Conservation Commission Agenda (linked)

1
www.caciwc.org
The Habitat
Summer 2024 
A newsletter of the Connecticut Association of 
Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc.
volume 36 number 2
I
n the summer of 2023, Northeast Partners in 
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NEPARC) 
hosted its annual meeting at Wesleyan University 
in Middletown, Connecticut. CACIWC, along with 
several other organizations from throughout the 
Northeast assisted in sponsoring the meeting. In 
addition to scientists, state agencies, members of 
Sharing the Landscape with Amphibians and Reptiles (Part I)
by Hank Gruner, Herpetologist, Member Andover Conservation Commission 
and Dennis Quinn, Herpetologist, Owner, Quinn Ecological, LLC
various conservation organizations, and students, 
the meeting was attended by representatives from 
several town conservation commissions. The theme 
of the three-day session, “sharing the landscape,” 
summed up what is arguably the greatest 
conservation challenge facing our native amphibians 
and reptiles – people and wildlife coexisting in 
sharing, continued on page 5
T
he CACIWC Board of Directors is pleased to 
announce that registration forms have now been 
posted on our website for our 2024 Annual 
Meeting & Environmental Conference, scheduled 
for Saturday, November 16, 2024.  We will be 
returning to the Bristol Event Center for this special 
conference, which will help us celebrate the 50th 
Anniversary of CACIWC. 
Our keynote speakers, retired Judge Marshall 
Berger, Jr., State Representative Mary Mushinsky, 
and Director of the Connecticut Agriculture 
Experiment Station, Jason White, PhD, will review 
the decades of progress in environmental regulation, 
conservation, and habitat protection and help us 
prepare for future efforts impacted by climate 
change and other challenges. 
Many informative workshops have been scheduled 
for this conference that will provide the latest 
updates on important topics, such as: Hydilla and 
other invasive aquatic plants, preserving vegetative 
buffer zones, challenging wetlands law issues, 
improving climate resiliency in rural areas, vernal 
pool mapping, light pollution impact on wildlife, 
and conducting natural resource inventories.  
Please see our website for additional information: 
www.caciwc.org.
Registration Is Now Open for Our 2024 Annual Meeting & 
Environmental Conference! 
Marshall K. Berger, Jr., CT Superior 
Court Judge, (retired)
Mary M. Mushinsky, CT State 
Representative & Deputy Speaker
Jason C. White, PhD., Director, 
Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station

2
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
CACIWC
Board of Directors
Officers
Alan Siniscalchi	
President
Peter Bassermann	
Vice President
Charles Dimmick 	
Treasurer 
Maureen Fitzgerald     Secretary
County Representatives
Alicia Mozian		
Fairfield County
Ann Beaudin	 	
Hartford County
Jeremy Leifert		
Litchfield County
Marianne Corona	
Middlesex County
Maria Kayne	 	
New Haven County
Laura Magaraci	
New London County
Rodney Parlee		
Tolland County
Lindsay Beutler	
Windham County
Alternate County Representatives
Aleksandra Moch	
Fairfield County
Vacant		
	
Hartford County
Abby Conroy	 	
Litchfield County
Kathy Savona		
Middlesex County
J. David Rauch	
New Haven County
Gary Gregory	 	
New London County
Vacant		
	
