Conservation Commission - 1333 (10/08/2026)

CACIWC
Celebrating 50 Years
1974-2024
The Habitat
A newsletter of the Connecticut Association of 
Spring 2026
Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc. 
volume 38 number 1
CACIWC’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference
Attracts Near Record Attendance!
all our members and other attendees who were able to participate
in our 48th Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference.
This conference, held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at our new venue,
Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Cromwell in Cromwell, Connecticut.
The conference attracted one of the highest number of people hoping to
attend, resulting in the formation of waiting list. To avoid disappointment,
please be certain to register early this year! 
,
T: 
CACIWC Board of Directors again extends their appreciation to
CACIWC was pleased to welcome our two keynote speakers, 
James
O’Donnell, PhD, University of Connecticut Professor of Marine Scienc-
es and Executive Director of the Connecticut Institute for Resilience
and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), along with State Representative
Mary Mushinsky.
Kesmodzsnedker 
Tones 
@ 
Domeetl' PRD 
Our first keynote speaker, Dr. O’Donnell provided the latest measurement
ae by Jeff Mills. EE 
and modelling data in his presentation entitled “Update on the Connecticut
,, 
”»
Climate Report. 
conference, continued on page 4
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Riparian Areas in Connecticut
hile many environmental groups worked closely with Rivers
\ \ / Alliance of Connecticut to strengthen protection of riparian areas
in Connecticut, no member of the Connecticut General Assembly
has been more active in working to develop legislation to ensure the protec-
tion of these areas than our second 2025 conference keynote speaker State
Representative Mary Mushinsky (85th House District, D). She worked to
develop and cosponsor several bills including Special House Bill SHB 7174,
that became Special Act 25-12, An Act Concerning Riparian Areas, which
called for the development of a special legislative task force known as the
Working Group on Riparian Buffers.
When the working group was formed in October 2025, Representative
Mushinsky served as the Co-Chair along with Representative Mark Anderson
(62nd House District, R), both members of the Connecticut General Assembly
(CG. ‘A) Environment Committee. 
o 
: 
Keynote speaker Rep. Mary Mushinsky.
riperian, continued on page 12 
Photo by Jeff Mills.

‘CACIWC
Board of Directors 
|. 
/s-~-
| 
pu
Officers
‘Alan Siniscalchi
Peter Bassermann
Charles Dimmick
CACIWC
so eure
President
Vice President
Treasurer
‘Maureen Fitzgerald 
Secretary
County Representatives
Alicia Mozian
“Vacant
| Jeremy Leifert
Kathy Savona
|J. David Rauch
‘Laura Magaraci
Rodney Parlee
Vacant
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
Windham County
Alternate County Representatives
Aleksandra Moch
Vacant
Abby Conroy
Marianne Corona
Maria Kayne
Gary Gregory
Vacant
Vacant
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
Windham County
At-Large Representative(s) Vacant
DEEP Liatsons
Kimberly Bradley
Kristen O’Neil
|Darey 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.
Interim Editor: Alan Siniscalchi
Associate Editor: Ann Letendre
| Correspondence to the editor, manuscripts,
inquiries, etc. should be sent to Alan
| 
Siniscalchi at TheHabitat@caciwc.org.
| 
www.caciwe.org
—— CACIWC News Briefings ———
s we began preparations for this Spring issue of The
Ans the CACIWC Board of Directors was still re-
ceiving positive comments on our 2025 annual confer-
ence, the 48th Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference.
We learned that focus of our two keynote speaker presentations,
both efforts to understand the rate and impact of climate change
and approaches to preserve the critical riparian areas along our
streams, rivers, and lakes helped to inspire many of our mem-
ber commissions to continue their important work. (Please see
both cover story articles.)
In other news:
1. In response to suggestions from our 2025 conference, we are
selecting workshop topics and speakers for our 49th Annual
Meeting and Environmental Conference, now scheduled for
Saturday, November 14, 2026. Please do not hesitate to contact
us with any additional suggestions for speakers and workshops
at AnnualMtg@caciwe.org. Watch our website for the addi-
tional detailed conference news at www.caciwc.org.
2. Although expenses for our conference and publication have
continued to grow, the Board of Directors have again decided
not to increase our CACIWC membership dues for our 2026-27
fiscal year starting on July 1, 2026, to help limit your yearly ex-
penses. We will again offer a substantial discount on the annual
conference registration fee for our commissioners. Follow our
reminders to links for both the 2026-27 online and mail-in mem-
bership renewal forms on our website: www.caciwc.org.
3. Please continue to stay in touch with us with your recom-
mendations for workshop topics and articles in The Habitat
at:board@caciwe.org.
Thank you for all your efforts protecting habitats within
your community!
Alan J. Siniscalchi, President
CACIWC #
In This Issue 
PAGE
CACIWC News
Updates on Endangered, Threatened and 
3
Special Concern Species in CT
New DEEP Reporting Form 
14
CT River Watershed Webinars 
16
The Habitat 
| Spring 2026

