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Conservation commission outlines 12 priority parcels totaling about 284 acres
Summary
The conservation commission presented an open-space protection planning document tied to the town’s 2023 plan, identifying 12 priority parcels (about 284 acres) and urging conservation options such as easements, acquisitions and cluster design when parcels or applications arise.
A conservation commission member introduced Old Saybrook’s open-space protection planning document and walked the board through priority parcels the commission recommends for conservation attention.
"Old Saybrook's identity is inseparable from its natural landscape," the presenter said, arguing that preserving tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, forested ridges and shoreline buffers protects water quality, habitat connectivity and storm buffering.
The presentation identified 12 priority parcels totaling roughly 284 acres, ranging from about 2.23 acres to parcels of nearly 55 acres, including parcels on Schoolhouse Road, Middle Sex Turnpike, Ingram Hill Road, Milra/Milrock Road and Monk Road. The commission said additional tools—land acquisition, conservation easements and purchasing development rights—could strengthen protection where wetlands regulations alone are insufficient.
Board members asked whether parcel owners had been contacted; the presenter said ownership information is available in public records and can be shared with board members. The presenter emphasized that the list is illustrative, not exhaustive, and urged that when parcels or adjacent applications come before town boards, conservation options be considered. No formal action or funding appropriation was taken.
