EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
The Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) for the Town of Branford is
a compilation of existing information and databases of resources
for the Town. Due to budget constraints, additional surveys and
data compilations were not possible. The author recognizes that
the inventory cannot be all-inclusive and that some information
may be have been omitted for various reasons. However, the document
does serve as a starting point and can be updated as additional
information becomes available. The databases used in this NRI include
those presently listed on the State and Town's GIS system as well
as compilations from various agencies both public and private. The
NRI is computer compatible with the Town's information system and
new information can be readily added. In order to keep the information
current, it is suggested that an update is performed every ten years.
The information presented in this NRI is a general overview of the
resources in Town. Due to scale considerations for this report the
maps presented here are meant for general informational purposes
only and cannot be used to judge site conditions at any one locale.
For example, any individual considering building or purchasing a
parcel of land should consult the flood maps on file in Town Hall
before any decision is made.
A general assessment of the information contained in this NRI suggests
that Branford still enjoys a relatively high level of quality of
its natural resources. For example, water quality (both surface
and ground) in the Town is still quite high despite the fact that
the Town's population has grown significantly over the last half
century. However, there are indications that these resources may
be reaching the limit of their resilience (e.g., interrupted wildlife
corridors, more frequent closing of shellfish beds, constant flooding
in places). How much further these resources can be stretched before
problems begin to accumulate and degrade the quality of life in
Town cannot be predicted at this time. Future problems that can
be expected to arise from continued urban sprawl may include reductions
in water quality, limited open space for both passive (e.g., hiking)
and active (e.g., ball fields) recreation, and/or reduced wildlife
habitat.
One area of concern that has not been addressed by the Town nor
the State is relative sea level rise. At present, there are many
low lying areas within Town that will become susceptible to coastal
flooding during storms as sea levels continue to rise over the next
few decades. Many of the roads and underpasses are already inadequate
and will not be able to handle any further increases in flooding
due to relative sea level rise. The costs associated with increasing
population growth coupled to environmental changes such as sea level
rise will continue to stress all of the Town's resources (natural
and economic) into the future. If we are not careful with our natural
resources today, we may one day reduce the quality of life for all
of Branford's citizens.
Although this NRI is not a management document, there are some assessments
that can be made based on the available information that may aid
managers and planners in the future. For example:
• There are large gaps in the availability of information
pertaining to point and non-point pollution sources in the Town.
This may be one area that could be improved with future funding.
• A number of databases have not been compiled and are sitting
as individual files in offices around Town. For example, size and
location of septic systems are filed by application rather than
compiled into a single database by the Health District.
• Other databases were not required or regulated in the past
and are at times handled by two separate agencies. For instance,
underground storage tanks were not registered until recently and
those that are registered are only done so as they are removed (Fire
Department) or new ones installed (Building and Engineering Department).
In neither case is the data compiled into a single database, but
rather it is maintained as individual files within the respective
departments.
• Much of the information from agencies outside of the Town
(e.g. utilities) is not available to the public or compiled by Town.
For example, Southern Connecticut Gas only has information on an
account-to-account basis and it is not available for public review
nor can it be estimated for the Town as a whole.
• In time, more information will be digitized and added to
the Town's database. As this information is collected, some of the
assessments made during this NRI may be deemed obsolete and management
of the Town's resources may require new approaches.
It is hoped that the information presented here will allow the Town
to identify information gaps and coordinate information compilations
in the future.
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