Tolland County
Vacant		
	
Windham County
At-Large Representative(s) 
DEEP Liaisons
Kimberly Bradley
Kristen O’Neil
Darcy Winther	
The Habitat is the newsletter of the 
Connecticut Association of Conservation 
and Inland Wetlands Commissions 
(CACIWC). Materials from The Habitat 
may be reprinted with credit given. The 
content of The Habitat is solely the 
responsibility of CACIWC and is not 
influenced by sponsors or advertisers.
Correspondence to the editor, manuscripts, 
inquiries, etc. should be sent to Alan 
Siniscalchi at TheHabitat@caciwc.org. 
Interim Editor: Alan Siniscalchi
Associate Editor: Ann Letendre
www.caciwc.org
CACIWC News 
CACIWC news, continued on page 9
2 
3
4
16
•	 CACIWC News
•	 Reducing Light Pollution in CT
•	
Wanted: Dead and Alive
•	
Invasive Plant Symposium		
In This Issue
Page
A
s we continue to reflect on the many changes in con-
servation and environmental protection which had 
occurred during the five decades since the formation 
of CACIWC in 1974, we looked for ways to acknowledge 
these improvements while organizing our 2024 Annual 
Meeting and Environmental Conference. As mentioned on 
the cover story of this issue, we have recruited three special 
keynote speakers who are able to review the many decades 
of progress in environmental law and legislation along with 
conservation and habitat protection as we all prepare for fu-
ture efforts impacted by climate change and other challenges.
While much progress has been made in reducing air and 
water protection, protecting wetlands and habitat protec-
tion during these past five decades, many safeguards are 
under threat nationally and even in environmentally con-
scious states, such as Connecticut. We must remain vigi-
lant to maintain these important safeguards as we prepare 
for future challenges! 
In other news: 
1. Although expenses for our conference and publication 
continue to grow, the Board of Directors decided not to 
increase our CACIWC membership dues for our 2024-25 
fiscal year to help limit your yearly expenses. In addition to 
the growing total expenses of our annual conference, confer-
ence facilities are now requiring an increasing percentage of 
their venue costs to be prepaid well in advance of the event. 
Therefore, it is even more important now that you renew 
your CACIWC membership as soon as possible so that we 
can cover these early venue payments. Please renew your 
membership using the online and mail membership renewal 
forms located on our website: www.caciwc.org. Your re-
newed membership will provide you with an even greater 
discount on the annual conference registration fee this year!  
Members will also able be able to attend our mid-year train-
ing programs being scheduled later this fiscal year.

3
www.caciwc.org
reducing, continued on page 10
C
onnecticut boasts a rich history, picturesque 
and biodiverse landscapes, and vibrant city 
and town centers. However, rapid devel-
opment, energy incentives and the increasing use 
of more and brighter artificial light at night have 
given rise to a new and concerning issue across our 
state: light pollution and its many adverse conse-
quences. Awareness is growing about the detri-
mental impacts of excessive night-time artificial 
illumination on human health, wildlife, and the 
environment, together with significant costs associ-
ated with outdoor lighting. More municipalities in 
Connecticut are looking for ways to combat light 
pollution. In this article, we will explore formulat-
ing effective light pollution control policies and the 
steps towards creating a more sustainable and safer 
nocturnal environment for Connecticut residents as 
well as for wildlife and plant life.
Reducing Light Pollution in Connecticut
By Leo Smith
As a first principle, outdoor lighting should only 
be used where, when and in the minimum amount 
needed. Light pollution refers to “excessive, mis-
directed, or poorly designed artificial lighting” that 
disrupts natural darkness and obscures celestial 
views. Light pollution adversely affects human 
sleep patterns, and circadian rhythms, damages 
ecosystems, disorients species like insects, bats, and 
migratory birds, and wastes energy. Recognizing 
these negative consequences, some municipalities in 
Connecticut have developed regulations to control 
light pollution.
At the same time, affordable solutions are widely 
available. Technologies that help reduce light pollu-
tion include motion sensors, timers, lighting fixture 
shields, and warm-tinted LEDs.
Since 1903, the Connecticut Botanical Society’s mission 
has been to increase knowledge of the state’s flora and 
promote conservation and public awareness of our 
rich natural heritage. We organize many field trips each 
year, as well as plant identification workshops, lectures, 
and publications. New members are welcome!
Documenting, protecting, and educating 
about our state’s diverse flora
www.ct-botanical-society.org



	

	
	
	

	
	









 
 
  	

 	
 	
	 	 	
  


	
 
  	
 	
	
  


	  	 	
   
	  	
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4
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
wanted, continued on page 12
N
ext time you go for a walk in the woods, 
look down. How many rotting logs do you 
see lying on the forest floor? How many 
standing dead and dying trees? How large are they? 
How long have they been there? The answers to 
these questions provide clues to the ecological 
health of that forest.
Although it 
may seem 
contra-
dictory, a 
forest with 
abundant 
deadwood 
is a healthy 
and biologi-
cally diverse 
forest. There 
is actually more life in dead and dying trees than in 
living trees. And the more standing and fallen dead-
wood, the better.  
WANTED:  Dead and Alive
By Margery Winters
From a board-foot timber perspective, the economic 
value of a tree ends with a tree’s maturity.  Eco-
logically, however, with a tree’s senescence, death, 
and decay, its value to the forest and local wildlife 
increases substantially.
How a tree dies, and its size at death, influences its 
value to wildlife. A tree that loses a limb during an ice 
storm, or neighboring treefall (see Figure 1), suffers 
damage to its protective sapwood, allowing fungi into 
the heartwood of the tree. These heartwood-rotting 
fungi will, over time, rot the center of the tree even-
tually creating cavities that become home to a host of 
wildlife.  When these trees fall they become hollow 
logs. The larger the cavity, the larger the wildlife 
using them for nesting, shelter, and protection from 
predators. In contrast, trees that fall while still alive, 
Figure 1. Living tree in McLean Game Refuge in Granby. 
Photo by Margery Winters.
“The real jewel of my disease-
ridden woodlot is the prothonotary 
warbler ... The flash of his gold-
and-blue plumage amid the dank 
decay of the June woods is in 
itself proof that dead trees are 
transmuted into living animals, 
and vice versa.” Aldo Leopold
800-873-3321
sales@ernstseed.com
https://ernstseed.co/Hab
Restoring the Native Habitat

