TOWN OF WINDAM, CONNECTICUT:Federal, Regional, & Local Funding Strategies

For Active and Passive Recreation

A REPORT SUMMARY

2006

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT @ UCONN

EARLY ATTITUDES

• All organized societies have some form of Environmental Planning

• PROSPECT REFUGE THEORY – continuing influence of humankind’s pre-agricultural relationship remains ingrained in the biological fabric of the human experience.

•19th century environmental planning recently has provided a greater scientific understanding of the environments role in public health.

•Societies may experience planning problems that result from the mismatches between land use and the environment

•Initial poor land use decisions – misconceptions about the environment

•Environmental change – natural and human interjection

•Social change – technological change

•Violations of human values – mistreatments of the environment

INITIAL POOR LAND USE DECISIONS

Misconceptions about the environment

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Natural interjection

Human interjection

SOCIAL CHANGE

UConn’s Bio-diesel Program

Technological change

Biodiesel Update

Biodiesel pilot plant in EII is producing 50 gallons per batch Currently, the biodiesel is being brought to the motor pool and added to the existing diesel supply. Thus, all vehicles are operating on a minute fraction of biodiesel Future plans to expand

UConn has been awarded an EPA grant to study the production and economic feasibility of biodiesel. 

Farm Services would like to use biodiesel but cannot use anything greater than BR20 in the old machines they currently use.

VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN VALUES

Mistreatment of the environment

Mark Paquette’s – Director of Recreation for the Town of Windham

Concerns and Interests for the future Windham:

•How does the town of Windham better utilize town open space?

•No Park Master plan exists to date

•Cultural and high-density aspects to consider

Designing without a specific program can be a challenge!

This report provides information for possible funding sources for the town to apply for.

It is up to LANDSCAPE ARCITIECTS find connections between the land and its future use for people.

HERE ARE SOME POTENTIAL CONNECTIONS TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM

THE LARGER PICTURE - Funding connections

US Economic Development Administration – www.eda.gov

•Public Works and Economic Development Program

Redevelop Brownfield sites and provide eco-industrial development

•University Center Economic Development Program

partnership between the Feds and academia to help make resources of universities available to economic development communities.

ECSU & UCONN

US Department of Transportation – www.dot.gov

•Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act

provides grants/funds to establish operate University Transportation Centers for research, education, technology to serve as a vital source for community leaders prepared to meet the nation’s need for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound movement of people and goods.

THE LARGER PICTURE - Funding connections

National Park Service – www.cr.nps.gov

•Historic Preservation Grant

Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association

Revitalizing Rural America – website in full report 1.800.633.7701

FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR RURAL AREAS listed by FEDERAL DEPARTMENT

THE CONTEXTUAL PICTURE - Funding connections

CT Department of Environmental Protection – www.dep.state.gov

• Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program Municipalities and non-profit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space.

•Grants may be for purchase of land that is:•1. Valuable for recreation, forestry, conservation of wildlife/natural resources•2. natural features of state’s landscape•3.Habitat for native plant /animal species•4. undisturbed outstanding example of native ecological community•5.enhancement/conservation of water quality•6.preserving local agricultural heritage

Coincides with the Town of Windham’s Open Space Plan!!!!

THE CONTEXTUAL PICTURE - connections

Windham Regional Council of Governments – www.wincog.org

Serving 9 communities with the mission to plan for the future of the region, both physical and economic.

Northeastern Connecticut council of GovernmentsWINCOG often works with NCCGP to identify major strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the region to encourage growth of business and industry while atthe same time preserving unique rural character.

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Windham Open Space Plan

•Protect/improve water quality, water habitats/increase recreational access to water.

•Create connections between existing open space,recreational space, trails or greenways

•Preserve and protect habitats that support special plantor animal life especially those endangered or threatened

•Preserves farm land/forest land/ag land & rural character

•Develops neighborhood parks, active recreational educational opportunities

THE LOCAL PICTURE – funding connections

Trust for Public Lands – www.tpl.org

National nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities.

Willimantic Whitewater Partnership – www.willimanticwhitewater.org

Willimantic River Alliance – www.willimanticriver.org

Willimantic River Alliance – www.willimanticriver.org

FINThank you