Study Finds Lantern Ridge Open Space Teaming with Resources

  Environmental Review Study Chock Full of Information

(Beacon Falls, CT — March 7, 2011)  – The Beacon Falls Conservation Commission is proud to announce the completion of an environmental review study of Lantern Ridge open space parcel, the news was announced today by Diane Betkoski, chair of the commission.

In June 2010 a group of environmental professionals from King's Mark - Connecticut Environmental Review Team (CT ERT) came together to form a team of multi-disciplinary environmental professionals to assist the Beacon Falls Conservation Commission in its review of the Lantern Ridge open space, a parcel of just over 100 acres.

The final result now available is a comprehensive natural resource inventory report for open space planning purposes. The CT ERT team was comprised of specialists - from a variety of federal, state, regional and local agencies. The expertise included a Wildlife Biologist from DEP, a Geologist, an Ecologist, a Forester from DEP, a Fishery Biologist, an Archaeologist, a USDA Soil Conversationalist, a Hydro-geologist from DEP and a senior planner from the CT Council of Governments.

“The commission is pleased to release the report to the public for review,” Betkoski stated. Residents of Beacon Falls are fortunate to have an abundance of open space parcels that compliment the community so well. With this report now complete the commission will be recommending activity use level (active vs. passive) to the town and seeking public input for the specific activities conducive for this property. The commission encourages everyone to get out side and enjoy the natural resources available in Beacon Falls.

Mission Statement and Purpose

The conservation commissions mission and purpose is to protect the natural environment of Beacon Falls by monitoring the development, conservation, supervision and regulations of natural resources, including water resources within its territorial limits. The commission keeps an index of all open space areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands.  Working in conjunction with the Land Use Committee, the conservation commission advocates for the proper use of these valuable resources. For more information regarding the Beacon Falls Conservation Commission:  http://home.comcast.net/~bfcc-ct/site/

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