5
www.caciwc.org
sharing, continued from page 1
sharing, continued on page 6
an increasingly urban-suburban landscape. This 
challenge has gained in relevance as the State, 
municipalities, and wildlife populations will all need 
to respond to the effects of climate change.  Many 
of these responses will be interwoven with land use 
practice, and there lies the opportunity to revisit 
what coexistence means, and plan for a healthier, 
sustainable landscape for people and wildlife.
Coexistence in nature refers to living in the same 
communities at the same time. Fifty-five percent 
of Connecticut’s landscape consists of an inter-mix 
of housing and wildland, with an additional 11% 
consisting of housing located adjacent to wildlands 
- as noted by the orange and yellow areas on the 
map in Figure 1. Within these areas, people exert an 
influence on natural ecosystems, and coexistence, 
does not necessarily imply benign coexistence.
For some species like the timber rattlesnake or black 
bear, sharing the landscape poses unique conserva-
tion and public relations challenges owing to per-
ceived or real threats associated with their presence.  
Others, sometimes referred to as “nuisance” species, 
create management challenges when their natural 
behaviors conflict with landowners. For example, 
beaver blocking culverts resulting in flooded yards 

6
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
sharing, continued from page 5
sharing, continued on page 7
and roads, or the accumulation of droppings from 
flocks of Canada geese on golf courses.
  
For most species, however, a balance of 
coexistence is assumed by the public… Are not 
there plenty of forests and wetlands remaining? 
Wasn’t most of the land cleared of forests at one 
time, and yet we still have abundant wildlife?  
Doesn’t the state environmental protection agency 
and numerous private organizations protect 
species and their habitats?  Aren’t there local 
conservation and/or wetland commissions in 
place in all towns to advocate for and protect 
important habitat?  The answer to these queries 
of course, is yes, it is the perception of benign 
coexistence that is misplaced. Are we in fact, 
adequately 
balancing the 
needs of wildlife 
and ecosystem 
health with that 
of other needs 
(i.e. residential/
commercial 
development, 
energy 
infrastructure, flood 
control, etc.) in our 
land use planning 
and practice? 
Not all species are 
equally vulnerable 
to land use practices 
or changing envi-
ronmental condi-
tions. Unlike most 
birds and mammals, 
physiological con-
straints greatly limit 
the ability of many 
amphibians and rep-
tiles to redistribute 
their populations across the landscape in response 
to disturbance. Lack of mobility, a behavioral need 
to thermoregulate (maintain their body temperature 
within a certain range even when the surrounding 
temperature varies), and in the case of amphibians 
– permeable skin that is susceptible to desiccation 
and environmental contaminants, all contribute to 
the vulnerability of amphibians and reptiles.  As 
populations become isolated due to habitat loss 
and fragmentation, reduced genetic diversity adds 
to their vulnerability, increasing the probability of 
local extirpations.
  
Connecticut’s native herpetofauna includes forty-six 
species, twenty-three amphibians and an equal 
number of reptiles. When we analyzed species dis-
tribution for our recent publication: Conservation of 
Amphibians and Reptiles in Connecticut (Klemens 
et al 2021), we found that 41% (19 species) were 
relatively common and widespread in occurrence, 
with 59% (27 spe-
cies) being relative-
ly uncommon or 
restricted in distri-
bution.  Compared 
with the common 
and widespread 
species, those that 
were uncommon or 
restricted in distri-
bution generally 
were associated 
with two or more of 
the following traits: 
(1) a dependence on 
a rare habitat type, 
(2) a dependence on 
early successional 
habitat stages, (3) 
a dependence on a 
mosaic of different 
habitat types, and 
for certain reptiles, 
(4) a reproductive 
ecology charac-
terized by delayed 
sexual maturity and 
low fecundity that requires high adult survivorship 
for population stability. These traits underlie the 
Figure 2. Populations of wood turtles, Glyptemys insculpta center around 
moderately flowing rivers and streams with well-defined floodplains. 
Turtles over-winter and mate within the river, however, depending upon 
their age and gender, individuals can disperse more than 1,000 feet, 
away from the river to utilize adjacent floodplain, and open and forested 
upland habitats for thermoregulating, feeding, and nesting. The need 
to disperse among multiple habitats to meet different biological needs 
renders populations vulnerable to both aquatic and/or terrestrial habitat 
alterations or loss. Over-land movements expose turtles to many threats, 
and as long-lived reptiles with delayed sexual maturity, the loss of even 
small numbers of individuals is enough to send populations into a long-
term decline.