Updates on Endangered, Threatened and Special
Concetn Species in Connecticut
s most of our readers know, CACIWC has been
Ave closely with the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife
Division to raise awareness of endangered, threatened
and species of special concern and their habitats. Many
of our Conservation Commission members closely fol-
lowed the work of the DEEP Wildlife Division in pro-
tecting these species and promoted these efforts among
the residents of their communities. Some conservation
commissions have also participated in surveys along
with data and other findings obtained from local natural
resource inventories and other activities with the DEEP
Wildlife Division.
The Connecticut Endangered Species Act, passed in
1989, recognizes the importance of our state’s plant
and animal populations and the need to protect them
from threats that could lead to their extinction. The
overall goal of the legislation is to conserve, protect,
restore and enhance any endangered or threatened
species and their essential habitat. Species are listed
according to their level of risk, and their status is re-
viewed every five years.
CT DEEP is required to review the designation of spe-
cies as endangered, threatened, or of special concern
to determine whether species should be added or re-
moved from Connecticut’s List of Endangered, Threat-
ened and Special Concern Species, or, if necessary,
change the designation from one category to another.
DEEP has pre the Lo eb anes is provid
ing a summary of the 
prop 
I 
St
Endanger “dj Species List (OHEP egicion? Seo.
tions 26-306-4, 26-306-5, and 26-306-6).
Enhancing properties and communities
through exceptional land use services.
Serving Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties Since 1957
LAND SURVEYING
Civit ENGINEERING
PLANNING & ZONING CONSULTING
PERMITTING
REDNISS
& MEAD
203.327.0500) | www.rednissmead.com
Please also see the following useful links provided by
the CT DEEP Wildlife Division:
Special 
Concern Species.
reatened, and
Farmland
Ma 
as ag
Yellow Book Appraisals
Serving Connecticut Municipalities
203.259.9500 | WWW.KFVG.COM rN
WWW. CaciIwe. org

conference, continued from page I
James O’Donnell is a physical oceanographer. He
studies the physical processes that determine the circu-
lation and transport of materials in the coastal ocean.
He earned a BSc. (Hons) in Applied Physics from
Strathclyde University in Scotland, and a MS and PhD
in Oceanography from the University of Delaware.
After two years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate
in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theo-
retical Physics at Cambridge University, England, Jim
joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut in
1987 and was appointed Professor in 1999. He was
elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and
Engineering in 2009 and was appointed to be Exec-
utive Director of the Connecticut Institute for Resil-
ience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) in 2014.
In his presentation, Dr. O’Donnell focused on updat-
ing the audience on climate change data, sea level rise
along with.current thoughts on impacts to anticipate.
The major points of his presentation included:
e 
Expect higher maximum and minimum daily
temperatures during all seasons, and across the
State in the future.
e 
Daily minimum temperatures exhibit materially
higher changes by mid-century and through to
the end of the century. Nights may therefore be-
come less reliable in dissipating heat stress.
e 
Projected global climate impact projections
conducted by the World Climate Research Pro-
gramme (WCRP) including the Coupled Model
Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) cannot
yet provide actionable evidence to guide inter-
ventions against extreme wind and precipitation
at the sub-state scale. Regional future estimates,
with their spatial uncertainty, and historical
regionally averaged estimates remain the best
available guidance.
e 
The upper bound of likely sea-level-rise in Long
Island Sound (LIS) by 2050 remains at 20 inches
or almost two feet. This predicted sea-level-rise
in LIS becomes increasing likely in subsequent
decades. These changes have practical implica-
tions for Connecticut habitats and communities.
e 
Small changes to climate means (temperature:
~ 6.6 °F by 2100, sea level: 20” by 2050)
significantly alter the frequency of extremes.
These include:
e 
Increased frequency of severe heat stress
hazards by up to an order of magnitude.
e 
Increased precipitation-driven flooding
(though where, when and by how much re-
mains uncertain).
e 
Increased extent, depth and frequency
of storm-induced coastal flooding in CT
towns. By 2100, potential flooding due
only to particularly high tides.
Jim O’Donnell generously responded to questions at
the end of his presentation and during a break.
The second keynote speaker panel was State Repre-
sentative Mary Mushinsky.
Mary Mushinsky was first elected to the Connecticut
House of Representatives in 1980 on a platform of
environmental activism, consumer advocacy and
improved energy policies. She currently holds the
leadership position of Assistant Deputy Speaker Pro
Tempore. Mary has continued to be a major proponent
for stronger legislation in all these important areas.
conference, continued on page 5
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
‘& SURVEYORS:
MCA
MARTINEZ COUCH & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Partnering with clients in Connecticut for
successful outcomes for over 20 years...
Regulatory Compliance & Permitting 
|
Site/Givil Engineering
Survey & Mapping
Water & Wastewater Engineering
GIS & Asset Management
Construction Phase Services
Subsurface Utility Engineering
Contact: Richard Couch, PE
860.436.4364
couchre@martinezcouch.com
n Danbury Streetscape
jaissance Project 
martinezcouch.com
The Habitat 
| Spring 2026

