6. Careful stewardship of Connecticut's finite water, land, wildlife and forestry resources and the preservation of the State's rich cultural and historic heritage will assure their availability for future generations.

6a. Percentage of the land in the state that has been retained as DEP owned open space
Explanation: The target assumes the current program funding and personnel level. As a result, progress is limited to the acquisition of an average of 3,000 acres per year of state owned open space. The current goal is to set aside 10% of the area of Connecticut in state owned open space and recreation. This goal will not be met by the year 2015 based on this approach to target setting. Acreage data and targets include lands owned by DEP for open space as well as permanent open space easements that have been acquired from quasi-public preservation organizations. Discussion: This benchmark will measure progress made by Connecticut to provide the natural, cultural and historical assets critical to maintaining the quality of life; to attracting and satisfying visitors to the state as part of the state's growing $2.5 billion tourism industry; and to providing an attractive setting for homes and businesses. This benchmark is based only on state owned land because the emphasis here is on the acquisition of large blocks of land that are of statewide or regional significance. Data Sources: DEP -- Land Acquisition & Management Division Deed Books

6b. Number of acres of forest land in parcels of 20 acres or more
Explanation: The U.S. Forest Service conducts forest resource inventory studies on a 10-year cycle. The DEP Division of Forestry will be utilizing the USFS data on owners of forestland where inventory plots are located and will annually survey those owners for change in acres owned. That data will track parcel size. Discussion: The benchmark provides a measurement of change and fragmentation of the pattern of forest ownership. Reduction in parcel sizes results in reduced opportunity for effective management of the forest resource and increases the number of landowners who must be contacted and motivated to effect management. Fragmentation of large block of land also has an impact of wildlife habitat and prevalence of certain wildlife species. Data Sources: DEP Division of Forestry

6c. Percentage of municipalities with an active conservation commission
Explanation: Data and target include stand alone conservation commissions and conservation commissions that also administer the inland wetland permit program at the municipal level. Discussion: This benchmarks is one measure of the conservation and stewardship effort at the municipal level. Data Sources: Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions

6d. Thousands of acres of forest land in parcels of 10 acres or more that are managed in accordance with a plan prepared under the CT Forest Stewardship Program
Explanation: The DEP Division of Forestry will utilize a U.S. Forest Service forest inventory database to annually survey a sample of landowners. This will provide information to track landowner participation in the CT Forest Stewardship Program. Discussion: This benchmark provides a measurement of the effectiveness of the DEP Division of Forestry's efforts to motivate and to educate private forest landowners to properly manage their forest resources. The Forest Stewardship Program's threshold for participation is 10 acres. Data Sources: DEP Forestry surveys

6e. Percentage of species and habitats in compliance with management goals:
6e1. Percentage of upland habitats preserved that are critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems
Explanation: The targets assume an average annual rate of protection of upland habitat from development of 10,000 acres per year by acquisition, forfeiture of development rights, easements, gifts, donations to land trust, etc. Discussion: The majority of the land in the state is classified as upland habitat. Virtually all upland habitats are critical to preserving the quality of the State's ecosystems. The diverse forest types within this habitat hosts the majority of wildlife in the state. The quality and quantity of upland habitat which is protected will determine the type and number of wildlife species which Connecticut can support. Data Sources: DEP -- Wildlife and Land Acquisition and Management Divisions

6e2. Percentage of wildlife species with optimal population levels
Explanation: Targets are based on vertebrate species only. Currently there are approximately 429 vertebrate species present in Connecticut. 81 of these species are currently listed as endangered, threatened and of special concern. An estimated 50 more species exist at lower than desired levels. An estimated 15-20 species occur at higher than desired levels. Discussion: Although "wildlife" encompasses invertebrates, this benchmark was developed for vertebrate species only, because a better database exists on vertebrates. Optimal populations represent a range (comfort zone) at which populations exist at viable numbers and yet do not exist at great enough densities where they would be considered undesirable or nuisance species. Data Sources: DEP -- Wildlife and Natural Diversity Data Base