7
www.caciwc.org
sharing, continued from page 6
conservation challenges facing many of Connecti-
cut’s native amphibians and reptiles (see Figure 2).
Connecticut’s herpetological community is chang-
ing. While “generalist” species (e.g. green frog, 
garter snake, etc.), appear secure, many of those 
associated with the traits outlined above are expe-
riencing long-term declines. At the same time, we 
are witnessing an increase in overall diversity due 
to introductions of non-native species. Over the past 
twenty-five years, three non-native reptiles have 
established breeding populations, with one, the red-
eared slider, significantly expanding its’ distribution 
throughout the state. These include two turtles, the 
red-eared slider and spiny softshell, and the Italian 
wall lizard (see Figure 3). Warming winter tempera-
tures and a robust pet trade increase the probability 
that additional introduced non-native species will 
be able to successfully establish populations, and/or 
spread their ranges within Connecticut in the future. 
The impact of these introductions on native pop-
ulations is not known, and hopefully this increase 
in diversity will not be off-set by the loss of native 
species, which in some cases is a real possibility.
Historically, popu-
lations of our native 
amphibians and 
reptiles have suc-
cessfully respond-
ed to significant 
landscape change. 
Our native species 
colonized the state 
from refugia well 
to the south or west 
as the last of the 
glaciers receded 
and the formation 
of river systems, 
wetlands, and the 
re-forestation of the 
land gradually took 
place. These same 
species persisted through a period in the 1800s when 
Connecticut was nearly cleared of forest. During 
this period, populations of forest-dependent spe-
cies, such as, the spotted salamander or the eastern 
rat snake, likely experienced declines in abundance 
and retractions in distribution, while species depen-
dent upon open habitats, such as, the smooth green 
snake or northern leopard frog, likely increased in 
abundance and expanded their distributions.  As 
Connecticut gradually re-forested over the years, 
this trend reversed, however, the landscape again 
changed in a dramatic way.
Post WWII, Connecticut’s landscape has become 
significantly developed and fragmented, with 
growth in residential (primarily suburban), com-
mercial, and industrial development, and the ex-
pansion of a highway system and vast network of 
roads. Prior to this, amphibians and reptiles were 
able to respond to change, in essence, because 
they were able to move across the landscape.  Lo-
cal populations could shift to nearby suitable habi-
tat in response to alterations of their current habi-
tat, and if populations were extirpated or declined 
in abundance, they could be re-colonized or in-
crease in abundance once the habitat again became 
suitable. Natural landscape population dynamics 
in action. The 
modern landscape, 
not unlike different 
levels within a vid-
eo game, presents 
many barriers and 
threats that deter 
the ability of popu-
lations to persevere 
as they attempt to 
adjust to changing 
conditions. As suit-
able habitats be-
come increasingly 
disconnected across 
the landscape and 
populations shrink, 
population dynam-
ics breakdown.
 
Although this may seem to be an over-simplifi-
cation of the conservation challenge facing am-
sharing, continued on page 8
Figure 3. The Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus has recently 
established sustainable populations in southwestern Connecticut. 
Populations have been documented along the Metro-North railroad 
corridor, and it is believed that this was the route of introduction from 
sources previously introduced in the New York metropolitan area. How 
far wall lizards will spread within the state remains to be seen.

8
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
phibians and reptiles, and indeed there are other 
threats, including, disease, illegal collection, etc., 
the majority of these are amplified in developed 
and fragmented landscapes. Natural systems are 
dynamic by nature, but, direct and indirect anthro-
pogenic disturbances have been, and are, increas-
ingly acting on populations. Long-term persistence 
of many populations will likely depend upon their 
ability to navigate the changing landscape.
  