conference, continued from page 4
Mary has held various other leadership positions
including co-chair of the legislature’s bipartisan Pro-
gram Review and Investigations Committee, special-
izing in preparing workforce for a changing economy,
retraining older and long-term unemployed workers,
apprenticeships, and improving efficiency of state pro-
grams. The committee spotlighted and expanded the
state’s most successful apprenticeship program, Plat-
form to Employment. Mary previously served as co-
chair of the legislature’s Select Committee on Children
for ten years and passed the state’s anti-bullying law.
She is the recipient of numerous awards for adolescent
pregnancy prevention and reduction of child poverty.
She also served for six years as co-chair of the
legislature’s Environment Committee. A biologist
by training, Mary has been the chief proponent in
the Connecticut legislature of major environmental
legislation enacted during the 1980s and 1990s,
including mandatory recycling, packaging reduction,
open-space preservation, global warming mitigation
and endangered species protection laws. Mary has
continued to be a strong supporter of important
environmental legislation in Connecticut.
Mary served as a member of the Commission on
Enhancing Agency Outcomes and the Results-Based
Accountability Working Group to achieve greater
efficiencies in taxpayer funded programs, as well as
the Peak Oil Caucus to reduce the impact of high
oil prices on residents and businesses. She currently
serves on the Manufacturing Caucus and the
Sportsmen’s Caucus.
In Wallingford, Mary initiated and serves as co-chair
of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Advisory Com-
mittee, which works with local, state and federal of-
ficials and the community to expand the pedestrian/
bicycle trail. She also served on the Wallingford Ener-
gy Conservation Commission, which promoted the en-
ergy audit and energy management recommendations
now implemented by the Town of Wallingford school
system. Mary is a member and legislative liaison for
the Coalition for a Better Wallingford, which seeks to
reduce drug and alcohol abuse.
Representative Mushinsky, who lives in Wallingford
with her husband Martin J. Waters and has two adult
conference, continued on page 6
Join a Community of Advocates for the Connecticut River and its Watershed
Learn from experts about
science & conservation, wildlife,
recreation, history/art, and people
making a difference.
Subscribe Today! See link at:
https://www.estuarymagazine.com/
subscribe/
Estuary magazine is a publication
of the nonprofit Watershed Fund.
Wwww.caciwe.org

conference, continued from page 5
sons, Martin and Edward Waters, will prepare an
article for a future issue of The Habitat.
A summary of Mary’s presentation can be found ina
separate article entitled, Ongoing Efforts to Protect
Riparian Areas in Connecticut, also starting on the
front cover page of this issue of The Habitat.
Workshops
Following the presentations from our two keynote
speakers, our 2025 annual conference proceeded to
our twelve workshops, organized in four tracks de-
signed for both new and experienced conservation
and inland wetlands commissions and their staff.
These four tracks included several key focus areas:
Track 
A. Protecting Species of Greatest Conservation
Need (SCCN), B. Inland Wetlands Law and Regula-
tion; C. Riparian Ecology & Climate Impacts; and
Track D. Assisting Commissioners with New Tools &
Updated Programs.
Three workshops of interest to Connecticut commis-
sions were scheduled in Track A, entitled, Protecting
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SCCN).
The first track 
A 
wl 
| 
j
workshop, “Munic- 
| 
i}
ipal environmen- 
I
tal stewardship:
Working together
to conserve the
secretive eastern
spadefoot” “Update
on Invasive Aquatic
Plants in CT includ-
ing Hydrilla,” was
presented by Hank
Gruner, Herpetolo-
gist, Member of the
Andover Conserva-
tion Commission,
& retired Vice Pres-
ident of Programs,
CT Science Center,
and Dennis Quinn, Herpetologist & Owner of Quinn
Ecological, LLC.
eam 
eee
Workshop Al speaker Hank Gruner.
herpetologist and member of the Andover
Conservation Commission.
Photo by Jeff Mills.
The presenters described how the state-endangered
eastern spadefoot is among New England’s rarest
amphibians. In Connecticut, this unique frog is
currently found in only nine towns, with a historic
decline in at least a half dozen additional towns. Core
populations are associated with sandy soils in low-lying
areas within the Quinebaug River valley in eastern
Connecticut and the northern Connecticut River valley
in Hartford Country. These regions are experiencing
significant land-use changes with the expansion of
large-scale commercial development and solar fields.
These developments present local commissions with
a complexity of environmental challenges, including,
the protection of species of greatest conservation need,
wetlands, and other critical habitats.
The workshop was applicable to conservation com-
mission and inland wetland commission members
and provided information on: the ecology of the
eastern spadefoot, identifying and mapping areas
with suitable surficial geology, identifying potential
ephemeral breeding wetlands during site reviews,
and conservation recommendations.
*Attendance at this workshop was limited to commis-
sioners & staff from these 17 towns: Brooklyn, Can-
terbury, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Griswold,
Lisbon, Manchester, North Stonington, Plainfield,
Preston, Somers, South Windsor, Sterling, Suffield,
Windsor, & Voluntown.
The second track A workshop, “Implementation of
Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan: CACIWC’s Es-
sential Role, Part 
1” was presented by Brian Hess,
Wildlife Biologist - Wildlife Diversity Program, CT
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
(DEEP), Kevin Burgio, Wildlife Biologist - Terwillig-
er Consulting, Inc., Katy Bischoff, PhD student, UCo-
nn, & Hank Gruner, Herpetologist & Andover Conser-
vation Commission member.
They described how Connecticut’s 2025 Wildlife
Action Plan identifies priority actions to address
issues facing Connecticut’s native fish, wildlife and
habitats for the next 10 years. Involvement from
partners throughout the state is crucial to ensure
that key actions in the 2025 Plan are implemented.
Connecticut’s municipalities, particularly their
Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions,
are uniquely positioned to facilitate conservation
actions at local levels. Additionally, the Plan can
conference, continued on page 7
The Habitat 
| Spring 2026

