Conservation Commission
Shelton, Connecticut
Our Blogs & Groups:
- Trails Committee Blog
- Eklund Garden Page
- Eklund Garden Blog
- CC Google Group
- Deer Committee Blog
- Litter Committee Blog
- "In the Field" Blog
- Facebook Page
Shelton Land Trust
The Shelton Land Conservation Trust is a private organization often confused with the Conservation Commission. The Land Trust owns 364 acres of private open space that is open to the public, including several trails and a youth camp.
Links
- Shelton Land Trust
- City of Shelton
- Litter Committee
- Ansonia Nature Ctr
- CT Forest & Parks
- Housatonic Valley
Contact
Teresa Gallagher
Natural Resource Manager
(203) 924-1555 x1315
City of Shelton
54 Hill Street
Shelton, CT 06484
(email)
Natural Resource Manager Teresa Gallagher's office is located in Room 102 of City Hall (adjacent to the auditorium). If you need to meet with her, please call first to make sure she will be at her desk.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month, at 7:00 pm, in Room 303 at City Hall, immediately preceded by the Trails Committee at 5:00 pm.
We have a public portion at the beginning of our meetings for all items not on the agenda. If you wish to speak about something on the agenda, you are welcome to do so when that item is discussed.
Agendas and minutes are posted at the main City website. If you would like to see agendas or minutes earlier than the official posting, check our Google Group, because they are always listed there first. You can also check the Group for discussions about cancelled or rescheduled meetings. You may also request to receive agendas and minutes by email (contact the Natural Resource Manager).
About the Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission is composed of seven volunteers appointed by the Mayor whose mission is to preserve and maintain the natural resources found throughout Shelton, including forest and farmland, lakes and streams, scenic vistas and historic features. The Commission works towards a balance between economic growth of the community and preservation of Open Space. The City employs one part-time Conservation Agent to assist the Commission.
The Conservation Commission is an advisory board only. The Commission makes recommendations to the Board of Aldermen regarding Open Space purchases and use of those lands. The Commission also reviews proposed developments and makes recommendations to the Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands departments.
The Commission maintains an inventory of over 175 separate Open Space properties, and is responsible for ensuring these public lands are properly signed and not encroached upon by individuals dumping, clearing, or otherwise harming the land. Although lacking direct enforcement authority, the Natural Resource Manager works in concert with the Police Department, Inland Wetlands Officer, and City Attorney to address enforcement issues that arise. Of special note is the 2006 Encroachment Law (PA-06-89), a State law which allows the City to file suit and collect Attorney’s fees from anyone found dumping, clearing, or making trails on Open Space. The Natural Resource Manager is also responsible for updating the Open Space Plan, preparing grant applications, and otherwise assisting the Commission as needed.
Commission Members
Members of the Commission are appointed by the Mayor:
Tom Harbinson, Chairman.
Bill Dyer, Vice Chairman
Lisa Adriani
Sheryl Maybeck Dutkanicz
Stacia Monahan
Jim Tate
Tom Wilson
Staff: Teresa Gallagher, Natural Resource Manager.