We’re sharing this on behalf of DEEP.

Background

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) has released its Draft Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Initiative Program Evaluation for public review. This critical report, mandated by Public Act 25-125, evaluates how Connecticut can integrate and advance NBS in state programs supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem resilience, and biodiversity.

CLCC has been actively engaged in advancing nature-based solutions as part of Connecticut public policy. We encourage land trusts, communities, and other conservation partners to participate and help shape the future of this important statewide initiative.

Why Your Voice Matters

Nature-based solutions—such as forest conservation, wetlands protection, healthy soils, and urban tree planting—are among our most potent and cost-effective defenses against the impacts of climate change and offer myriad benefits for public health, the economy, and the environment. This evaluation covers dozens of state programs, including critical funding sources like the Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) grants, and offers suggestions to advance NBS in state policy. Public feedback will directly inform the Final NBS Report due later this summer.

Attend a Listening Session

Join CT DEEP to learn more about the draft report and provide your input on how Connecticut should advance these vital conservation tools. Each session will take place both in-person at CT DEEP’s Gina McCarthy Auditorium, 5th Floor, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, and via Zoom. More information about session times and how to join is available in CT DEEP’s Notice of Two Listening Sessions.

REGISTER

Listening Session #1: Tuesday, May 26 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Register Here: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kFEd_oQMS8S01Z-DH7eNCA#/registration

Listening Session #2: Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Register Here: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__9J5fGR2QU6ayrDx04m4MA#/registration