Our mission: "To promote the development, conservation, supervision, and regulation of natural resources, including water resources within the Town of Killingly and provide the methodology for protection and maintenance of these resources."

The Conservation Commission is working hard to protect the natural resources in town and to promote the parks and open space that are open for residents of the region to enjoy. Here are a few of the activities we are involved in:

Have a Blast on the Blue Blaze Trail

Walktober 2011 Sunday October 9 at 1 pm

The Killingly Conservation Commission is offering a long hike in the woods at Old Furnace and Ross Pond State Parks for its annual Walktober event.

Join the walk over moderately rough woodland trails for dramatic views from the top of Ross’ Cliffs. See huge hemlock trees, ponds, streams, historical sites, and the effects of wooly adelgid on the forest.  Learn how iron ore was produced in furnaces in the 1830’s.

Walkers will gather at Old Furnace parking lot at 1 pm.  Choose either the blue blaze trail or an easier trail. Both trails are about two miles, culminating at the top of the cliffs for stunning views of ponds and area landscape.  After hiking down to Ross’ Pond parking lot, walkers will choose to hike back or return by bus. Round trip walk is about 4 miles, taking 3-4 hours.

Directions: From I-395, exit 91: travel Route 6 East up the hill to blinking light; turn right on South Frontage Road. Look for LGV signs #42.

Call 860-234-0196 for information.

Get outside and enjoy a state park in Killingly!

Value of Agriculture and Good Neighbor Brochures from the Agvovate Program

Click on the images to view the brochures.

Upcoming programs on PA 490 CT's Land Use Value Assessment Law

I will be holding three programs on PA 490 for landowners, municipal officials and anyone interested in learning more about PA 490.  The programs are free and open to the public, no registration is required, and 490 guides will be available free of charge.  The dates are as follows: 

Colchester - September 22, 2011 6:00 - 8:00 pm Colchester Town Hall 127 Norwich Avenue 

Bethel - September 28, 2011 6:00 - 8:00 pm Fairfield County UCONN Cooperative Extension Office  67 Stony Hill Road

Windsor - October 5, 2011 6:00 - 8:00 pm  Connecticut Farm Bureau Association  775 Bloomfield Avenue.

Thank you!

CAT HOLLOW RIBBON CUTTING

A ceremony at Cat Hollow Park marked development accomplishments by volunteers and the opening of a new picnic grove designed and built as an Eagle Scout project.

About 40 people gathered, including members of Killingly’s Conservation, Recreation Commissions and Town Council, to hear Introductory remarks by Robert Young, Town Council Chair, David Griffiths, probate judge, Tom Dooley, Director of Recreation Dept , and Donna Bronwell, Chair of Killingly Conservation Commission and volunteer coordinator for Cat Hollow Park.

The property along Cat Hollow Road and the Whetstone Brook contains two scenic dams and two historic mill sites. The property was owned for 35 years by Bob Lucas, a local artist, who lived in one of the old mills and tended the many unique plantings. When the property became available in early 2000, Brad Gauthier and Ed Ledogar, advocated for the town to retain the Cat Hollow property, rather than selling it.  Dave Griffiths recognized these two town citizens them for their vision and commitment.

Over the years the area became very overgrown with brush, trees and vines. Tom Dooley, Director of Parks and Recreation, commended Donna Bronwell, for her dedication in coordinating volunteer work in accomplishing many of the goals of the 2006 development plan. 

• Alternative Incarceration community service workers (AIC) for many hours of bush whacking and trail cutting.

• Williamsville Fire Dept Ropes Rescue Team for clearing a historic stone foundation that housed a water wheel that powered one of the mills.

• Frito Lay who donated two benches, one sitting below the 35-foot dam.

• Dayville Boy Scout Troop 42 for clearing overgrowth in a raceway near a mill site.

• Terry Chambers and Ron Jussaume for consulting on a bridge to be built over the Whetstone Brook.

• Briarwood Falls Developers for preserving the forested view and funding the development plan by Uconn Landscape Architecture students.

• Many additional community members worked on various projects, including planting the new entrance area, tree and brush clearing and uncovering historic structures.

Come to the Dog Hill Road entrance to view the new kiosk containing a map, historical photos, thanks to volunteers, and a list of things to do at the park. 

Cat Hollow Park is located in the Dayville section of Killingly, with entrances on Dog Hill Road and Valley Road.  Enjoy another gem in “undiscovered Killingly”!

More information about Cat Hollow is available here.

Protecting the reservoirs in East Killingly

The Killingly Conservation Commission is asking for your support in obtaining a unique resource that provides clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation in eastern Connecticut. In a wonderful turn of events, a corporation has offered to donate the 561 acres that make up five reservoirs at the headwaters of the Whetstone Brook. This gift to the citizens of Connecticut is valued at more than $1.25 million, but the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation are priceless. If this donation is accepted, the reservoirs could support recreation such as fishing, boating, and bird watching. The brochure and map provide details about the reservoirs and land being offered to the State of Connecticut. The photographs provide some idea of the scenic vistas and natural beauty in this area. This opportunity will never occur again, so we are asking for you immediate help in securing this donation for today and future generations.

What can you do to help? The brochure contains the names, addresses, and email addresses of your State Representatives, officials in the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, and staff in the Town of Killingly. The corporation has placed a time limit on this opportunity, so we must ask the state for immediate action on this matter. Please express your support as soon as possible.

If you would like to have a personal tour of the reservoirs, please email Linda Walden in the Town of Killingly. Members of the Killingly Conservation Commission and/or staff members of the Town of Killingly would be happy to show you one of the most beautiful areas in eastern Connecticut.

East Killingly Reservoirs Brochure

Protecting town-owned properties

The Killingly Conservation Commission recently identified town-owned properties that they felt ought to be protected from future development through a conservation easment. The commission determined that the properties had either environmental or historical value and should be protected for future generations to enjoy. The properties were already owned by the town, and there was no cost to the town to protect them. The State of Connecticut has a goal of protecting 21% of the state in protected open-space. The properties identified by the commission will increase Killingly's open space from 6% to 8%.

Phase I was approved by the town council in February of 2009; Phase II was approved in February of 2010. The following Powerpoint presentations provide details on each of the protected parcels:

Phase I

Phase II