conference, continued from page 6
help municipalities with information including the
development of Conservation and Development
Plans and Natural Resource Inventories. Collectively,
these local actions can result in major statewide
benefits for the conservation of Connecticut’s native
fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This two-session
workshop provided a forum for information sharing
and dialogue to advance thinking and action related
to implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action
Plan. Specific outcomes included a list of actions that
CACIWC members can focus on, ways for CACIWC
members to benefit from the Plan, ideas for building
momentum, and implementation stories to learn
from. Part 1 includes basic information about the
Wildlife Action Plan and introduces implementation
tools developed for the 2025 revision.
The third track A workshop, “Implementation of
Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan: CACIWC’s
Essential Role, Part 2,” was again was presented by
Brian Hess, Wildlife Biologist - Wildlife Diversity
Program, CT Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP), Kevin Burgio, Wildlife Biologist
- Terwilliger Consulting, Inc., Katy Bischoff, PhD
student, UConn, & Hank Gruner, Herpetologist &
Andover Conservation Commission member.
They outlined the Connecticut’s 2025 Wildlife Action
Plan identifies priority actions to address issues facing
Connecticut’s native fish, wildlife and habitats for the
next 10 years. Involvement from partners throughout
the state is crucial to ensure that key actions in the
2025 Plan are implemented. Connecticut’s munici-
palities, particularly their Conservation and Inland
Wetland Commissions, are uniquely positioned to fa-
cilitate conservation actions at local levels. Addition-
ally, the Plan can help municipalities with information
including the development of Conservation and Devel-
opment Plans and Natural Resource Inventories. Col-
lectively, these local actions can result in major state-
wide benefits for the conservation of Connecticut’s
native fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This second
part of the two-session workshop provided a forum for
information sharing and dialogue to advance thinking
and action related to implementation of Connecticut’s
Wildlife Action Plan. Specific outcomes include a very
useful list of actions that CACIWC members can fo-
cus on, ways for CACIWC members to benefit from
the Plan, ideas for building momentum, and imple-
convention, continued on page 8
140 Huntingtown Road
Newtown, CT 06470
(203) 426-4037
(860) 945-6588
PLANTERS’ CHOICE NURSERY
1201 Bunker Hill Road
Watertown, CT 06795
You want to provide nothing but the
best for the cultivated landscape.
For over 50 years, Planters’ Choice has
been doing just that.
When your project needs top quality
natives, other northern grown product,
and plants carefully sourced from
top-tier nurseries, trust in our team
to consistently make that happen.
www.planterschoice.com
www,.caciwe. org

conference, continued from page 7
mentation stories to learn from. Part 2 included infor-
mation about how conservation commission priorities
mesh with the Wildlife Action Plan and a discussion of
challenges and opportunities for implementation.
Three workshops of interest to Connecticut commis-
sions were also scheduled in Track B, Inland Wetlands
Law and Regulation.
The first workshop entitled “Inland Wetlands Law;
CT DEEP Online Training Course Questions &
Answers,” was presented by Janet Brooks, Attorney
at Law, LLC with Retired Judge Marshall Berger, Jr.
This workshop reviewed the many important com-
ponents of the DEEP inland wetlands online training
program is now required for all. The workshop lead-
ers asked the audience if watching the DEEP training
modules resulted in questions that you wished you
could have asked a live presenter? Attendees were
asked if they had watched a module or two and were
blown away by covering all of the wetlands act in
module 2. Many attendees brought questions that
resulted from completing the online training. They
were also asked to bring their municipal regulations in
whatever format you will be accessing them at during
every commission meeting — tablet, laptop or hard-co-
py. Attorney Brooks also referenced the DEP Model
Regulations, 4th edition (2006) and the CT inland wet-
lands statute during this hands-on workshop. She and
Judge Berger also welcomed attendees who did not
complete the training.
Our second track B workshop, “2025 Wetlands Law
& Regulations Update with Question & Answer
Session,” presented by Mark Branse, Halloran & Sage,
LLP, Retired Judge Marshall Berger, Jr., and Janet
Brooks, Attorney at Law, LLC. This legal team again
reviewed current case law and other issues with inland
wetlands law and proposed legalization and regulations.
The team also invited questions from the attendees and
participated in an informative and lengthy question and
answer session which received an active discussion
from the panelists and those in attendance.
The third B workshop, entitled “Updates on Approach-
es to Protection of Riparian Areas” was presented by
Alicea Charamut, Executive Director, Rivers Alliance
of Connecticut, with Mark Branse, Halloran & Sage,
LLP, Janet Brooks, Attorney at Law, LLC, Retired
Judge Marshall Berger, Jr. serving as legal resources.
Alicea emphasized the importance of protecting ri-
parian areas has grown to national prominence during
recent severe flooding events throughout the country.
In addition to helping to mitigate storms, these areas
are valuable in the protection of aquatic habitats, water
quality and essential for source water protection. The
scope of work of the CT General Assembly “Working
Group on Riparian Buffers” currently underway was
discussed along with a comparison of the approaches
to regulating buffers and upland review areas while
emphasizing the role of local land use agencies in pro-
tection of these critical areas. The experts on inland
wetlands and planning & zoning law also provided up-
dates and responded detailed to legal questions.
Three workshops of interest to conservation commis-
sions were scheduled in Track C. Riparian Ecology &
Climate Impacts.
The first track C workshop, “Natural and manmade
factors limiting stream dynamics: How policies on
beaver management and culverts impact climate re-
silience,” was presented by Louanne Cooley and Kay-
la Vargas from the Connecticut Institute of Resilience
and Climate Adaptation (UConn CIRCA).
They reviewed how current climate change modeling
points to increased precipitation as temperatures rise,
emphasizing that knowing where and when that pre-
cipitation will fall will remain unresolved. The speak-
ers pointed out how municipal staff can increase their
ability to reduce vulnerability to flooding by under-
standing how waterways may be vulnerable to flood-
ing under higher or extreme precipitation. They also
pointed out how nature-based solutions like riparian
corridors or enhanced beaver habitat can slow down
water flow allowing for more infiltration. They also
emphasized how knowing where manmade constric-
tions like culverts are located and if these structures
are adequate is a first step in increasing infrastructure
resilience to future climate impacts.
The second track C workshop, “Riparian tree canopy
density as a key indicator of water quality: Foster-
ing informed wetland management in Connecticut’s
towns and watersheds,” was presented by Tracey L.
Miller, PhD, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture,
conference, continued on page 9
The Habitat | Spring 2026