This is not to say that some species and populations 
are not adapting to various anthropogenic distur-
bances. In fact, we believe that in concert with more 
strategic land use planning, understanding these 
adaptive responses is necessary for mitigating po-
tential negative impacts on populations of amphibi-
ans and reptiles that are already embedded within a 
highly developed and fragmented landscape. In part 
two of this “sharing the landscape,” series we will 
discuss this in greater detail, highlighting the impor-
tance of municipal commissions in addressing what 
coexistence means, and why the need for commu-
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nities to respond to climate change presents oppor-
tunities for biodiversity conservation. We will also 
outline approaches for strategically moving forward 
with natural resource inventories and mapping, and 
land use planning that considers the conservation of 
amphibians and reptiles.
References Cited:
Klemens, M.W., H.J. Gruner, D.P. Quinn, and E. R. 
Davison. 2021. Conservation of Amphibians and 
Reptiles in Connecticut. Connecticut Department of 
Energy and Environmental Protection, Hartford, CT. 
Martinuzzi, S., S. I. Stewart, D.P. Helmers, M.H. 
Mockrin, R.B. Hammer, and V.C. Radeloff. 2015. The 
2012 Wildland-Urban Interface of the Conterminous 
United States. United States Department of Agricul-
ture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station.
sharing, continued from page 7
New England Wetland Plants, Inc.
820 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: (413) 548-8000 Fax: (413) 549-4000
Email: info@newp.com Web: www.newp.com
We’re 
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9
www.caciwc.org
CACIWC news, continued from page 2
2. During this past year, the CACIWC Board of 
Directors and its Annual Meeting Committee have 
reviewed the many comments and suggestions sub-
mitted as part of our 2023 conference evaluation. 
In response to these suggestions, we have selected 
speakers for our 47th Annual Meeting and Envi-
ronmental Conference, scheduled on Saturday, 
November 16, 2024. We are pleased to be able to 
return to the Bristol Event Center (BEC) for this 
special conference to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. 
Watch our website for the additional detailed confer-
ence news at www.caciwc.org. Please do not hesitate 
to contact us with any questions about our conference 
at AnnualMtg@caciwc.org.
3. Improved membership communication is an 
important goal of our strategic plan. Our Membership 
Coordinator & Database Manager Janice Fournier 
extends her thanks to all of you who provided us with 
their updated email addresses as part of their 2024-
25 membership renewals. Please be certain to also 
provide us with updated emails and other contact in-
formation during the conference registration process 
to help Janice maintain an up-to-date membership 
list. These updated emails and other contact informa-
tion will also help us develop a new and expanded 
CACIWC Listserve.   
4. To help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of 
CACIWC and The Habitat, we are again requesting 
stories and photos of the early years of habitat 
protection by both the inland wetlands and 
conservation commissions in your town. Let us 
know if we can highlight your town’s many decades 
of service with photos and stories by contacting us at 
board@caciwc.org.
All of us on the CACIWC Board of Directors 
continue to thank you and your fellow commissioners 
and staff for your local efforts and your ongoing 
support. We hope that you will help us celebrate our 
50th anniversary by joining us at our 2024 Annual 
Meeting and Environmental Conference on Saturday, 
November 16, 2024!
Thank you,
Alan J. Siniscalchi, President
CACIWC     
PLANTERSʼ CHOICE NURSERY
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10
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
pollution and light trespass while also protecting 
the community. Lower energy costs and a reduction 
of our carbon footprint are additional benefits from 
reducing light pollution.
Effective enforcement can be as simple as requiring 
that any building permit application is accompanied 
by a detailed lighting plan that shows all specifi-
cations for proposed outdoor lighting fixtures, and 
their cutoff classification, lumen output and correlat-
ed color temperature. Before issuing a certificate of 
occupancy, building inspections should first confirm 
that compliant outdoor lighting fixtures were used.
 
In 2024 a Model Outdoor Lighting Regulations for 
Connecticut was published by Lights Out Connecti-
cut. The document is intended to serve as a template 
for municipalities interested in developing outdoor 
lighting regulations. The document is free and 
available online at https://www.lightsoutct.org/mod-
el-municipal-lighting-policy-for-connecticut. 
 
