protection of air quality quality, and protection of water quality in this watershed. The landowner may enjoy passive recreation – walking, bird watching, and berry-picking on this property as he and his family have for many years. His house is on land adjacent to the eased property.  Anderson may build walking trails if he wishes to, but no public access is planned.   A management plan for this property will be prepared in the spring, with copies given to the owner and to the Land Trust. This plan will list activities which will improve habitat and allow some commercial activity while doing no harm. The activities will be those the landowner wants to pursue such as planting  trees, building brush piles for wildlife, culling some trees for firewood, rebuilding stone walls,  putting up birdhouses, and removing invasive plants.

This acquisition is the eighth Conservation Easement accepted by the Land Trust. The total number of acres the Trust’s stewardship now stands at almost 530 acres. This acreage includes land owned outright by the Trust along with lands owned by others but under a  conservation easement. “The tax benefits of donating a conservation easement are substantial”, said Kevin Wetmore, President of the Land Trust. “A landowner is entitled to a tax benefit of 50% of his gross income. This amount can be spread out over ten years.”  Wetmore explained that the amount of the  charitable donation is calculated by appraising the highest value of the land, generally that of development, versus the value of the land with the development rights removed. The difference between the two is the amount on which the tax benefit is calculated. What does the Land Trust get out of conservation easements?  They get more land to take care of – and are glad to do it!  More open space means a better looking town, better air and water quality, and an action which follows the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development which advocates conservation easements and the saving of land – farming lands, pasture lands, orchards, meadows, and wooded properties.   Mr. Anderson and his mother Brenda Anderson-Killer, were the joint donors of the easement, preserving the natural resources, while giving up the right to build on the land.  The town reaps the benefit of their decision:  open space needs no public services, does not require schools or trash removal.  

 

Since its organization in 1969 the Cheshire Land Trust has acquired by gift or easement 30 properties across Cheshire totaling 530 acres. Four of these properties have active farming operations comprising 245 acres. The Land Trust is proud take on the responsibility of preserving this farmland for generations to come. The public can take comfort in knowing that Ives Farm, CLT's most recent farm acquisition and a cherished part of Cheshire's agricultural history, will be preserved.

 

Discover Cheshire's natural and historic places . . .

Lock 12

Roaring Brook Falls

Fresh Meadows Preserve

Join the Cheshire Land Trust

Open spaces provide habitat for wildlife, protection for our water supply and countless benefits to the community. Cheshire's pristine wetlands, green ways, farmland and open spaces must never be taken for granted. Join in our mission to preserve the town's natural character and beauty. Membership offers you the opportunity to make a difference.

The Cheshire Land Trust seeks gifts of land thus ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today we actively manage 25 properties and 4 conservation easements totaling 525 acres. Membership dues and contributions provide for management of these properties.

Meetings

The Cheshire Land Trust Governing Board meets monthly, usually the 3rd Thursday, 7:30 PM at CLT's office located at 1030 S. Main St.

If you would like to attend, contact Kevin Wetmore at (203) 272-3766 or

Dave Schrumm 272-2689.
Note: there is no meeting held in August.