The Town recently was awarded a grant with funding provided by the Farmington River Enhancement Grant, administered by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study “Low Impact Development” (LID) practices. LID is a term used to describe a land planning and engineering design approach to managing storm water runoffIt emphasizes conservation and the use of on-site natural features to protect water quality. These practices can be applied to road and driveway construction, to housing or commercial developments, or to managing water and runoff on individual home sites. These LID techniques are often more cost-effective than traditional site engineering solutions and better protect the environment.
The scope of our activity under the grant includes:
- A biodiversity study focusing on larger undeveloped parcels within the Town to determine areas of ecological sensitivity.
- Development of language to incorporate LID practices into the Town’s ordinances to minimize the impact of new developments on the Town, particularly in the areas deemed to be most ecologically sensitive as a result of the biodiversity survey. This language will respect the rights of individuals to make reasonable use of their property.
- Recommendation(s) to the Planning & Zoning Commission that these scientifically-based LID practices be incorporated into the Town’s ordinances.
Presentations and discussion of this unique opportunity for the town will be held at public informational meetings that will be held on January 11
th and 20
th. These meetings will provide an overview of the project, including a discussion of the benefits of LID practices in maintaining environmental quality, rural character, and will provide insight into the biodiversity survey.
At both meetings the public will have ample opportunity to raise questions and interact with the consultant team as well as the Town’s LID Committee. Each meeting will take place at 7:00 PM at the Barkhamsted Elementary School. Refreshments will be served. If you would like a preview of the material, please take a look at the Low Impact Development (LID) & The Farmington River Enhancement Grant (FREG) presentation at this link.
In addition, the advisory committee established to support this grant is interested in conducting an informal survey of wildlife you have observed in and on your property. They have termed this survey “Barkhamsted Wild!!”
The link provided below will take you to an optional survey of various wildlife sightings you have made on and around your property. The survey has 10 questions each with the opportunity to check-off different types of animals. The survey was developed to support and introduce the residents of Barkhamsted to this unique grant opportunity awarded to the town (described below). All survey responses will be compiled in a report of what has been observed. Participation is optional.