Municipalities can evaluate existing outdoor lighting 
practices, identify areas for improvement, and de-
velop comprehensive regulations for light pollution 
control. In particular, the issue of light pollution is 
gaining importance with conservation groups, in-
cluding local land trusts, Audubon centers, pollinator 
pathway groups, and garden clubs which all advocate 
on behalf of bird, pollinator, and fish populations. 
Connecticut also benefits from efforts to reduce light 
The Connecticut State Building Code has a Light 
Pollution Control amendment that requires all new 
commercial construction and major retrofits to use 
fully shielded outdoor lights. A law was also passed 
in 2023 requiring all state-owned buildings to extin-
guish their outdoor lighting from 11 PM until 6 AM. 
The main rationale was to benefit migratory birds, 
but reducing light pollution also benefits the entire 
ecosystem and human health, while at the same time 
reducing energy consumption.
In an effort to reduce light pollution, DarkSky Inter-
national and  the Illuminating Engineering Society 
of North America collaborated in publishing the 5 
Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, avail-
able online at https://darksky.org/resources/guides-
and-how-tos/lighting-principles/.
The DesignLights Consortium has also developed 
the Seven Strategies to Minimize Negative Im-
pacts of Outdoor Light at Night, available online 
at https://www.designlights.org/resources/reports/
seven-strategies-to-minimize-negative-impacts-of-
outdoor-light-at-night/
As the negative impacts of light pollution become 
more fully understood, municipalities can collaborate 
with stakeholders, such as local government agencies, 
developers, businesses, and community groups, to 
evaluate existing lighting practices in their towns or 
cities, identify areas for improvement, and develop 
comprehensive policies for light-pollution control. 
Public education plays a key role as well.
Effective policies will promote sustainable outdoor 
lighting practices which will reduce light pollution 
and light trespass, while maintaining safety and 
security. Municipalities can require the use of mo-
tion sensors and timers and require shielded fixtures 
that direct light downward to illuminate specific 
areas rather than dispersing it in all directions at all 
hours of the night. By adopting regulations to re-
quire energy-efficient technologies like LED lights 
at the lowest Kelvin rating possible and implement-
ing smart lighting controls such as motion-activated 
lighting, municipalities can significantly reduce light 
reducing, continued from page 3
reducing, continued on page 11

11
www.caciwc.org
pollution by diverse statewide nonprofit organiza-
tions, such as Sierra Club and the Connecticut Audu-
bon. These groups are important collaborators and 
public awareness campaigners in developing local 
policies to reduce light pollution.
 
In early July, a new Coalition to Reduce Light Pol-
lution in Connecticut was formed, with 14 member 
organizations joining in the first 30 days. The Coalition 
website is at www.reducelp.org. CACIWC members 
are welcome to join as Coalition members – there is no 
fee associated with joining - www.reducelp.org/join.
As efforts to minimize the harm caused by light 
pollution moves forward, there is an important role to 
be played by municipalities in creating a future where 
our nights are not only safer and more beautiful for 
people but also where are our birds and other noctur-
nal creatures are able to use darkness for navigation 
and safety. A vision for Connecticut’s future is one 
where the night sky is filled with the enchantment of 
natural darkness.
A Note about the Author
Leo Smith is Chair of the Connecticut Chapter of 
DarkSky International. For 7 years he was a voting 
member of the national Model Outdoor Lighting 
Task Force jointly sponsored by the Illuminating 
Engineering Society and DarkSky. He has received 
the President’s Award from the IES and the Lifetime 
Achievement Award from DarkSky International. 
Coalition to Reduce
Light Pollution
in Connecticut
reducing, continued from page 10
Resources:
DarkSky Connecticut Chapter – Chapter Chair 
Leo Smith – leo@smith.net
     Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.
     php?id=61550915213597&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Light Out Connecticut – Chapter Co-Chair – Craig 
Repasz – info@lightsoutct.org
     Website at https://www.lightsoutct.org/
DarkSky International – www.darksky.org
Sustainable CT on Promoting Dark Skies
https://sustainablect.org/fileadmin/Random_PDF_
Files/Archived_Actions/2022_Actions/3.13_
Promote_Dark_Skies.pdf
DarkSky Connecticut - 10 Point Checklist 
for Outdoor Lighting https://www.facebook.
com/photo/?fbid=122119771934030507&set
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• Delineation of inland, tidal, and federal (USACE) wetlands
• Municipal third-party review
• GPS  & GIS data collection / natural resource inventories 
• Wildlife / rare species surveys and evaluations
• Trail maps and trail guide development
Small/Minority Business Enterprise (SBE/MBE)  / Woman-owned Business
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12
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
most common and important denizens of the forest 
floor. Brown-rot fungi on the other hand, decom-
pose the cellulose and modify the lignin in fallen 
coniferous trees. Brown-rot decomposing logs have 
a reddish-brown, cubic, or blocky appearance and 
contribute substantial carbon to the forest duff, the 
layer of partly decaying organic material on the 
forest floor (see Figures 3 & 4). Introduction of the 
fungal spores into the deadwood is facilitated by in-
sects such as bark boring beetles, and carpenter ants. 
Trees killed by bark boring beetles have significant-
ly greater insect diversity than girdled trees and add 
to the biological diversity of the forest. Bark beetles 
emit pheromones that not only attract other bark 
beetles but also insects that prey on bark beetles. 
Woodpeckers are attracted to these trees and cre-
ate cavities for themselves and other insectivorous 
cavity-nesting songbirds birds that play an important 
role in the regulation of forest insect populations 
(see Figure 5).
wanted, continued from page 4
or are girdled in an attempt to make habitat trees 
(snags), rot from the outside in. Their heartwood re-
mains intact, but the once live sapwood can no longer 
protect itself from sapwood-rotting fungi. When these 
trees fall they do not become hollow logs but, as they 
decompose, provide moist, fertile nursery areas for 
germinating seeds, mosses, and other fungi as well 
as valuable organic material that feeds the forest soil 
food web (see Figure 2). This is a long-term source of 
nutrients: if in contact with moist soil, it may take 15 
to 20 years for a log to completely rot. Their presence 
near stream banks help stabilize forest slopes, reduce 
erosion, and slow runoff. 
Wood decaying (saprophytic) fungi are the dom-
inant agents of decomposition in the recycling of 
a tree’s nutrient legacy. A close-up examination of 
rotting logs reveals the two groups of fungal actors 
responsible for this process – white rot and brown 
rot fungi. White rot fungi feed primarily on decid-
uous (angiosperm) wood consuming the hard to 
digest lignin, leaving behind wood cellulose. These 
rotting logs appear light in color, spongy, and are 
often wet to the touch. These rotting logs absorb 
water and provide a perfect micro-habitat for mois-
ture-loving species like salamanders, one of the 
Figure 2. Fungi & moss on fallen tree. Photo by 
Margery Winters.
wanted, continued on page 13
Figures 3 & 4. Returning to the soil, brown rot. Photos by 
Margery Winters.

