A. Open Space Preservation
Many residents attending public meetings during the
Conservation and Development Plan planning process were concerned that
land development was changing the character of the community, resulting
in a feeling of less "openness" and creating a sense of urgency that more
needed to be done to preserve open space in Windsor. Residents also
expressed strong interest in providing for public access to preserved open
space and establishing an open space strategy to guide open space preservation
efforts.
B. Agricultural Resources
The land use survey conducted as part of the Town's
recent planning process found that roughly 3,661 acres, or 18%, of Windsor's
land area is being used for agricultural purposes. Preserving agricultural
land will help to maintain community character and the overall ambience
of the community.
C. Balanced Development
How can a community achieve a
balance between development and conservation of open space?
Windsor's current Plan of Conservation and Development discusses this
challenge. Several means of pursuing this are covered in the
following section of this web site:
D. Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Household hazardous waste cannot be simply thrown
out with the trash, flushed, or poured down the drain because it passes
the problem along to the environment, polluting the air and the water.
Examples of such wastes include herbicides, charcoal lighter fluid, paint
thinner, gasoline, antifreeze, oil-based paints and many other household
items. The Conservation Commission has assisted The Metropolitan
District Commission (MDC) with their annual collection of household hazardous
wastes in Windsor. Please take advantage of this service to dispose
of left-over wastes in your garage or kitchen.
E. Invasive Species
What do oriental bittersweet, purple loosestrife
and burning bush all have in common? They are non-native plants that
are quickly bullying out natural plants in Connecticut. A March,
2005 New York Times article stated that "...invasive plants are deemed
the second greatest environmental problem in [Connecticut], right behind
the decline of open spaces.
Plants are not the only invaders. Major problems
also exist with imported insects, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles
and microbes. From your choice of aquarium and garden plants to the
thorough cleaning of boat hulls, engine props, & boat trailers, there
are many things you can do to curtail the spread of invasive species.
F. Stormwater Disposal
Stormwater is defined as precipitation from rainfall
or snowmelt that flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces such as driveways,
sidewalks and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the
ground.
Along the way, this stormwater collects debris, dirt,
motor oils, animal droppings, soaps, fertilizers, pesticides, and other
pollutants. These pollutants then flow into the drainage collection system
from catch basins and culverts to wetlands, marshes, brooks and eventually
into the rivers. This stormwater is discharged untreated and thus affects
the water bodies and those that use the water bodies for use as recreational
activities and for providing drinking water.
Dealing with this problem requires the concerted
efforts of both town officials and the public.
Photos courtesy of Town of Windsor web site taken
by Windsor’s own Dr. Leonard Hellerman and Wayne Dombkowski