coherence, continued from page 8
Food, and Environment, University of Kentucky
She outlined the positive relationship exists between
riparian trees and the condition and function of wet-
lands and watercourses. Consequently, high degrees
of riparian disturbance can create widespread stress-
ors on wetlands and watercourses. Research in silvi-
culture has identified an optimal balance of dappled
shade and open sunlight to support stream integrity
in isolated, naturalized areas. However, less is known
about the relationship between riparian tree canopy
density (RTCD) and water quality along urban-rural
gradients. This data gap constrains wetland managers
from making informed decisions on tree removal for
wetland permit applications. This project identifies
relationships between RTCD and watercourse integrity
in Connecticut over a ten-year period. The project uses
existing forest cover and water quality data to identify
RTCD within 300-meter watercourse buffers adjacent
to unimpaired wetlands and watercourses contrasted
with impaired wetlands and watercourses. The project
identified 40 municipalities of special concern and
recommends adding riparian tree ordinances to their
planning and zoning regulations. Identifying RTCD as
Bolton Conservation Commission Exhibit Table with Rod
Parlee, Bolton CC Chair & CACIWC Board Member.
Photo by Jeff Mills.
a key indicator of water quality has important implica-
tions for Connecticut’s public policy, riparian manage-
ment, and planning efforts.
A third track C workshop, “CT DEEP Volunteer Wa-
ter Monitoring Program & Cold-Water Stream Hab-
itat Mapping,” was presented by Melissa Czarnows-
ki, Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator and Mary
Becker, Water Monitoring & Assessment Supervisor
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmen-
tal Protection (DEEP).
They pointed out how Connecticut is fortunate to be
a water-rich state, home to thousands of miles of riv-
ers and streams and thousands of acres of lakes and
ponds. One of the Connecticut Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Water Monitor-
ing and Assessment Program’s primary tasks is to con-
duct water quality monitoring assessments to evaluate
the conditions of all waters in the State. Given limited
staff resources, this wealth of water resources presents a
challenge to achieve this goal by DEEP staff alone. One
way DEEP has enhanced assessments is by utilizing
volunteer data to work towards this goal. This presen-
tation provided an overview of DEEP’s volunteer water
monitoring programs and how your com] munity can
get involved! Attendees also learned about how DEEP
uses fish and temperature data, including data collected
by volunteers, to map cold-water habitat that is critical
for some of our most sensitive native species to survive.
Three workshops of interest to conservation commis-
sions were scheduled in Track D. Assisting Commis-
sioners with New Tools & Updated Programs.
The first track D workshop, entitled “New CT DEEP
Online GIS Tool for Evaluating Renewable Energy
Siting (CREST),” was presented by Stuart DeLand,
CT DEEP, Environmental Analyst, Engineering, Safe-
ty, and Sustainability Division & Eric Hammerling,
CT DEEP, Director, Office of Environmental Review
& Strategic Initiatives (ERSI).
The workshop presenters outlined how, in May, the
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental
Protection (DEEP) launched a web-based tool to assist
communities with the potential siting of solar projects
and further the goal of increasing Connecticut’s supply
of zero-carbon energy. The “Community Renewable
Energy Siting Tool” (CREST) provides free access to
~35 layers of data — demographic, forestry, geology,
land use, water, wildlife, and more — from state, fed-
eral, and institutional sources that can be used by mu-
nicipal commissions, community planners, solar de-
velopers, conservation organizations, members of the
public, and others to visualize where renewable energy
best fits into Connecticut’s diverse landscape. Attend-
conference, continued on page 10
www.caciwe.org