13
www.caciwc.org
As deadwood softens and rots, carpenter ants and 
carpenter bees move in, removing yet more wood 
to create their tunnels and nests. In doing so they 
speed the process of returning the tree’s nutrients 
to the soil. Carpenter bees are key pollinators and 
carpenter ants, the most common forest inverte-
brate, serve as major predators of herbivory insects 
such as spongy moths and tent caterpillars, thereby 
improving the health of the living trees. The ants in 
turn are a valuable food source for wildlife such as 
songbirds and woodpeckers as well as larger ani-
mals such as bears and skunks. In fact, deadwood 
is a virtual smorgasbord of sowbugs, millipeds, 
spiders, slugs and other detritivores that feed a host 
of wild creatures.  
Management of forests to supply society’s timber 
needs and the stewardship of the ecological health 
of forests for wildlife have some challengingly 
conflicting goals.Modern forestry encourages leav-
ing existing snags or creating new snags by girdling, 
as well as leaving substantial slash material on the 
ground after a timber harvest. Nonetheless, a large 
portion of a tree’s legacy nutrients are removed in 
the harvested bole (trunk) of the tree. It is as yet 
wanted, continued from page 12
Environmental  
Planning & Permitting
We bring collective knowledge, technical 
excellence, and a wide network of 
trusted relationships to deliver value.
Wetland Delineation & Assessments
Vernal Pool Surveys
Ecological and Wetland Restoration
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Environmental Permitting
Drone Flights
Jeffrey Shamas, CE, CSS, SPWS
jshamas@vhb.com | 860.807.4388
www.vhb.com
Engineers | Scientists | Planners | Designers
wanted, continued on page 14
Figure 5. Pileated Woodpecker holes. Photo by
 Margery Winters.

