Protecting Trees is Part of the BLT’s Mission
The BLT manages more than 1,400 acres of open space in Branford, and many of our nature preserves are available for walking, bird watching, cross country skiing, nature photography, or just enjoying a few quiet moments. Those preserves are home to all different types and sizes of trees.
While we allow public access on properties that are not too fragile for pedestrian access, did you know that all of our nature preserves are legally protected? In fact, many preserves were donated to us by local families who entrusted the land to us precisely because they knew we would safeguard it.
Sadly, a surprising number of trees on our preserves have been illegally cut down by neighbors.
The BLT is recognized by the State of Connecticut and the IRS as a non-profit because of our conservation mission. Therefore, we have an ethical and legal obligation to defend our preserves from vandalism and crime. We take that obligation seriously.
The tree laws in Connecticut are very strong. Monetary damages for trees harmed on conservation land are up to five times higher than the damages awarded for trees on non-conservation land. Furthermore, our national accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance requires that we maintain adequate funding to take any necessary legal action.
Click here to review BLT properties and boundaries. If you have a complaint about a tree on one of our properties, please call us and we will be happy to assess the situation. If you see something happening on BLT land that seems questionable, take pictures and let us know or call the police.
Maintaining Branford’s natural areas is at the heart of what we do. Please join us by standing up for our trees so that they can be enjoyed by all.
Have you noticed more and more dead trees in our state? What’s going on and how can you help? On Earth Day — this past Tuesday, April 22 — forester David Irvin from the DEEP Forestry Division gave a presentation on “Forest Health in an Era of Climate Change” as part of the BLT Winter Speaker Series at the Blackstone Memorial Library. The event was filmed and will be available on the Library’s website. We’ll share a link soon.
Speaking of the library, did you know the grounds at the Blackstone are host to an outstanding collection of specimen trees? They are in place thanks to the vision and resources generously donated by Dr. Nickolas Nickou, M.D. (1921-2015), a long-time BLT supporter, in the years leading up to the library’s 1996 renovation. Click here for more information or check out this interactive map:
Want to totally geek out and get the hang of identifying trees in your own neighborhood? Download this Tree Identification Trail Guide (created by the CT DEEP for the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area) or visit iNaturalist for online identification fun!
Click here for more information!
