2024 Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's (DEEP) Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program offers financial assistance for land acquisition. This program is designed to preserve open space, protect water supplies, and ensure public access to natural areas, aligning with a mission of environmental conservation and responsible land use. The DEEP's strategic priorities include safeguarding natural resources and promoting outdoor recreation, which the OSWA program directly supports by facilitating the permanent protection of valuable landscapes. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations (such as land trusts), and water companies. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing the amount of protected open space, securing clean water sources, and expanding opportunities for public enjoyment of nature. By empowering these entities to acquire land, the program aims to foster sustainable communities and enhance the ecological health of Connecticut. The OSWA Grant Program focuses on several key priorities. For water companies, the emphasis is on acquiring land that can be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property, with a requirement to demonstrate how public recreational access will be provided. Non-profit land trusts acquiring property in Targeted or Distressed municipalities must obtain approval from local officials. Additionally, any property purchased from a water company must be classified as surplus Class III land and receive necessary regulatory approvals. A core focus is the perpetual preservation of acquired lands in their natural, scenic, and open condition, prohibiting their use for commercial activities, intensive recreational development, or eminent domain acquisitions. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the acreage of protected open space and watershed lands across Connecticut, improved water quality, and greater public access to natural areas for various recreational activities. Measurable results will include the number of acres acquired, the classification of water supply lands, and the establishment of public access points. The program also anticipates enhanced compliance with existing grant terms and conditions, as well as a demonstrated commitment to securing matching funds, ensuring the sustainability and success of conservation efforts statewide.