6e3. Percentage of inland fish species in compliance with management goals
Explanation: Targets are based upon data gathered on: age and growth of fish species in specific areas; species diversity in specific areas; and fish population numbers/dynamics/balance in specific areas. In addition, angler satisfaction and number of angler days generated by various fisheries were considered. Discussion: This benchmark represents efforts to manage inland fish species to provide diverse consumptive and non-consumptive opportunities for the public which are consistent with habitat capacity and healthy fish population levels. Data Sources: DEP -- Stream Survey, Lake & Pond Survey, and Angler Surveys

6e4. Percentage of marine fish species at long term sustainable populations
Explanation: Interstate management plans were used to develop the targets because the fish species on Long Island Sound are highly migratory. Discussion: Currently there are 11 management plans with various goals for each species. Some plans have goals such as managing fishing mortality, maximizing spawning or stock rebuilding over a 5-7 year period. Data Sources: DEP Fisheries Division, National Marine Fish Services, Other Atlantic Coast States -- Marine Recreational Fish Statistics Survey, National Marine Fish Services, CT Commercial Fishery Statistic System

6e5. Percentage of deer management zones in which populations are balanced with biological and cultural carrying capacity
Explanation: Acceptable deer population levels in each management zone are monitored from harvest data, road kill data, deer damage complaints and periodic aerial surveys. Targets also take into consideration anticipated success of hunting to reduce deer populations in most zones to achieve acceptable levels. Discussion: Deer populations have the capacity to be very prolific. Large numbers of deer cause excessive damage to ecosystems and plantings (commercial & residential), present serious hazard on roadways and play a significant role in the prevalence of Lyme Disease. On the other hand, deer are highly valued as a beautiful species of wildlife and also as a highly desirable game species. The goal is to maintain deer populations at desirable levels. Data Sources: DEP Wildlife Division -- Deer Program Data Base

6f. Acreage of farmland preserved in Connecticut through state development rights purchased or by other means
Explanation: Over the past 14 years the CT Farmland Preservation Program has been acquiring an average of 1900 acres of farmland each year. The proposed targets assume this rate of acquisition will continue to the year 2015. This approach to target setting does not achieve by the year 2015 the state goal or preserving 140,000 acres of farmland. Discussion: This benchmark will determine the progress in attaining the Connecticut Farmland Preservation Program goal of acquiring development rights on 140,000 acres. The rapid and permanent conversion of farmland to other land uses raised concern for the continuing ability of the state to provide for its food needs. To meet 50% of the annual demand for fresh milk and 70% of the in-season demand for fresh fruits and vegetables, the Food Protection Plan for Connecticut recommended the need for the preservation of 140,000 acres of farmland of which at least 85,000 acres are prime or important cropland soils that are devoted to the production of these foods. Targets represent total farmland preserved and not just prime or important cropland soils. Data Sources: CT Department of Agriculture -- CT Farmland Preservation Program

6g. Acres of shellfish beds with adequate shellfish base and spawning stock under cultivation
Explanation: At the historic peak in the harvesting of shellfish, 88,000 acres were actively harvested. The target is to again achieve this historic benchmark. This is an aggressive target to reach by the year 2015 as it assumes that over 2000 new acres of shellfish beds are added each year. This rate of expansion is equal to approximately four times the average annual rate of increase over the past 12 years. Discussion: This benchmark will measure the pace at which CT restores to active management the Long Island Sound shellfish beds. Data Sources: CT Dept. of Agriculture -- Shellfish Bed Licensing

6h. Percentage of the currently estimated 20 year demand for sand, gravel and traprock resources that are adequately protected to ensure future availability
Explanation: A significant amount of data collection and analysis will have to be accomplished before targets can be established. A review of existing sand and gravel and bedrock inventory mapping and other data sources would have to be undertaken; a plan of work to acquire estimated volumes would have to be developed; the town zoning and areas under exclusion regulation such as aquifers, flood and wetland areas would have to be inventoried and mapped; and, existing development, infrastructure and excluded properties (i.e. federal, state and local parks, essential habitat, preserve and forest land) would also have to be inventoried and mapped. Discussion: This benchmark will determine the distribution of sand, gravel and traprock resources; those sand, gravel and traprock resources excluded from potential use because of conflicting existing land uses, zoning and regulatory requirements; and reasonable estimates of tonnage or volumes of materials actually available for use in the future. Data Sources: DEP -- Economic Earth Materials

