Lynn Scarlett, assistant secretary of the Interior for policy, management and budget, presented a 2004 Coastal America Partnership Award to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and their partners at a ceremony today at the Barn Wildlife Management Area in Stonington, Conn. The award recipients were recognized for their efforts in the latest 144-acre addition to the Barn WMA, and for a nationally recognized history of successful tidal marsh restoration and research at Barn Island.
"It brings me great pleasure to present you this award. Your effort ? from the federal and state government, to non-profit organizations, private citizens and corporations ? indicates your dedication to protecting and restoring our invaluable coastal environment," said Scarlett as she presented the awards.
"The DEP has worked tirelessly over many years to preserve the pristine beauty of Barn Island, and today's awards highlight the significant achievements of many dedicated department employees," said DEP Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque, Jr. at today's ceremony. "Connecticut's coastline is truly a national treasure, and Barn is one of the finest coastal areas in the state and truly one of the most significant areas for coastal research and restoration in the country. For over 20 years, Connecticut has been a leader in coastal management programs and tidal wetland restoration efforts. Barn serves as a prime example of what these efforts have produced
The most recent success at Barn Island is the addition of 144 acres of private property, composed of 36 acres of tidal wetlands, 108 acres of coastal forests, four large vernal pools, and inland wetlands. The WMA now encompasses 1,013 acres, constituting the state's largest protected coastal area.
A $1 million National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant from the Service and a $429,000 matching gift from the Estate of Sarah Ann Martin enabled DEP to acquire this extraordinary coastal property and to establish a fund dedicated to promoting public understanding and enjoyment of the Barn WMA.
"It is important during these challenging fiscal times that the Service can return tax dollars collected on recreational fishing equipment and motor boat and small engine fuels to support on-the-ground projects to conserve wetlands for future generations," said Marvin Moriarty, the Service's Northeast regional director.
The award also recognizes more than 50 years of nationally recognized research and restoration at Barn Island , ongoing since 1943. The WMA's tidal marshes are the most studied tidal marshes on the eastern seaboard. They are used extensively by area schools, colleges and non-profit conservation groups for outdoor and natural science education. Of more than 25 papers citing research at Barn Island, several are considered classic references in tidal wetland ecology.
The property had been permitted for development into an 18-hole golf course. Instead, the partnership secured its permanent protection through purchasing the property. Their work also prevents pollutant loading downstream and increases coastal recreational opportunities for the public. The acquisition was made possible in part by The Nature Conservancy. TNC provided bridge financing to hold the property until long-term acquisition financing was found through the Service grant and other donations.
"Meaningful habitat conservation requires three things: good science, good relations with landowners and good partners," said TNC Connecticut Chapter Director Dr. Lise A. Hanners. "We salute our partners, particularly the Connecticut DEP, for what they?ve done to save this coastal property."
Audubon Connecticut also recognized Barn WMA today as a globally significant Important Bird Area. The IBA program is a global effort to identify the areas most important to birds in all seasons and focus conservation efforts to those areas where they will have the greatest effect for protecting birds of conservation concern. Barn Island is one of only three globally significant sites in the state. Barn Island was recognized because of its populations of nesting saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrows, a globally vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the international organization charged with determining prioritizing species according to their risk of global extinction. In addition to supporting significant nesting populations of this species, Barn Island is also considered by some to be the finest remaining natural area in coastal Connecticut supporting a wide variety of nesting, migrating and wintering bird species."We are thrilled to recognize Barn WMA as a special area noteworthy even on a global scale," said Patrick Comins, director of bird conservation for Audubon Connecticut . "The conservation accomplishments of the partners that are being recognized today are a great model for protecting critical areas throughout the country?public and private entities all working together to accomplish our common goals and preserving a globally significant resource through our local efforts
The Barn WMA is one of 88 WMAs in the state. These are lands and waters having unique or outstanding wildlife qualities managed primarily for the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat and to provide opportunities for fish and wildlife-based recreation. WMAs, managed by DEP's wildlife division, are open to the public year-round for hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and trapping.
The Coastal America Partnership was established in 1992 to protect, preserve and restore our coastal watersheds by integrating federal actions with state and local government and non-governmental efforts.
Recipients (acquisition): Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Town of Stonington, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, New Haven Bird Club, Connecticut Waterfowl Association, Hartford Audubon Society, Connecticut Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. Recipients (restoration and research): Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut College.
