Connecticut Association of Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions, Inc. (CACIWC) Annual 2025 Conference

Our 2025 Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference was held on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Please contact us at AnnualMtg@caciwc.org with any questions.

 Join us this year at the newly transformed Courtyard by Marriott Cromwell located at 4 Sebethe, Drive Cromwell, CT 06416.

Our Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers will present information on important emerging threats to our habitats and how to respond to these issues. Professor James O’Donnell, PhD will provide current climate and weather data, focusing on climate change and other factors that contribute to increased severe coastal and inland flooding events such as the August 2024 flooding in Oxford and the tragic Independence Day 2025 flooding in the hill country of Texas along with updated approaches to improving climate resilience.

State Representative Mary Mushinsky will continue discussions on preparing for severe weather events and improving climate resilience by outlining the value of stream and river riparian areas including providing an update of her work as Co-Chairperson of the Connecticut General Assembly Environment Committee Working Group on Riparian Buffers. She will also advise local commissions on how to respond to the continuing rollback of federal programs, staff, science funding, and regulations that have long supported efforts in conservation, environmental protection, and preparations for climate change.

 Thank you to our business and organization sponsors!

PATRON
GREAT HORNED OWL
BARRED OWL
	Janet P. Brooks, Attorney at Law, LLC
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	Magazine

Conference Schedule & Workshop Descriptions:

(Four Tracks, Three Sessions, 12 Workshops)

Session 1 (11:00 AM-12:00 PM):

A1. “Municipal environmental stewardship: Working together to conserve the secretive eastern spadefoot” (by invitation to these towns only*)  
Hank Gruner, Herpetologist, Member of the Andover Conservation Commission, & retired Vice President of Programs, CT Science Center, and Dennis Quinn, Herpetologist & Owner of Quinn Ecological, LLC.

The state-endangered eastern spadefoot is among New England’s rarest amphibians. In Connecticut, this unique frog is currently found in only nine towns, with a historic decline in at least a half dozen additional towns. Core populations are associated with sandy soils in low-lying areas within the Quinebaug River valley in eastern Connecticut and the northern Connecticut River valley in Hartford Country. These regions are experiencing significant land-use changes with the expansion of large-scale commercial development and solar fields. These developments present local commissions with a complexity of environmental challenges, including, the protection of species of greatest conservation need, wetlands, and other critical habitats.

The workshop is applicable to conservation commission and inland wetland commission members and will provide information on: the ecology of the eastern spadefoot, identifying and mapping areas with suitable surficial geology, identifying potential ephemeral breeding wetlands during site reviews, and conservation recommendations.

*Limited to commissioners & staff from these 17 towns: Brooklyn, Canterbury, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Griswold, Lisbon, Manchester, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Somers, South Windsor, Sterling, Suffield, Windsor, & Voluntown.

B1. “Inland Wetlands Law; CT DEEP Online Training Course Questions & Answers”
Janet Brooks, Attorney at Law, LLC with others
Wetlands training is now required for all! After watching the DEEP training modules are there questions you wished you could have asked a live presenter? Have you watched a module or two and were blown away by covering all of the wetlands act in module 2? This workshop is for you! Bring your questions from online training. Please also bring your municipal regulations in whatever format you will be accessing them at during every commission meeting – tablet, laptop or hard-copy. I will be working from the DEP Model Regulations, 4th edition (2006) and the CT inland wetlands statute. This will be a hands-on workshop. Have you been putting off starting the training? You, too, are invited to this workshop. Don’t come empty-handed, bring your regulations. This will be as much fun as a Tom Lehrer concert. (Google him!)  

C1. “Natural and manmade factors limiting stream dynamics: How policies on beaver management and culverts impact climate resilience.”
Louanne Cooley and Kayla Vargas from the Connecticut Institute of Resilience and Climate Adaptation (UConn CIRCA)
Current climate change modeling points to increased precipitation as temperatures rise. However, knowing where and when that precipitation will fall is unresolved. Towns can reduce vulnerability to flooding by understanding how waterways may be vulnerable to flooding under higher or extreme precipitation. Nature based solutions like riparian corridors or enhanced beaver habitat can slow down water flow allowing for more infiltration. Knowing where manmade constrictions like culverts are located and if these structures are adequate is a first step in increasing infrastructure resilience to future climate impacts. 