6i. Percentage of significant natural, known archeological, cultural and historic sites that are preserved
Explanation: Several state agencies, many municipalities and numerous private, non-profit organizations actively pursue preservation of natural, archeological, cultural and historic resources. There is no common database and criteria to determine current baseline conditions and to set targets. Discussion: This benchmark will measure progress made in Connecticut by the cooperative efforts of the State, cities and towns, federal government and private non-profit organizations to preserve sites that define the heritage of Connecticut; contribute to Connecticut's quality of life; support the State's tourism industry; and provide the natural, historical and cultural amenities sought by industry and business leaders. Data Sources: Various; not coordinated

6j. Percentage of coastal communities implementing up-to-date: municipal coastal programs, and harbor management plans
Explanation: For the purposes of the targets within this benchmark, "Up To Date" means adopted or revised within the past 10 years. MCP's have been developed and approved for all coastal communities who are likely to prepare plans (82% of coastal communities), however, many are currently in need of updating and it is anticipated that over the years, most of the plans will need to be updated. HMP's targets are based on plans which are currently being implemented. It is estimated that the total number of coastal communities that are likely to propose or implement HMPs will not exceed 70%. Discussion: This benchmark will steer land, water and coastal resource use patterns to be compatible with coastal resource protection standards for coastal towns. Data Sources: DEP-Office of Long Island Sound Program -- Approved MCP's & HMP's

6k. Number of rivers managed as a "protected river"
Explanation: The targets assume approximately three years to complete each river protection project and that only one project at a time will be moving through the process. Discussion: This benchmark addresses the small number of high quality rivers, which include exceptional wildlife, recreational and other values. Data Sources: DEP -- Legislation establishing this process was passed in 1994. As a result there is no knowledge of the number of stream segments to be designated as potential protected rivers and there is no experience as to the pace of establishing protection plans and processes.

6l. Miles of river channels and river front lands restored
Explanation: The targets are rough estimates which assume one half a mile of degraded river channels will be restored each year. Discussion: Legislation which addresses the issue of degraded river channels was passed in 1994. The state Clean Water Fund will finance the restoration of degraded segments of rivers with an emphasis on habitat restoration. Data Sources: DEP -- Data not available yet.

7. All Connecticut residents will enjoy a diverse mix of well maintained, scenic and accessible park and outdoor recreational facilities.

7a. Percentage of peak demand that can be accommodated at state parks and recreational facilities
Explanation: If number/length of closings increase, additional parking, site development and/or land acquisition need to be considered. Discussion: To meet objective standards for future land acquisition and park development needs. Data Sources: DEP -- State parks attendance data.

7b. Percentage of state natural resource recreational facilities meeting adopted standards: state parks, state forests, and boat launches
Explanation: This benchmark will determine the progress of bringing the state park system infrastructure and site amenities up to building code standards and public recreation facility standards. Discussion: The infrastructure of state parks, state forests and boat launches have received marginal support in terms of major repairs or renovations from capital funding. As a result, a majority of buildings and structures are obsolete with respect to fire code, building code and ADA compliance. Several buildings and facilities are closed to the public because of non-compliance and the inability to maintain them under current conditions. A significant increase in the level of funding will be required to meet the targets. Data Sources: DEP -- State Parks

7c. Number of well maintained state outdoor parks and recreational facilities: state parks, state forests, and boat launches
Explanation: This benchmark will measure the ability to maintain the state park system according to a standard of quality that will insure a positive recreational experience for the visitor. The inadequacies of infrastructure noted in 7b compound the shortfall of operational resources necessary to meet that standard of quality. Discussion: The quality of recreational experience and the resulting image of the state park system has a direct bearing on the level of public service it provides. It also affects the level of visitation and the amount of revenue to the state. The state park system also plays a major role in the tourism industry and is responsible for indirect financial benefits to the local economies. Data Sources: DEP

