Newtown Forest Association

(Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust)

Holcombe Hill Looking North

About the NFAAbout the NFA

View of Holcombe Hill from the Parking Area

NFA MISSIONNFA MISSIONThe NFA is dedicated to

accumulating and preserving open space and natural resources for

public enjoyment within the Town of Newtown, Connecticut and to

help maintain our the rural character of our community.

Non-Profit OrganizationNon-Profit OrganizationThe NFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit

charitable organizationDonations are tax-deductible (1)

We are exempt from income taxesWe are exempt from property taxes

(1) Consult your tax accountant to see if this is applicable for your individual circumstances.

INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENT The NFA is in no way associated with the

Town of Newtown The NFA does not receive taxpayer dollars The NFA is fiscally independent The NFA is managed by an all volunteer

Board of Directors that are residents of Newtown and are not subject to the changes in the political sediment; accordingly, we can maintain our mission generation after generation.  

Membership Based OrganizationMembership Based Organization

Annually, a meeting is convened to for the Board of Directors to present to its Membership a summary of the prior year activities and current year plan

The Membership elects the Board of Directors

Sunset from Holcombe Hill

SOURCE OF FUNDSSOURCE OF FUNDSPrimary Source of Revenue is

Investment Earnings, but we are dependent on Donations, Grants and Bequests to Fund Special projects and increase our Endowment

Spending Cap established to hedge inflation for the future

Governed by UPMIFA and have to track donor restricted funds to ensure they are only spent as the donor dictates

LAND ACQUISITION SINKING FUND

• Objectives will to maintain a sustainable fundraising campaign to solicit donations to be use only related to

land acquisition activities.

• This will provide funds that can be made available quickly to respond to market driven or bargain sale

opportunities that may be identified.

• This will also provide funds that can be uses to satisfy matching requirements related to grant stipulations.

• Will prepare us better for when another “Castle Hill” type matter arises.

USE OF FUNDSUSE OF FUNDS Property Stewardship Costs are our biggest

expense. – Recurring, such as mowing and haying– Contingent, such as storm damage– Special projects, such as invasive removal and

surveying– Interns

Largest Single Cost is Insurance Office and Caretaker Utilities No paid administrative personnel Caretaker works for residency

Highest PointHighest PointJO

Holcombe Hill – Looking North

Newtown’s Largest Newtown’s Largest Private Landowner (July Private Landowner (July

2014)2014)The NFA owns 1,076 Acres This is from 108± individual parcelsClustered, create 70 separate preservesSeveral abut Town or State open space Most acquired by donationsMost are deed restricted NFA also preserves 91 Acres under

Conservation Easements

From Holcombe Hill – Sun Directly Over the Former Gretch Property on

Castle Hill

Owned LandOwned Land Most of the land we own outright is

subject to deed restrictions placed on them by the donors.

As owners:– Responsible for maintenance– Responsible to honor deed conditions– Responsible to enforce deed restrictions– Responsible to monitor boundaries– Responsible to enforce our rights – Define permitted use and monitor them– Goal is inspect every property annually

EncroachmentEncroachmentss

Vehemently protecting our

boundaries from

encroachment

Just because no one lives on the

adjacent property does not give you the right to dump, expand your lawn or build structures

Conservation EasementsConservation EasementsOwner holds title to the propertyNFA holds the development rightsLoss in value may be tax deductibleNFA not responsible for maintenanceNFA must enforce rights and ensure

property owner (and successors) do not violate easement restrictions

Often not open to the public

Sunrise from Nettleton Preserve

WHAT ELSE DO WE DOWHAT ELSE DO WE DO• Preserve and Improve Ecological Diversity: Assess Conservation Values Address Invasives/Encroachments Evaluate Expansion/Connectivity Opportunities Develop preserve specific management plans• Evaluate Proposed & Future Preservation Properties:The Newtown Forest Association will be the pre-eminent

organization for facilitating the preservation of open space in Newtown 

• Community Advocacy & Outreach Earth Day, Duck Race, Annual Meetings Maintain Trails & Conduct Guided Hikes Comment on Ecological Issues Raised by Proposed Developments Comment on Proposed State Legislative Matters Eagle Scout and Other Community Service Projects• Partner & Contribute to Regional Preservation Efforts

Greenleaf PreserveGreenleaf Preserve Detailed Studies of Our Properties Help Guide our Property

Management Plans

Eagle Scout Project - DockEagle Scout Project - Dock

Hattertown Pond/Strauss Preserve

Eagle Scout Project - BridgeEagle Scout Project - Bridge

GREENLEAF PRESERVE

Brunot PreserveBrunot PreserveTrails, Guided Hikes and Geocaching – Fun for All

Wasserman – Rocky GlenWasserman – Rocky GlenGuided Hike Reveals

Quite the View

Maintaining Meadows Into the Fall to Provide Habitat for Ground Nesting Birds and Butterflies

Managing Beaver Habitats