The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection announced this week that it acquired approximately 643 acres of important wildlife habitat and wetlands in Killingly, Connecticut with the intent to establish a new Wildlife Management Area. By safeguarding this land, DEEP will help ensure protection of water quality, preservation of biodiversity, and natural carbon sequestration that mitigates the impacts of the changing climate.
This significant land purchase marks a major step forward in conserving Connecticut’s natural heritage and expanding passive recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The property’s varied landscape – encompassing forests, wetlands, and four lakes ranging in size from 7 to 41 acres – supports a rich array of plant and animal species. The lakes and surrounding wetlands play a vital role in maintaining healthy watersheds, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
The property acquisition was made possible through a combination of state and federal funding, with a grant made available through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, which is administered through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Office of Conservation Investment.
