Calling All Forest Users!!

 

Connecticut Statewide Forest Resource Plan

 

The Connecticut Statewide Forest Resource Plan is designed to serve as an overview for planning future activities, within the forest community of Connecticut. The Forest Resource Plan has been published, and is now in the initial stages of implementation.

 

The plan identifies the priorities and issues regarding the State's forests, and provides the basis for putting limited available state and federal funds, as well as participating groups and individuals time, to the best and most urgent uses. It is intended to provide government, industry, and private citizens an insightful look at existing conditions of Connecticut's forests, current issues affecting the forests, and promote a management plan for landowners to follow.

 

 

The action steps listed in the Forest Resource Plan are divided up into eight categories including Forest Ecosystem Health, Public Forest Stewardship, Private Forest Stewardship, Recreation, Sustainable Forest Based Economy, Education and Outreach, Planning and Policy, and Research. 

 

Each of these categories will be the main focus of eight subcommittees formed to address the action steps listed.  Each subcommittee is slated to begin meetings this summer and fall, and all should hold an initial meeting by mid-November. 

 

The implementation of the plan is now calling on individuals and the stakeholder groups who value and depend on Connecticut's forestlands to take a more active role in the protection of our state's forest resources.

 

The CT Forestlands Committee encourages all forest users to become part of the implementation process by joining in on one of the Sub-Committees.

 

We realize that you may be interested in multiple committees and may need to prioritize which ones you would like to focus your time and attention on.  Attending the meetings does not commit you into a role.  Realize that if you can not attend, you may send a designee from your organization in your place.  In addition, these are open meetings and if there is someone you think would be interested in attending this meeting we ask that you pass this along to them with some encouraging words to attend. 

 

We are embarking on a historical journey.  LetŐs work together to make a difference!

 

A copy of the Connecticut Statewide Forest Resource Plan, can be viewed on line in a downloadable format on the DEP Division of ForestryŐs website at www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/forestry/stateland/fresplan.htm or you can call or email Helene Flounders at (860) 295-9523 or helene.flounders@po.state.ct.us

 

You as an equestrian, may also contact Diane Ciano 203-757-1904 or Spirit76@snet.net for more information on how you can help and be part of the process in implementing this State Plan.  203-757-1904 Spirit76@snet.net

 

 

Schedule of the CFC Subcommittee Initial Meetings

 

Date

Subcommittee

Location

Host

Time

August 24, 2005 (Wednesday)

Public Forest Stewardship

CFPA

Huber Hurlock

hhurlock@sbcglobal.net

(860) 456-0808

 

5-7 p.m.

September 7, 2005 (Wednesday)

 

Planning and Policy

CFPA

Diane Ciano

spirit76@snet.net

(203) 757-1904

5-7 p.m.

September 14, 2005 (Wednesday)

Education and Outreach

The Nature Conservancy

Mark Carabetta

mcarabetta@tnc.org

(860) 344-0716x340

 

5-7 p.m.

September 20, 2005 (Tuesday)

Research

CFPA

Jeff Ward

jeffrey.ward@po.state.ct.us

(E-mail contact preferred)

 

3-5 p.m.

September 20, 2005 (Tuesday)

Forest Ecosystem Health

CFPA

Patrick Comins

PCOMMINS@audubon.org

(203) 264-5098

 

5:30-7:30 p.m.

October 1, 2004

(Saturday)

Recreation

Central Cycle Club

Jack Majewski

majewski@99main.com

(860) 887-2166

 

11 a.m. -2 p.m.

October 5, 2005

(Wednesday)

Private Forest Stewardship

CFPA

Peter Bergan

peacefulhill@sbcglobal.net

(860) 267-4341

 

5-7 p.m.

October 26, 2005 (Wednesday)

Sustainable Forest Based Economy

Sessions Woods WMA

Jason Marshall

jmarshall118@netscape.net

(860) 480-2205

 

6-8 p.m.

 

CFPA is the Connecticut Forest and Park Association located in Middlefield, CT

The Nature Conservancy is located in Middletown, CT

The Central Cycle Club is located in Central Village in Plainfield, CT

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area is located in Burlington, CT

 

 

Please direct any questions you have to the host listed above for each of the subcommittees.

Please RSVP either way to them, if you are unable to attend, but are still interested in participating, it would be helpful for the subcommittee to be aware of that.