1929
Jack Gunther has found a constructive and challenging second career in land conservation activities in Connecticut. My interest was aroused by mention in the Alumni Magazine of his article entitled "Preserving Small Natural Areas." In answer to an inquiry, he replied:
"When I became chairman of the New Canaan Conservation Commission in October 1966, it appeared that there was a critical shortage of public funds at the state and local level available for the purchase of open-space land, and that a supplemental private effort was badly needed. I organized the New Canaan Land Conservation Trust with the goal of acquiring numerous areas of open space scattered throughout the Town as contrasted with one or two large areas. We have received 20 ourright gifts of land ranging in size from .8 acre to 12 acres, aggregating 80 acres. We have received also 9 conservation easements on 36 acres
"As president of the Connecticut Association of Conservation Commissions I made a great many contacts throughout the State which have greatly facilitated my work in helping interested groups to form Land Trusts. Trusts. My recent article has substantially expanded my horizons."
The article appeared first in Catalvst for EnvironmentalQuality and was reprinted in The Connecticut Environmental Bulletin for July/August 1973, with excellent photos of typical areas that have been saved. The following excerpts from Jack's article may stimulate others to undertake similar activities:
"Population pressures and zoning regulation threaten to produce a system of uniform suburban and exurban areas lacking the varieties of nature which still characterize some communities. With land growing scarcer, local citizens want to keep such natural town assets as a pond, a fern-decked cliff, or a bird-rich swamp from the onslaught of the bulldozers. But few know how to go about it. One simple yet highly effective way is to establish and utilize a land Conservation Trust.
"This article - based on the successful venture with which I've been associated in New Canaan, Connecticut - is written in the hope that our experience will encourage other communities to preserve their distinctive natural assets.
"A Land Conservation Trust is a means by which a landowner may insure the future preservation of a beautiful and/or unique natural are of his. It is also a means by which 'small chunks of nature' can be preserved throughout our towns, villages, and small cities. And it is a form of local action in which all citizens can join.
"A Land Conservation Trust is a private non-profit, service organization, yet it is also a 'public trust' since its lands are held for the benefit and enjoyment of the entire community. To it, individual owners give lands they wish to be held in perpetuity in a natural state. Or they may grant conservation easements in perpetuity or for a period of years - guaranteeing that the land is kept immune from development for that time."
Jack will be glad to furnish details on how such an organization can be set up. Congratulations on his foresight and effectiveness in filling an urgent need in our society.
Trunkie Brittan reports the latest from Hanover: Blinker Black stuck his hand in a snow blower and lost the ends of a couple of fingers - one of the hazards of retiring to northern New England.
Archie Crowley reported that he and Jean stepped back into harness after one year of retirement - by accepting a three-month call to Christ Church at Grosse Pointe, Mich. Then back to the quiet life on Cape Cod.
The sad news has been received of the death of three of our stalwarts: Ed Cogswell, Tom Maynard, and Louis Payne. Our deepest sympathy goes to their families.
I've just returned from three weeks in Kenya. where I attended meetings of the new United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi. It's heartening that an official U. N. agency has now joined the battle for a better environment.
Secretary, 5606 Vernon Place Bethesda, Md. 20034
Class Agent, 1605 Powers Run Road Pittsburgh, Pa. 15238 and 6 Meadow Lane Box 495 Hanover, N.H. 03755
