ConnecticutFish, Wildlife and Biodiversity
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (http://www.ct.gov/dep)
This is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of natural resources including wildlife and aquatic resources. Sources of information on threatened and endangered species include:
Endangered Species (http://www.depdata.ct.gov/naturalresources/endangeredspecies/nddbpdfs.asp)
The DEP provides information on state and federal threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, habitats of particular conservation concern, and stewardship actions designed to benefit these important natural resources. Downloadable PDFs are available that list threatened and endangered species in each county. Town-level maps are also available for download that identify general areas of concern with regard to species and natural communities.
State Wildlife Action Plan (http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2723&q=329520&depNav_GID=1719)
In 2005, all states completed a State Wildlife Action Plan, to identify and focus management on fish and wildlife in greatest need of conservation. This document provides an overview of key species (primarily nongame) and habitats of conservation concern throughout the state.
Special Sites
Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism – Historic Preservation and Museum Division (http://www.cultureandtourism.org/cct/cwp/view.asp?a=2127&q=302272&CCTNAV_GID=1656)
This is the primary state agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation, providing assistance in identifying and protecting historic properties and other cultural sites in the state. The staff includes preservation specialists (including historians, architectural historians, historic architects, and archaeologists). The commission maintains the Statewide Historic Resource Inventory, a database of documented historical and cultural resources which are arranged by town and then street address. To check on an address, mail or fax a request to the Survey and Grants Director with your name and mailing address, telephone number, and the full street address of the property that you would like information on.
Connecticut Archaeology Center (http://www.cac.uconn.edu/osa.html)
The Office of State Archaeology is housed within the Connecticut Archaeology Center. The OSA is the primary source of information on the prehistoric and historic archaeology of Connecticut. The office works to protect and preserve archaeological sites and objects, including human burial sites. The OSA works with the Historic Preservation and Museum Division to maintain a database of archaeological sites in the state. Access to archeological site files can only be granted by the State Archaeologist.
Natural Resources Conservation Service- Cultural Resources (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cultural.html)
The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance, including guidance related to cultural resources, to implement conservation practices. Prior to implementation, NRCS staff or other conservation partners will normally conduct site visits that include an inventory of cultural resources. If resources are identified, they can help provide options for preservation and a variety of appropriate land uses. Even if you are not receiving funding from NRCS, the Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator can provide information regarding cultural resources and may be able to visit your property or connect you with other organizations or individuals for assistance. The Cultural Resources Directory can be used to locate your state’s Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator.
Connecticut State Library – State Archives (http://www.cslib.org/archives/)
The State Archives identifies, preserves, and makes accessible records (such as census records, military records, family histories, and various county, state and federal records, and other documents of historical value to the state.
University of Connecticut Map and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC) (http://magic.lib.uconn.edu/)
MAGIC is an online resource of digitized historical maps, aerial photos and GIS data with a primary focus on Connecticut.
Best Management Practices
States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution. In many states in the US, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the AFF’s Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must apply BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). States are given the flexibility to define their own BMPs appropriate to the management measure and approved by EPA and below is the link to your state’s BMPs: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=391242&depNav_GID=1631&depNav |