Southington Home to First CT Grown Community Forest

A press release from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

Connecticut’s Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Agriculture (DoAg) have designated Southington’s Crescent Lake Recreation Area as the state’s first community forest to receive the Connecticut Grown recognition for sustainable forest management.

A favorite spot for area residents to enjoy many outdoor amenities and activities, the 223-acre Crescent LakeRecreation Area was recognized for taking key steps toward sustainable woodland management.  With assistance from the UConn Extension Forestry Program, a sustainable forest management plan was developed and accepted by the Town of Southington, and is now guiding on-the-ground decisions.

Crescent Lake Recreation Area’s sustainable forest management plan includes use of sustainable forestry practices, protection of water quality during forestry operations, compliance with Connecticut’s Forest Practices Act, adherence to the standards of DoAg’s Connecticut Grown Program, and responding to destructive forest pests and invasive plants, all of which helped qualify it for this special distinction.

“Southington’s leadership in caring for these valuable natural resources will benefit state residents far beyond the town as we hope others will follow their stewardship example,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty.  “This is a beautiful and environmentally significant location that offers wonderful recreational opportunities as well – I applaud Southington for their dedication to the protection of this area.”

“The Department of Agriculture welcomes Crescent Lake Recreation Area as the first community forest to the Connecticut Grown Program and looks forward to Southington’s commitment to good agricultural practices and sustainability serving as a model for other Connecticut communities,” said DoAg Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky. 

“Forestry can and should play a greater role in the growing awareness of and demand for local agricultural products.  Kudos to Southington for setting an example for others.”

The Connecticut Grown Program was established in 1986, when the now-familiar green and blue logo was introduced to identify agricultural products grown in the state.  Over the past quarter century, the program has grown and diversified as public interest in and demand for local food and farm products has blossomed.

Recognizing this intensifying consumer appreciation for the value of locally grown products, the Connecticut Grown Program has welcomed sustainable forestry operations and products.   DEEP and DoAg reached an historic agreement on January 1, 2011, to include products from Connecticut forests that meet sound agricultural practices and other sustainability standards in this popular and successful multifaceted initiative.

For more information about Connecticut Grown, go to: DEEP: CT Grown Forest Products and DOAG: Connecticut Grown Program.

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