KENT, Conn.—The Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust (CVRLT) has merged with the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC), which is headquartered in Kent.
The merger became effective Tuesday, Sept. 30. The combined organization will continue under the name Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy.
Through this merger, NCLC is entrusted with the stewardship of CVRLT’s 611 acres of protected land in Danbury and New Fairfield, including eight public nature preserves.
As the largest land trust in Connecticut and the 22nd largest in the United States by the number of lands conserved, NCLC now protects more than 14,000 acres across Litchfield and northern Fairfield counties.
Founded in 1965 and nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, NCLC has received the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s highest award for land preservation—an EPA Environmental Merit Award for its outstanding commitment to protecting the natural environment—and a Working Lands Alliance Pathfinder Award for its significant contributions to educating the public about the importance of farmland preservation.
“This merger strengthens our collective ability to safeguard the lands, waters and natural areas that make our communities thrive,” said Catherine Rawson, executive director of NCLC. “Together, NCLC and CVRLT can expand public access to the outdoors, protect clean drinking water, and ensure that treasured natural lands in Danbury and New Fairfield are cared for in perpetuity.”
Founded in 1971 and also nationally accredited, CVRLT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit land trust. Its commitment to conservation will continue through the merger with NCLC.
Members of the CVRLT Board of Directors will represent the community as part of the newly formed Candlewood Valley Council. This advisory council will provide ongoing local input, help shape future land acquisitions and conservation programs, and host events in Danbury and New Fairfield.
In addition, council members will have opportunities to collaborate with advisory councils from other Northwest Connecticut towns on regional conservation priorities such as strengthening climate resiliency, safeguarding clean drinking water by conserving forests and wetlands, preserving working farms and access to local food, and protecting the natural lands.
“As the work of land conservation has grown, many of our local land trusts have been strengthening their impact by joining together,” noted CVRLT President Faline Schneiderman. “By sharing resources and expertise, merged organizations have been able to better steward their preserves, expand their reach, and ensure long-term success.”
The two organizations will celebrate the merger at NCLC’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at New Fairfield Senior Center Community Room, located at 33 CT-37, New Fairfield. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
For more information about the merger, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit ctland.org/cvrlt-merger.