Update on Landmark Development
A recent decision by East Lyme’s Zoning Commission upholds our efforts to protect the remaining undeveloped Oswegatchie Hills from proposed high density development. On December 3, the Zoning Commission denied an application by the developer who owns the 236 acres of coastal forest to change the town’s existing Affordable Housing regulations. The proposed changes would have reduced the commission’s ability to require a developer to provide adequate environmental information in a final site plan.
“It was a strong and well-reasoned decision by the town’s zoning commission to maintain the ability to exercise its authority over proposed development,” says Roger Reynolds, Save the Sound’s senior legal counsel. “The courts had already ruled that it was reasonable and within the authorities of the commission to require environmental information, including information about wastewater and coastal impact, before the commission would make its decision. So we are pleased to see this ruling.”
In 2015, East Lyme Zoning Commission conditionally approved the developer’s preliminary site plan to build multiple multi-unit buildings and paved parking lots in the Hills subject to additional environmental information and wetlands review. The developer appealed that decision and the Connecticut Superior Court will hear the case in early 2021. We continue to advocate that the best use of the northern end of the Oswegatchie Hills ridgeline, including a mile of undeveloped Niantic River shoreline, is preservation as open space. Our goal is to see this land added to the adjoining Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and protected for wildlife and for gentle use like hiking and birdwatching by future generations.
We will keep you updated as details develop, but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your continuing support. Check here for historical information.
“It was a strong and well-reasoned decision by the town’s zoning commission to maintain the ability to exercise its authority over proposed development,” says Roger Reynolds, Save the Sound’s senior legal counsel. “The courts had already ruled that it was reasonable and within the authorities of the commission to require environmental information, including information about wastewater and coastal impact, before the commission would make its decision. So we are pleased to see this ruling.”
In 2015, East Lyme Zoning Commission conditionally approved the developer’s preliminary site plan to build multiple multi-unit buildings and paved parking lots in the Hills subject to additional environmental information and wetlands review. The developer appealed that decision and the Connecticut Superior Court will hear the case in early 2021. We continue to advocate that the best use of the northern end of the Oswegatchie Hills ridgeline, including a mile of undeveloped Niantic River shoreline, is preservation as open space. Our goal is to see this land added to the adjoining Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and protected for wildlife and for gentle use like hiking and birdwatching by future generations.
We will keep you updated as details develop, but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your continuing support. Check here for historical information.
Discover the Hills!
The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve in East Lyme, Connecticut, overlooks the environmentally fragile Niantic River to the east, and was officially opened in 2007. The 457-acre preserve was created through a public/private partnership. The ultimate goal is to expand to more than 700 acres, through additional acquisitions.
Take a self-guided hike of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve or if you would like a guided hike led by a member of FOHNP, e-mail us at info@oswhills.org. We'll share the latest on efforts to protect the remaining acres of fragile coastal forest that help protect the Niantic River estuary between East Lyme and Waterford.
We invite you to browse this website to learn more about The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, print a Trail Guide, read the environmental studies that have been performed in The Hills, learn about the history of the preserve and view our photo gallery of the beauty to be found in The Hills. We welcome you to learn how you can become involved in helping The Friends maintain this special corner of the world, and become a member or make a gift.
Take a self-guided hike of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve or if you would like a guided hike led by a member of FOHNP, e-mail us at info@oswhills.org. We'll share the latest on efforts to protect the remaining acres of fragile coastal forest that help protect the Niantic River estuary between East Lyme and Waterford.
We invite you to browse this website to learn more about The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, print a Trail Guide, read the environmental studies that have been performed in The Hills, learn about the history of the preserve and view our photo gallery of the beauty to be found in The Hills. We welcome you to learn how you can become involved in helping The Friends maintain this special corner of the world, and become a member or make a gift.
Pitch Pine Conservation Project
As part of the pitch pine conservation project, we are experimenting with placing meshed bags over some pitch pine cones to try and catch some seeds for propagation. Seven of these bags are attached to cone bearing pitch pines on the Red Trail where the pines occur. They will be left there until late winter when the contents will be collected and examined for seeds. If you come across these bags, please do not disturb/remove the white bags! Thanks
|
|
Seen in the Hills
About The Friends
Friends of The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve (FOHNP) is a non-profit volunteer organization, funded by private contributions, whose mission is to create, manage and improve The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. We are a 501.c.3 corporation and your donations are tax deductible. Management of the preserve is performed via conservation easements and a partnership agreement with The Town of East Lyme. Learn more about our organization
Lots of activity in the Current Newsletter - check it out to stay up to date!
Learn more about the Conservation Efforts underway in the Hills including the Pitch Pine Nursery, Southern Pine Beetle Testing, FrogWatch Project and the new Beech Tree Leaf Disease Study.
Now more than ever we need your help! Join the coalition
With the pandemic upon us, now more than ever we realize how important preserving outdoor space is for our physical and mental health and we continue our efforts to prevent inappropriate over-development of the adjacent 236 acres. Acquiring that land, which includes a mile of river frontage, would expand the preserve, protect additional wetland and wildlife, while allowing more opportunities for experiencing the magic of the Hills.
We believe the best use of the remaining 236 acres of this vulnerable coastal forest is preservation, not high density housing. We want this land to be acquired at fair market value and added to the adjoining Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve.
Please show your support by joining our coalition. A broad range of civic leaders, residents, conservation, and environmental groups have already joined, and are advocating to preserve and protect the Oswegatchie Hills and the Niantic River.
Please sign our online petition and show your support
With the pandemic upon us, now more than ever we realize how important preserving outdoor space is for our physical and mental health and we continue our efforts to prevent inappropriate over-development of the adjacent 236 acres. Acquiring that land, which includes a mile of river frontage, would expand the preserve, protect additional wetland and wildlife, while allowing more opportunities for experiencing the magic of the Hills.
We believe the best use of the remaining 236 acres of this vulnerable coastal forest is preservation, not high density housing. We want this land to be acquired at fair market value and added to the adjoining Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve.
Please show your support by joining our coalition. A broad range of civic leaders, residents, conservation, and environmental groups have already joined, and are advocating to preserve and protect the Oswegatchie Hills and the Niantic River.
Please sign our online petition and show your support
FOHNP is on Facebook
Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fohnp for updates on Preserve activities and opportunities.
We love to hear your feedback and see your photos!
Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fohnp for updates on Preserve activities and opportunities.
We love to hear your feedback and see your photos!
The preserve is a pristine habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna, and serves to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Niantic River, as well as the rich archaeological history in place since the days of the Nehantic Tribe. This rugged forest, teeming with wildlife, vibrant wetlands and spectacular rock formations, will remain a place of quiet beauty forever. |
©
Friends of the Oswegatchie Nature Preserve, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.
info@oswhills.org
info@oswhills.org