Senate Bill SB1196 - Sec 10 currently under consideration in the Connecticut legislature authorizes a land swap by the State of 17 acres of public land (Clark Creek Wildlife Management Area) overlooking the Connecticut River in Haddam to private developers for a boutique tourist complex, shops, and an entertainment venue. This land, part of the Clark Creek Wildlife Management Area, is next to shore front state park conservation land and was paid for by tax dollars and deeded to be preserved as open space. This bill constitutes a violation of the public trust. We believe a trade of these 17 acres will set a very dangerous precedent as it is the first such divesting of conservation land in this manner in the state of Connecticut. It will make all Connecticut open space currently set aside for public use vulnerable to developers. If it happens in Haddam, it can happen anywhere in the State. We, the undersigned, call upon the legislature to remove Section 10 of this bill and honor their obligations to ensure that these lands in our State only be used directly for, and by, their true owners -- the public.

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