D1. “New CT DEEP Online GIS Tool for Evaluating Renewable Energy Siting (CREST)”
Stuart DeLand, CT DEEP, Environmental Analyst, Engineering, Safety, and Sustainability Division & Eric Hammerling, CT DEEP, Director, Office of Environmental Review & Strategic Initiatives (ERSI)
In May, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) launched a web-based tool to assist communities with the potential siting of solar projects and further the goal of increasing Connecticut’s supply of zero-carbon energy. The “Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool” (CREST) provides free access to ~35 layers of data – demographic, forestry, geology, land use, water, wildlife, and more – from state, federal, and institutional sources that can be used by municipal commissions, community planners, solar developers, conservation organizations, members of the public, and others to visualize where renewable energy best fits into Connecticut’s diverse landscape. This tool is free to use, does not require a Geographic Information Systems license or specialized training, is maintained for quality control by DEEP, and is available today for a variety of potential uses. Learn more about CREST and how to use it from the developers of the tool at DEEP.

Session 2 (1:30 PM-2:30 PM):

A2. “Implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan: CACIWC’s Essential Role, Part 1”
Brian Hess, Wildlife Biologist - Wildlife Diversity Program, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Kevin Burgio, Wildlife Biologist - Terwilliger Consulting, Inc., Katy Bischoff, PhD student, UConn, & Hank Gruner, Herpetologist & Andover Conservation Commission member
Connecticut’s 2025 Wildlife Action Plan identifies priority actions to address issues facing Connecticut’s native fish, wildlife and habitats for the next 10 years. Involvement from partners throughout the state is crucial to ensure that key actions in the 2025 Plan are implemented. Connecticut’s municipalities, particularly their Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions, are uniquely positioned to facilitate conservation actions at local levels. Additionally, the Plan can help municipalities with information including the development of Conservation and Development Plans and Natural Resource Inventories. Collectively, these local actions can result in major statewide benefits for the conservation of Connecticut’s native fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This two-session workshop will provide a forum for information sharing and dialogue to advance thinking and action related to implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan. Specific outcomes will include a list of actions that CACIWC members can focus on, ways for CACIWC members to benefit from the Plan, ideas for building momentum, and implementation stories to learn from. Part 1 includes basic information about the Wildlife Action Plan and introduces implementation tools developed for the 2025 revision.

B2. “2025 Wetlands Law & Regulations Update with Question & Answer Session”
Janet Brooks, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mark Branse, Halloran & Sage, LLP, & Retired Judge Marshall Berger, Jr. with Darcy Winther & Kristen O’Neill, State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
This always popular inland wetlands session has been brought back again to keep you current with the law. Bring your questions on any aspects of the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act (IWWA) three years following our 2022 celebration of the Act’s 50th Anniversary. Questions on inland wetlands regulations? There is still much to discuss! Come ready to pose questions as you try to stump the team! 

C2. “Riparian tree canopy density as a key indicator of water quality: Fostering informed wetland management in Connecticut’s towns and watersheds.”
Tracey L. Miller, PhD, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Kentucky and Mariana A. Fragomen, PhD, College of Agriculture, Health, & Natural Resources, University of Connecticut
A positive relationship exists between riparian trees and the condition and function of wetlands and watercourses. Consequently, high degrees of riparian disturbance can create widespread stressors on wetlands and watercourses. Research in silviculture has identified an optimal balance of dappled shade and open sunlight to support stream integrity in isolated, naturalized areas. However, less is known about the relationship between riparian tree canopy density (RTCD) and water quality along urban-rural gradients. This data gap constrains wetland managers from making informed decisions on tree removal for wetland permit applications. This project identifies relationships between RTCD and watercourse integrity in Connecticut over a ten-year period. The project uses existing forest cover and water quality data to identify RTCD within 300-meter watercourse buffers adjacent to unimpaired wetlands and watercourses contrasted with impaired wetlands and watercourses. The project identifies 40 municipalities of special concern and recommends adding riparian tree ordinances to their planning and zoning regulations. Identifying RTCD as a key indicator of water quality has important implications for Connecticut's public policy, riparian management, and planning efforts.

D2. “Free & Field-Tested: How CT RC&D’s Environmental Review Team Can Help Your Municipality”
Christian Swanson, Energy & Environmental Programs Coordinator,  Jocelyn Lahey, Executive Director, Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (CT RC&D), & Jim Cordier, Hebron Wetlands Agent/Land Use Assistant
In this workshop, CT RC&D will highlight the Environmental Review Team (ERT) program, which provides municipalities and land trusts with a team of expert volunteers who complete natural resource inventories, offer best management practices, and support conservation-based decision making. You will learn about the history of the ERT program, the application process, how CT RC&D coordinates site visits & the review process, and have the opportunity to view some completed ERT reports. Jim Cordier, Hebron Wetlands Agent/Land Use Assistant will share his town's experience and tell us how they have utilized their ERT report in land-use decision making and conservation efforts.

