Acquisition and Restoration of Native Meadows Preserve

Case Name:

Housatonic RCRA Site (CT)

Country:

United States of America

Restoration Types:

Habitat Enhancement; Protection/Acquisition; Recreation

State:

Connecticut

Affected DOI Resources:

Migratory Birds; Recreational Use Loss

City:

New Milford

Phase:

Monitoring / Completed

Project Description

In 2010, the Northwest Conservation District (NCD) received $348,500 from the Connecticut SubCouncil of the Housatonic River Natural Resource Trustees to purchase, restore and develop recreational access for the 25-acre Indian Fields Preserve in New Milford, CT. Located along the Housatonic River, the acquisition protected important floodplain forest along the river. To improve the floodplain and riparian habitat, invasive sedges and Phragmites (common reeds) were treated with herbicides and over 300 native trees were planted. Audubon Sharon performed a bird count on the preserve and provided a detailed report on the bird species observed including recommendations for habitat management strategies. The following year, a comprehensive wildlife management report was completed, including a complete list of the species living on the preserve. In 2013, a small loop trail system of approximately 0.7 miles in length was installed to provide public access to the preserve and signage for the newly renamed Native Meadows Preserve was installed along U.S. Route 7.