NBLCT Working to Preserve RWA Land as Open Space

Driving down Beech Street and continuing onto Pomps Lane above Sea Hill Road, it’s hard to imagine farms flanking the street as they did in the early 1900s. The towering evergreen trees and vernal pools show no evidence of crops or fields.

That’s because the Regional Water Authority (RWA), previously known as the New Haven Water Company, bought the land in an effort to protect the water supply at Lake Gaillard and then worked in conjunction with the Yale School of Forestry to manage the land, building the forest, in the 1920’s.

Now some people are imagining another look for that land. The RWA, having acquired the Water Co. in 1980, is looking to build revenue by selling Class III land—land that is off the watershed—including 60.35 acres along Beech Street and Pomps Lane, which is split into three parcels.

Making the $2,115,000 sale is not a quick process, though, as the RWA must first have the sale approved by the representative policy board with the hearing scheduled for May 5 in North Branford. Once approved, the RWA must offer the town the property and then the state.

The town or state has 90 days to make a decision and if either decide to purchase, funds must be raised within 18 months. If neither chooses to purchase the land or cannot raise the funds, the property is then offered to the public but cannot be sold for less than $2,115,000.

The North Branford Land Conservation Trust (NBLCT) is hoping the sale doesn’t make it to that level as its goal is to promote open space. Otto Schaefer, the acting president of the NBLCT, is familiar with the land as his property borders the land and familiar with the RWA’s process as a former RWA land management employee.

“Our goal is to protect as much open space as possible,” said Schaefer. “While the Land Trust won’t be in the position to acquire the land, we will work with the town or other conservation organizations to buy land that is on the market or coming on the market.”

The NBLCT was formed in 1968 after the town gave up an opportunity to purchase land on Farm River, where the former Mill Pond Tavern is located. Though the NBLCT went inactive after former president Ed Pantani passed away.

“[NBLCT member] Bob Gregan asked if I could help revive the North Branford Land Trust,” said Schaefer, who is hoping the town won’t miss out on another chance to acquire open space. “This land would be R-40, which is one-acre building lots, which adds to the burden of the education system, among other things. We’re also interested in protecting the wildlife and vernal pools, which are a breeding ground for amphibians. We would lose forest land that has been managed for more than 60 years.”

Currently, the NBLCT owns about 225 acres, split into smaller parcels with the largest being about 20 to 25 acres, and is looking for more community members to volunteer their time and services.

In addition to help with logos, budgets, accounting and publicity, the NBLCT needs members to post boundaries, clean up and maintain properties.

“We’re looking for talent—the Land Trust is a non-stock corporation,” said Schaefer. “There’s a lot of outside jobs, but also a lot of jobs running the organization. People can also support the Land Trust by becoming dues-paying members and the Land Trust will keep people informed about land and land use issues in the town, which I’ve been doing by writing a piece called All About the Land.”

The NBLCT next meets on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Atwater Library. For information about the NBLCT, contact Schaefer at nblct_1968@yahoo.com.