U.S. Fish and Wildlife Comment Period Open- Al Harvey Conservation

Summary: As part of the federal process for USFWS in deciding whether to move forward with the potential purchase, the agency has conducted a Pre-acquisition Compatibility Determinations. Public review and comment period is open until February 24, 2022. Draft documents are available here. To share your feedback you may contact refuge staff at 860-399-2513, email richard_potvin@fws.gov or send postal mail to USFWS 733 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498. Please include your name and address in your email or letter.

Detailed Overview: A critical step in the effort to conserve 224-acre of land off of Al Harvey Road in Stonington was to find funding and management partners. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national non-profit conservation organization, worked to secure well respected partners including both the local nonprofit, Avalonia Land Conservancy, and the national U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 

The natural resource values, surface water protection, public access and passive recreational opportunities offer an array of public benefits to Stonington and beyond. The areas along the streams and in the wetlands, along with a dense understory provides important nesting and cover for various wildlife and species, while Copps Brook flows directly into Aquarion Water Company’s drinking water reservoirs. Preserving forestland and wetlands is also important as communities, and the State, look to both mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

Tentatively, TPL intends that Avalonia Land Conservancy (an accredited land trust) will manage about 120 acres for open space, and USFWS will have 102 acres as part of the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge. Trails traverse both properties, and both entities prioritize conservation and public access for residents and visitors alike. Funding from Stonington's Open Space Fund would go towards the Avalonia parcel.  

As previously discussed, part of the federal process for USFWS in deciding whether to move forward with the potential purchase, the agency will conduct a Pre-acquisition Compatibility Determinations. As of today, February 10, 2022 the public review and comment period is open for 14 days (February 24, 2022). 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a committed to welcoming Americans of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in recreational opportunities on their public lands.

By law, all national wildlife refuges are closed to public use until opened through a specific process. The Service is now seeking public review and comment on its Pre-acquisition Compatibility Determinations regarding potential uses of the land, including:

• engage in wildlife observation along refuge trails and photograph animals, plants and landscapes
• use the refuge for environmental education and interpretative programming, such as nature walks
• utilize designated areas of the refuge for hunting, subject to special Federal and State regulations
• pursue other recreational opportunities on the refuge, such as hiking and snowshoeing 

Draft documents are available online at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge’s official website here. You may also contact refuge staff at 860-399-2513, email richard_potvin@fws.gov or send postal mail to USFWS 733 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498. Please include your name and address in your email or letter.

Across the country, national wildlife refuges provide public use opportunities - such as those listed above - for communities, families, and individuals to enjoy the outdoors and support conservation efforts. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. They are considered a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for their scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws/gov.To read more on Stonington's efforts to conserve this property please visit our page here.