Two articles April 4 illustrated the need for and obstacles facing land conservation in Connecticut. 

The first article, “Salt marshes need places to move, Nature Conservancy says,” referenced mapping of salt marsh migration due to rising sea levels. Migration will prove difficult due to the fact that much of our coastline is developed or blocked by Amtrak. Towns should be proactive in obtaining the few, available, undeveloped properties upland of marshes. 

Salt marshes provide many benefits. One, absorbing the impact of major storms. Two, improving water quality through filtration. Three, providing recreation and hunting opportunities. Four, providing wildlife and shellfish habitat. Over two-thirds of marine fish depend upon marshes and adjacent waters for nursery and spawning grounds. 

The second article, “Emptying Community Investment Act Fund would devastate conservation in Connecticut,” was Alexander Brash’s op-ed regarding the sweeping (I call it theft) of Community Investment Act funds by Gov. Malloy. CIA funds are supposed to be dedicated for four causes, one of which is open space preservation. 

How will towns acquire lands for salt marsh migration if the dedicated state funds, which are matched by private investment, are eliminated? 

The state legislature should pass a law making it illegal to misuse dedicated funds.

Richard Newton

Mystic