10
conference, continued from page 9
ees were pleased to learn that tool is both free to use
and does not require a Geographic Information Systems
license or specialized training, is maintained for quality
control by DEEP, and is available today for a variety of
potential uses. Many in attendance seemed interested in
using CREST and asked additional follow-up questions
from the developers of the tool at DEEP.
The second track D workshop, entitled “Free &
Field-Tested: How CT RC&D’s Environmental
Review Team Can Help Your Municipality,” was
presented by Christian Swanson, Energy & Environ-
mental Programs Coordinator, Jocelyn Lahey, Execu-
tive Director, Connecticut Resource Conservation &
Development Area, Inc. (CT RC&D), and Jim Cordier,
Hebron Wetlands Agent/Land Use Assistant
The workshop directors outlined the Environmen-
tal Review Team (ERT) program, which provides
municipalities and land trusts with a team of expert
volunteers who complete natural resource inventories,
offer best management practices, and support con-
servation-based
decision making.
Those in atten-
dance learned
about the history
of the ERT pro-
gram, the appli-
cation process,
how CT RC&D
coordinates site
visits & the re-
view process,
and viewed some
completed ERT
reports. Jim
Cordier, Hebron
Wetlands Agent/
Land Use As-
sistant also shared his experience and told how they
have utilized their ERT report in land-use decision
making and conservation efforts.
= 
auf,
Stuart DeLand, CT DEEP. Photo by Jeff Mills.
The third and final track D workshop, entitled “The
Why and the How of Land Conservation for Munic-
ipalities,” was presented by Kathy Czepiel, Connecti-
cut Land Protection Manager. Save the Sound and
Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director, Con-
necticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC).
They described
how new conser-
vation commis-
sioners should
go about con-
serving land in
your community.
The workshop
outlined the im-
portance of these
land conservation
efforts. Many
conservation
commissioners
who were new to
land conservation,
appreciated how
the presentation
walked them
through the role of conservation commissions.
Christian Swanson, Connecticut Resource
Conservation and Development Area (CT
RC&D). Photo by Jeff Mills.
The workshop presenters also reviewed how to estab-
lish your conservation values, identify and prioritize
conference, continued on page 11
STEVEN DANZER, PHD & ASSOCIATES LLC
Wetlands & Environmental Consulting
STEVEN DANZER, PHD
Professional Wetland Scientist (pws)
Soil Scientist
203 451-8319
WWW.CTWETLANDSCONSULTING.COM
WETLAND BOUNDARIES » POND & LAKE MANAGEMENT
CONSTRUCTION FEASIBILITY CONSULTATIONS » ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
F 
Ferrucci & Walicki, LLC ee
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
The Habitat | Spring 2026

conference, continued from page 10
\
Nae 
-
>rvation Council
Amy Blaymore Paterson & Rebecca Dorsey, CLCC. Photo by
Jeff Mills.
land acquisitions, collaborate with the community,
fund the purchase of land or a conservation easement,
access helpful resources, and help your town become a
better steward of the land you hold.
| For additional
details of these
, workshops, please
| note that many of
Y 
the PowerPoint pre-
_ sentations prepared
; by our speakers and
} workshop leaders
are available on
our website 2024
page, at: CACIWC
y. 
Annual Meeting
‘a 
B 2025.
Darryl Newman, Planters’ Choice Nursery.
During our 2025
Photo by Jeff Mills.
conference, CACI-
WC hosted many nonprofit and commercial exhibi-
tors that provide their informative displays in an easy
to view arrangement between the entrance and main
ballroom adjacent to the food and beverage service.
Our conference survey revealed an appreciation for the
information provided by these exhibits, along with the
networking opportunities that occurred in these areas.
We again thank the conference attendees and all
those responsible for organizing our 48th Annual
Meeting and Environmental Conference. To al-
low our members the opportunity to submit ideas for
workshop topics and other suggestions, the CACIWC
www. caciwe. org
Annual Meeting Committee has decided to again
maintain the AnnualMtg@caciwce.org email through-
out the year. We used many of your suggestions in
our 2025 conferences so please keep forwarding your
suggestions to us. We look forward to your partic-
ipation at our upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting and
Environmental Conference!
bo
Jeff Stahl & Peter Grundy, The Pond & Lake Connection.
Photo by Jeff Mills.
« Wetland Mowing - Low Ground Pressure
Amphibious Unit
Aquatic Herbicide Applications & Permitting
Surveys, Soil Sampling
Mosquito Abatement
Personnel & Equipment Transport
Wetland Trenching, Beaver Dam & Debris Removal
Phragmites Treatment, Mowing & Chopping
NY #15201 - NJ #999729 - CT #2764 - MA #CC-0048047 - RI #6781
The Pond And Lake Connection
1112 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804
1-800-305-3277 
| www.thepondconnection.com
11

12
riparian, continued from page 1
Representatives of many environmental and conser-
vation groups who had provided supportive testimony
for SHB 7174 (SA25-12) were invited to serve the
working group including Alicea Charamut of Rivers
Alliance of Connecticut, Bill Lucey of Save the
Sound, Bill Hyatt representing cold water anglers,
John Guszkowshi, American Planning Association,
Francis Pickering of WestCOG, Denise Savageau of
Connecticut Association of Conservation Districts,
Aimee Petras of the Farmington River Watershed
Association, Mary Pelletier of Park River Watershed,
and Alan Siniscalchi, for CACIWC. Organizations
who represented parties who may be impacted by
increased regulation to protect riparian areas were
also appointed to the working group including the
Connecticut Association of Realtors, CT Farm Bureau,
Connecticut Marine Trades Association, Home
Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut,
CT Nursery & Landscape Association, Lower
Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments,
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority,
and others.
Two legislators and members of the Environment
Committee representing each major political
party were also appointed to the working group:
Representative Doug Dubitshy (47th House District,
R) and Representative Mike Demicco (21st House
District, D).
Representatives of several state agencies were invit-
ed to serve as non-voting members including the CT
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
(DEEP), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and
the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). Several
experts were invited to provide comments and serve as
legal, scientific and technical experts including Attorney
Janet Brooks and representatives of UConn CLEAR.
As Mary reviewed and as stated in the working group
report (see *), Substitute House Bill No. 7174 estab-
lished a working group within the legislative branch to
determine whether and how to enhance the protec-
tion of vegetated riparian buffers in Connecticut. The
group was tasked with identifying how to incorporate
these protections into existing statutes and regulations
to improve the health of the state’s watercourses while
respecting private property rights. The working group
would then review practices from other states, assess
current resources from the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP), analyze existing
case law, as well as make recommendations for legis-
lative changes regarding oversight of inland wetlands
and watercourses.
Attorney Janet Brooks gave a brief legal history and
cited the Riverbend case as the primary obstacle
that must be overcome to incorporate riparian buffer
protections into CT statutes. She pointed out that,
under the current statutes, a regulated activity triggers
a permit, whether there is an adverse impact or not.
The Riverbend case requires when an agency denies
a wetlands permit that the burden of proof is on the
municipal inland wetlands agency to prove an adverse
impact. This restricts the ability of local agencies
to consider regulating vegetation removal. Attorney
Brooks also discussed which municipal agencies
would be most appropriate to assess impacts on ripari-
an buffers. She emphasized that local wetland agencies
are accustomed to receiving reports and should be
chosen for regulating riparian buffers. Reaching out to
two attorneys, one who represents developers and an-
other who represents both developers and municipali-
ties, Brooks summarized their views that wetland laws
are interpreted more flexibly in favor of environmental
protection, while zoning laws are more rigid and can
lead to litigation. She recommended we avoid creating
overlapping jurisdiction between municipal inland
wetlands and watercourse agencies (IWWA) and
planning & zoning commissions, which would slow
the review of development applications, and place
oversight of riparian buffers within Inland Wetlands &
Watercourses Act. Brooks further recommended list-
ing known ecological benefits of native vegetation in
statute and authorizing commissions to require native
vegetation within x feet (specify). This would preclude
an adverse finding every time.
Other information and suggestions were presented and
discussed by members of the working group. Many
were approved as consensus items including:
Revise CT General Statutes (CGS) Section 22a-41la
to allow IWWA to consider impacts of any proposed
regulated activity on watercourses that would decrease
resilience to erosion from severe storms and extreme
weather events, or result in increases in water tempera-
tures (suggested by CACIWC).
riparian, continued on page 13
The Habitat | Spring 2026

