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WHY THIS FIGHT MATTERS

Hammonasset State Park, the Hammonasset River, and the adjacent tidal wetlands support literally hundreds of species of birds, countless reptiles and amphibians, mammals, finfish and shellfish, and all of the plants, insects, and microorganisms that accompany such a complex ecosystem.  They also support a huge array of recreational and educational activities, with literally millions of visitors each year spending time in the park and on the river.

Such pristine coastal habitat is extremely rare in Connecticut, and is endangered by projects such as Madison Landing.  Pollution of the estuary by fertilizers, human waste, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants, including excess fresh water, will cause marked deterioration of the plant and animal life in and around these sensitive wetlands.  Water pollution, noise pollution and degradation of other aesthetic aspects of the Hammonasset State Park would unquestionably result from the construction of Madison Landing. 

Audubon Connecticut published an outstanding summary of the environmental issues at stake in the battle over Madison Landing, which can be found here.  Key points include the status of Hammonasset as an Important Bird Area (IBA) of global significance, due to the presence of multiple state and federally listed bird species, as well as hundreds of other bird species.  It serves as a migratory stopover area for many species of birds, and as a nursery area for finfish and shellfish.  The document also explores issues of Smart Growth land development, water pollution, and aesthetic and recreational degradation.

We highly recommend that you read their essay in order to help understand the scope of what will be lost if Madison Landing is constructed.

Another wonderful essay on the huge array of flora and fauna indigenous to Hammonasset can be accessed at the Long Island Sound Foundation Online Coastal Access GuideThis site also features fascinating monographs on the human and geological history of the park, and a summary of recreational opportunities available at Hammonasset.  See it here.

Current information on environmental issues pertaining to Long Island Sound, and opportunities for political action, can be found in the CT Audubon Spring 2006 newsletter, which is devoted entirely to the preservation of Long Island Sound!  This newsletter is essential reading for anyone interested in preserving the health of our coastal waters.  See it here.

On Sunday, July 22, 2007 The Hartford Courant published a front page story by David Funkhouser entitled Our Marshes are Dying.  It describes in great detail the rapid decline of our invaluable Connecticut salt marshes.  See it here.

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