CT Land Acquisition Goals

The conversation discusses Connecticut's land acquisition goals, aiming to protect 21% of the state's land as open space, a target set in the late 90s. Lindsay Suhr, Director of Land Management at DEEP, explains the state's efforts, including regular property acquisitions and grants that have protected between 2,000 and 5,000 acres annually, totaling $14-15 million. The state's reporting is based on state-acquired land, but private conservation efforts are also significant. Funding comes from the legislature and federal sources, and there are tax incentives for landowners who sell or donate property for conservation. The state is updating its open space plan to better understand and potentially revise its goals.