Conserving Tolland was founded in 2000. Approximately 30 residents joined together and worked for several years to gain the support of Tolland residents by representing something they strongly believe in....The permanent protection of quality land. The grassroots group began while Tolland was experiencing one of the highest rates of residential growth in the State of Connecticut. As a Political Ac
tion Committee (PAC) the group raised funds to promote a referendum asking voters to approve $2 million to protect land in perpetuity. The funding would come through bonding paid for by town taxes. The group gathered 800 signatures to force a referendum allowed in the town charter. A single issue referendum was held October 3, 2000 winning by 65%. It became quite obvious that townspeople were willing to spend money to protect land. The next two referenda for the same amounts were easily placed on the ballot by future Town Councils.
~ In 2000 the referendum for $2 million won by 65%
~In 2003 the referendum for $2 million won by 72%
~In 2006 the referendum for $2 million won by 73%
Conserving Tolland works diligently to keep the momentum going by holding numerous events to encourage people out onto the land or lecture hall. A variety of hikes are held as well as educational events for land owners and fundraisers with fun themes. We asked the Town Council to place the responsibility for the maintenance of land with the town appointed Conservation Commission. We also began the Conservation Corps to supply stewards to work in maintaining the land. We work closely with the Trust for Public Land, the Federal Natural Resource Conservation Service, The Connecticut Farmland Trust and The Joshua Trust. Having a town funding source allows the town the flexibility to purchase land when it becomes available. The town has then applied for State and Federal grant money which has stretched our resources by over $2 million.
~Conserving Tolland is grassroots, apolitical and 501C3 non-profit, working to advocate for land conservation in Tolland. Conserving Tolland is often contacted by land owners asking for advice on conserving their land before they approach the town. We hold recreational and educational events for the public. Sometimes we partner with the town and other times with fellow non-profits such as Joshuas Trust or the Tolland Historical Society. Volunteer Organizations
helping to protect our natural resources
Government Appointed Private Non-Profit
Land-use Organizations Organizations
Tolland Conservation Commission Conserving Tolland
Tolland Conservation Corps Joshuas Trust
Tolland Inland Wetlands Commission Northern Connecticut Land Trust
Rockville Fish and Game Club
North Central Conservation District
Snipsic Lake Association
Willimantic River Alliance