14
The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
Ferrucci & Walicki, LLC 
 
www.fwforesters.com 
 
6 Way Road, Middlefield, CT 06455 
CT and MA Certified Foresters 
NRCS Technical Service Provider 
 
Forest management, timber harvest, 
recreation and wildlife habitat plans 
 
Boundary and GIS mapping services 
 
PA 490 and Chapter 61 
 
860-349-7007  –  fw@fwforesters.com 
uncertain how many times this removal can occur 
before affecting the long-term health of forest soils. 
In our managed forests, few trees are left to grow 
large, reach full maturity, old age, senescence, and 
decay so as to develop the large cavities needed by 
wildlife and the biological diversity that accompa-
nies this aging and decay. Deadwood in managed 
forests may represent less than a third of that found 
in unmanaged forests as very few large logs are left 
on the forest floor to decay in place. As a result, the 
necessary management of some forests for timber 
harvest can never fully replicate the natural forest 
systems. For that, some forested areas must remain 
unharvested, allowing forests to regenerate of their 
own accord, a process known as “proforestation.”  
The private landowners and towns who are respon-
sible for the stewardship of the majority of Con-
necticut’s forests would benefit from recognizing 
the important role of senescence, death, and decay 
in the ecological health of their forests and its asso-
ciated wildlife.
References:
US National Science Foundation (2015, October 19) 
Morticulture: Forests of the living dead.
https://new.nsf.gov/news/morticulture-forests-liv-
ing-dead.
Harmon, Mark E. (2022) Moving toward a New 
Paradigm for Wooly Detritus Management. 
Our Practice Areas:
•
Wetlands Permitting and Enforcement
•
Regulation Amendments
•
Special Permitting and Variances
•
Zoning Enforcement
•
Site Plans
•
Subdivisions
•
Administrative Appeals
•
Siting Council Approvals
•
Complex Land Use Litigation
Our Team:
Mark K. Branse 
Thomas Plotkin 
Richard P. Roberts
Kenneth R. Slater, Jr.
Matthew J. Willis
Michael A. Zizka
860.522.6103 | halloransage.com
wanted, continued from page 13
USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-
GTR-181:929-944.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/psw/publications/docu-
ments/psw_gtr181/071_Harm.pdf.
Notes on the Author:
The author Margery Winters presented a workshop 
on morticulture during our 2023 Annual Meeting and 
Environmental Conference.  She is the Assistant Di-
rector and instructor at Roaring Brook Nature Center 
in Canton where she is delighted to be able to share 
her passion for earth science and nature with students 
of all ages. She manages the Nature Center’s native 
plant gardens and is an advocate for the role of na-
tives in our designed landscapes. She is also a Master 
Landscape Design Consultant and has completed the 
Connecticut Master Woodland Manager program.  In 
addition, Margery serves on several land use boards 
in Simsbury. She is chairman of their Inland Wetland 
& Conservation Commission, a member the Open 
Space Committee, and serves as president of the Sims-
bury Land Trust.

15
www.caciwc.org
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The Habitat   |  Summer 2024
Dedicated to constant vigilance, judicious management
and conservation of our precious natural resources.
The Habitat
Printed on
recycled paper
Connecticut Association of Conservation and
Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc.
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
www.caciwc.org
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 Hartford, CT
 Permit # 158
Summer 2024
T
he Connecticut Invasive Plant Working 
Group (CIPWG) 2024 symposium, entitled 
Real Talk: Making an Impact in Invasive 
Plant Management has been scheduled on Tuesday, 
October 29, 2024. The symposium will be held in 
person at the UConn Student Union, 2110 Hillside 
Road Storrs, CT, 06269 and is open to all.
 
The morning session will include a keynote 
presentations by Peter Picone, of the State 
of Connecticut Department of Energy and 
Environmental Protection (DEEP) who will 
present on “For the Love of Plants...To Plant or 
Not to Plant? A Wildlife Biologist’s Perspective.” 
A panel presentation on “CIPWG’s Role in 
Combatting Invasive Plants” will also be 
provided by Victoria Wallace and Lauren Kurtz 
from UConn, and Bryan Connolly, of Eastern 
Connecticut State University (ECSU). 
The afternoon sessions will include topics as: 
Case Studies in Managing Tree of Heaven and 
Mugwort, Leveraging Community Engagement, 
Pollinator Meadows at Robbins Swamp Wildlife 
Management Area Help Support Native Wild Bees 
and Monarchs, Aquatic Invasive Plant Management 
and Prevention.Two panel discussions will also be 
scheduled: Common Questions about Invasive Plant 
Management and Native Plant Availability.
Note that CEU’s for organizations and Pesticide 
Recertification Credits are also available. 
Please note that the Early Registration fee of $75 
is available through Sept. 20. Regular Registration 
is $85 and Students can register for $35. More 
information is available at: cipwg.uconn.edu/2024-
symposium.
Register now for the Invasive Plant Symposium, October 29, 2024!