ripavian, continued from page 12
Revise CGS Section 22a-38 Definitions: change the
definition of “material” to include vegetation, as 22a-
38 (6) “Material” means any substance, solid or liquid,
organic or inorganic, including, but not limited to veg-
etation, soil, sediment, aggregate, land, gravel, clay,
bog, mud, debris, sand, refuse or waste (suggested by
Attorney Brooks who also emphasized the need to
educate local IWWA commissioners on all changes).
So, what happened to the recommendations of this
working group? During the opening weeks of the 2026
Session of the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA),
Representative Mushinski and other members of the
CGA Environment Committee introduced a bill to
develop protection for these areas.
This introduced bill (Raised Bill HB 5334 AN ACT
CONCERNING RIPARIAN AREAS) was developed
to create greater protection and preservation of
areas immediately adjacent to watercourses in the
state in order to preserve and improve the quality of
such watercourses, see: AN ACT CONCERNING
RIPARIAN AREAS.
While many of the conservation and environmental
groups who supported SHB 7174 (SA25-12) that
created the Riparian Area Working Group also testified
generally in favor of this bill, they pointed out many
working group consensus items were omitted and new
language which was not even discussed by the work-
ing group was introduced into this bill.
Based on the many comments and written testimony,
the Environment Committee made some additional
changes and passed a Joint Favorable Substitute (JFS)
version out of committee.
This version was also sent to the Appropriations
Committee who added funding for a inland wet-
lands training position at CT DEEP. Unfortunately,
some of the problematic language pointed out by
members of the Connecticut environmental commu-
nity was not corrected.
Surprisingly, as the bill moved closer to a vote by
the full house and senate, new problematic language
was being discussed and introduced. One proposed
www,.caciwc.org
amendment, House LCO Amendment #5343, had
several changes that were far removed from the
recommendations of the working group includ-
ing language that could prevent CACIWC member
commissions from voting against an application that
removed important riparian vegetation, see: “AN ACT
CONCERNING RIPARIAN AREAS.”
Fortunately, after urgent concerns about this prob-
lematic language were raised by CACIWC and a few
buffer protection advocates this proposed amendment
was not called leaving a final version of the bill House
Schedule A #5993 in which removed all language ex-
cept for the section requiring additional DEEP position
for wetlands training, see: “AN ACT CONCERNING
RIPARIAN AREAS.”
This greatly shortened bill was unanimously passed by
both the House & Senate and was signed into law by
Governor Ned Lamont on May 20.
Obviously, many people were disappointed by the
outcome of this bill, which abandoned the many
long detailed discussions and consensus items of the
Working Group on Riparian Areas, not the least being
Representative Mary Mushinsky, who announced
that she was not seeking reelection to her 24th term
representing her 85th District for 46 years. She is one
of the longest serving CT state representative, having
joined the House in 1980. (CACIWC will be provid-
ing additional information on Mary’s long legislative
career in upcoming issues of The Habitat).
So, what comes next for efforts to protect
Connecticut’s riparian areas? Connecticut conser-
vation and environmental groups and others will be
closely watching during the next legislative session
does not begin until Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
During the next few months, CACIWC will be
research options for our members and plans mid-
year training, new articles in The Habitat as well as
new workshops in our 2026 Annual Meeting and
Environmental Conference. Stay tuned for more infor-
mation and updates!
*also see: Report of the Riparian Buffers Working
Group (002).pdf %
13

