During the past year, the Southington Open Space Committee has worked with students and faculty from the University of Connecticut to develop an assessment and management plan for the woodland open space surrounding the Crescent Lake recreational site. The health and condition of the forested land surrounding the lake is important to maintain water quality, wildlife habitats, recreational enjoyment and other amenities the area provides for the citizens of Southington. The management plan provides guidance and suggests activities that can be undertaken to maintain the health, biodiversity and productivity of the forest.
(Scenic views of Crescent Lake, Southington, CT - Click on first photo and see brief slide show.)
Two sessions have been scheduled to provide an opportunity to the public to see and hear the results of the assessment and the recommendations made in the management plan:
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Friday, November 8, 2013, 7 p.m. at the Marion Schoolhouse, 1135 Marion Ave. Crescent Lake Forest Management Plan Slide Presentation and Informational Session: UConn Extension Forester Thomas Worthley will provide a slide presentation and discussion about Crescent Lake Forest Management Plan. This indoor session is intended to describe the planning process, highlight key findings and concerns, explain the recommendations, and present options for implementing management recommendations. Questions and public input are welcome.
Saturday, November 9, 2013, l p.m., meet at Crescent Lake Parking Area
Crescent Lake Woodland walking tour and demonstration. Accompanied by forestry and wildlife experts, Extension Forester Tom Worthley will lead a walking tour of the town-owned woodlands surrounding Crescent Lake. The tour will highlight forest vegetation communities, point out key wildlife habitat features, and provide insight into forest management concerns. Discussion during the tour will focus on management recommendations and how they might be implemented. A demonstration of chain-saw safety, tree felling and a portable sawmill will be included, illustrating one approach to active implementation of forest management recommendations.
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Crescent Lake is the first open space parcel that has undergone a forest management assessment to properly care for the property. Currently, the Open Space Committee is reviewing the management plan and will implement various recommendations in the coming months.
Contact Acting Town Planner Dave Lavallee at 860.276.6203 for more information on these two events.