Session 3 (2:45 PM-3:45 PM):

A3. “Implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan: CACIWC’s Essential Role, Part 2”
Brian Hess, Wildlife Biologist - Wildlife Diversity Program, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Kevin Burgio, Wildlife Biologist - Terwilliger Consulting, Inc., Katy Bischoff, PhD student, UConn, & Hank Gruner, Herpetologist & Andover Conservation Commission member
Connecticut’s 2025 Wildlife Action Plan identifies priority actions to address issues facing Connecticut’s native fish, wildlife and habitats for the next 10 years. Involvement from partners throughout the state is crucial to ensure that key actions in the 2025 Plan are implemented. Connecticut’s municipalities, particularly their Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions, are uniquely positioned to facilitate conservation actions at local levels. Additionally, the Plan can help municipalities with information including the development of Conservation and Development Plans and Natural Resource Inventories. Collectively, these local actions can result in major statewide benefits for the conservation of Connecticut’s native fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This two-session workshop will provide a forum for information sharing and dialogue to advance thinking and action related to implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan. Specific outcomes will include a list of actions that CACIWC members can focus on, ways for CACIWC members to benefit from the Plan, ideas for building momentum, and implementation stories to learn from. Part 2 includes information about how conservation commission priorities mesh with the Wildlife Action Plan and a discussion of challenges and opportunities for implementation.

B3. “Updates on Approaches to Protection of Riparian Areas”
Alicea Charamut, Executive Director, Rivers Alliance of Connecticut with Mark Branse, Halloran & Sage, LLP, Janet Brooks, Attorney at Law, LLC, Retired Judge Marshall Berger, Jr. & Joan Nichols, CT Certified Forester
The importance of protecting riparian areas has grown to national prominence during recent severe flooding events throughout the country. In addition to helping to mitigate storms, these areas are valuable in the protection of aquatic habitats, water quality and essential for source water protection. The scope of work of the CT General Assembly “Working Group on Riparian Buffers” currently underway will be discussed along with a comparison of the approaches to regulating buffers and upland review areas while emphasizing the role of local land use agencies in protection of these critical areas. Several experts on inland wetlands and planning & zoning law will be available to provide updates and respond to legal questions along with a CT certified forester who will discuss riparian forests and a Timber Harvest Notification Form.

C3. “CT DEEP Volunteer Water Monitoring Program & Cold-Water Stream Habitat Mapping”
Melissa Czarnowski, Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator and Mary Becker, Water Monitoring & Assessment Supervisor Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
Connecticut is fortunate to be a water-rich state, home to thousands of miles of rivers and streams and thousands of acres of lakes and ponds. One of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Water Monitoring and Assessment Program’s primary tasks is to conduct water quality monitoring assessments to evaluate the conditions of all waters in the State. Given limited staff resources, this wealth of water resources presents a challenge to achieve this goal by DEEP staff alone. One way DEEP has enhanced assessments is by utilizing volunteer data to work towards this goal. This presentation will provide an overview of DEEP’s volunteer water monitoring programs and how your community can get involved! You will also learn about how DEEP uses fish and temperature data, including data collected by volunteers, to map cold-water habitat that is critical for some of our most sensitive native species to survive. 

D3. “The Why and the How of Land Conservation for Municipalities”
Kathy Czepiel, Connecticut Land Protection Manager. Save the Sound and Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director, Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC)
So, you’ve signed up to serve on your town’s conservation commission. Now it’s time to get to work! But how do you go about conserving land in your community? And why? Intended for conservation commissioners who are newer to land conservation, this presentation will walk you through the role of conservation commissions and how to establish your conservation values, identify and prioritize land acquisitions, collaborate with the community, fund the purchase of land or a conservation easement, access helpful resources, and help your town become a better steward of the land you hold.

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY

Registration & Breakfast
8:00 – 8:45 am

Welcome & Business Meeting 
8:45 – 9:00 am

Keynote Speaker Panel
9:00 – 10:45 am

Break 1    
10:45 – 11:00 am

Session 1 Workshops  
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Break 2     1
2:00 – 12:15 pm

Lunch  
12:15 – 1:15 pm

Break 3    
1:15 – 1:30 pm

Session 2 Workshops  
1:30 – 2:30 pm

Break 4    
2:30 – 2:45 pm

Session 3 Workshops    
2:45 – 3:45 pm

Exhibits close    
4:00 pm

Conference ends    
4:15 pm

Support the 2025 Conference as a Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Advertiser!

• Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Advertiser Registration Form 
  
  
• Non-Profit Exhibitor Registration Form
  
  

For information on our Annual Meeting,
please email us at: AnnualMtg@caciwc.org