14
New CT DEEP Online Statewide Inland Wetlands Activity
Reporting 
Form (SIWWARF)
make things easier for the state’s inland wetland
agents, DEEP has developed a new online activity
reporting form. The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Act was amended in 1987 with the addition of CGS
Section 22a-39(m) which required the DEEP to adopt
regulations establishing reporting requirements for
permits, orders, and other actions taken by municipal
inland wetlands agencies, as well as develop a form
for said reports.
| nan effort to improve administrative processes and
The resulting Statewide Inland Wetlands and Water-
courses Activity Reporting Form (SIWWARE), was
a paper form to be mailed in to the DEEP monthly by
each of the 171 municipal inland wetlands agencies
for each agency action taken. Now, as part of a project
funded by an EPA Wetlands Program Development
Grant, the DEEP’s Inland Wetland Management Pro-
gram (IWMP) has been working to migrate the paper
form to an online-submittable, GIS-connected form
New England Wetland Plants, Inc.
Wholesale Native Plant Nursery
Your source for:
Trees, Shrubs, Ferns, Flowering Perennials, and Grasses
Coastal and Inland Wetland Plants
Specialty Seed Mixes
Coir logs, Straw Wattles, Blankets, and Mats
New England Wetland Plants, Inc.
Am| 
01002
413) 549-4000
2; WWW.-newp.com
Phone: (413) 
000
Email: info@new p.com Wel
which will eliminate the need for municipalities to
mail in paper forms, and ensures the information col-
lected will be immediately accessible for data analysis.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for
more information!
Why is the form changing?
- 
The existing paper forms are entered by
hand into an online database that is no longer
supported by State Information Technology
departments, which also doesn’t optimize anal-
ysis of the current status and trends of inland
wetlands, including losses and gains. Moving
to a GIS-connected database in conjunction
with the online form, similar to DEEP’s wild-
ly successful bear sighting online form and
database, allows for instantaneous, up-to-date
record-keeping, improves analysis of inland
wetlands data, and eliminates the need for mu-
nicipalities to mail in forms.
new form, continued on page 15
The Quality
Stormwater
Management
System
BMP’s 
products like the SNOUT:
Bio-Skirt®, 
and our new Turbo
Plate® help 
yo 
tormwater
pollution with simple 
solutions.
CO’ Best 
Made in Connecticut with over
i) Management 
90,000 installations since 1999
= Products 
For more information on how to solve
solve your stormwater quality issues
contact us at 800.504.8008 or
New PDH Webinar
visit bmpinc.com.
esx 
pomiaall
at bmpine.com:
The Habitat | Spring 2026

newyorm, continued from page 14
Who can fill out the form?
- 
Authorized personnel, such as a member of the
Inland Wetlands Agency, a duly appointed wet-
lands agent, or other municipal staff member
who can reasonably verify that the information
entered is correct.
Previously, the paper form was included in our appli-
cation packet and filled out by the applicant. Can ap-
plicants fill out the online form?
- 
While the paper form identified a section
that may be filled out by the applicant, it also
required that a municipal personnel member
complete a section of the form and then mail
it in. Likewise, municipalities are free to
provide a similar paper version of the online
form as part of their application packet to
more easily collect the necessary informa-
tion, but we ask that the online SIWWARF be
filled out and submitted by the municipality,
not the applicant, to ensure conformance with
regulations that require that the inland wet-
land and watercourses agency report actions
to the Commissioner.
Our town has a backlog of paper forms that haven’t
been mailed in yet. How should those forms be sub-
mitted?
- 
We encourage all municipalities to use the
online form as soon as possible and to sub-
mit any remaining paper forms that haven’t
already been mailed in. The [WMP has devel-
oped a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
for transcribing paper forms onto the online
SIWWARF for submission. Please note that
the forms are not identical. The online form
may ask for information not included on the
existing paper form and vice versa. Use your
best judgement based on the information
available to complete the online form to the
best of your ability.
But wait, I have more questions!
- 
DEEP’s WMP will be holding monthly office
hours, starting February 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm
to answer questions that may come up as you
use the form. A link to register for these office
hours will be sent to all municipalities, along
with the link to the online form and the SOP
developed for transcribing unsubmitted paper
www. caciwe.org
forms. If you are concerned that your town has
not received that information, please reach out
to Kristen O’Neill, IWMP program administra-
tor, at Kristen.oneill@ct.gov.
Please view the new online form at: Statewide Inland
Wetlands & Watercourses Activity Reporting. You can
also find additional useful links to resources and other
information on the CT DEEP Inland Wetlands and Wa-
tercourses home page:
Municipal Contact Information
A directory of municipal inland wetlands agency staff
(inland wetlands agents) is provided as a service to the
public and is updated periodically. Please consult your
town or city website, or contact the town or city clerk,
for current information. Inland wetlands agencies and
staff - please ensure your contact information is current.
Provide updates using the Notification of Change Form.
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses: A Cooperative
Ecosystem
The Inland Wetlands Management Program has created
this new outreach material intended for towns to be able
to use to clarify the different roles and responsibilities
that play into wetlands management in Connecticut.
DELIVERING VALUE TO CLIENTS
IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
BL Companies specializes in Natural &
Cultural Resource studies related to:
Land Development ¢ Energy
Telecommunications « Infrastructure
Transportation * Regulatory Compliance
Wetlands & Soils Scientists * Biologists
Ecologists » Archaeologists
Architecture
Engineering
Environmental
D mz” Land Surveying
Companies
BL Companies, Inc.
800.301.3077
blcompanies.com
Meriden 
| Hartford
15

1974-2024
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
THe HABITAT
Dedicated to constant vigilance, judicious management
and conservation of our precious natural resources.
www.caciwe.org
CACIWC. Connecticut Association of Conservation and
Celebrating 
so Years 
Inland Wetlan