7d. Number of access sites to lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound needed to meet demand: fishing access, boating access and swimming access
Explanation: There are currently 58,000 trailerable boats registered in the state and 5,300 state and municipal parking spaces. At a ratio of 11 boats per space, current demand greatly exceeds availability. The largest need for additional boating access exists in southwestern CT with a particular emphasis on Long Island Sound. Additional swimming capacity for the shoreline is anticipate with Silver Sands coming on line in the future. Additional swimming sites inland will be targeted primarily in the northeast and northwestern regions of the state. The approximate 50% increase in fishing access should be accommodated primarily through leases and permanent easements. Discussion: This benchmark will determine the number of additional sites and increased capacity to accommodate demand levels for the three major types of water-based recreation. Data Sources: DEP

8. Connecticut's critical environmental habitats will be protected and the diversity of existing species will be maintained in order to protect the delicate balance of Connecticut's unique ecological systems.

8a. Percentage of native plants, fish, and wildlife species that are listed endangered, threatened or of special concern of the 1992 base inventory
Explanation: As sites are protected and inventories increase some species will be dropped from the list. However, as the understanding of Connecticut's biota improves it is expected that additional species will be added to the 1992 regulated state endangered species list. Discussion: The objective of listing plants and animal is to allow for protection and recovery of those species identified. The goal is to maintain or increase populations in order to be able to downlist or delist the species. Current active management efforts are limited to a small number of species due to funding and manpower constraints. Data Sources: DEP -- Natural Diversity Data Base

8b. Percentage of federal and state endangered, threatened or special concern species that are protected on DEP land
Explanation: The stability and diversity fo species i the state are affected by the high degree of development and fragmentation of hte natural environment. Providing suitable habitats on state-owned land is an important way to mitigate these impacts. Discussion: This benchmark will protect populations of federal and state listed endangered, threatened and of special concern species on DEP lands. Existing legislation for endanger species mandated the department protect the listed species by stabilizing or increasing populations of state-listing species. On state land, essential habitat is protected by statute, although regulations and criteria are needed to identify it. Data Sources: DEP and the Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey -- Natural Diversity Data Base

8c. Acres of potentially restorable, degraded tidal wetland, coves and embayments which have been restored
Explanation: Historically coastal resources have been impaired by road, railroad and other construction that has inhibited the tidal flows and impaired the coastal habitat. This benchmark will measure progress in the restoration where corrective measures are feasible. Discussion: This benchmark will determine the protection of the tidal wetland and coves and embayments habitat based on the net change in conditions since the Tidal Wetlands Protection Act of 1970, and the Coves & Embayments statutes enacted in 1983. Data Sources: DEP-Office of Long Island Sound Program, Restoration Unit

8d. Acres of inland wetlands lost annually
Explanation: Targets are based upon limited historic data. Currently wetlands are loss through permitted activities. This benchmark will measure progress in reducing this loss to zero. Discussion: The goal is to achieve no net loss of wetlands. Where permitted uses can not avoid, minimize or mitigation the loss of wetlands, it is desirable to offset this loss by the creation of wetlands with similar values elsewhere. Data Sources: DEP/Water Management Bureau Inland Water Resources

8e. Percentage of public and private land with completed biological diversity inventories
Explanation: Targets are base on the number of inventories that are underway and the expected time of completion. Discussion: Inventories of at least 20 groups will give Connecticut a good baseline for evaluating the biological diversity of Connecticut. Data Sources: DEP and the Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey -- biological inventories

8f. Acres of habitat preserved that are critical to the Long Island Sound and coastal ecosystems
Explanation: No complete inventories exist of submerged aquatic vegetation. Inventories of wetland, beaches and dunes, coastal forests and offshore islands need to be updated. Additional staff would be required in order to identify the critical habitats, determine the degree of existing protection and develop a database and strategy for further preservation of the habitats identified. Discussion: This benchmark addresses habitat protection and species diversity for coastal ecosystems. This benchmark will determine preservation of sufficient, contiguous areas of diverse aquatic and land habitats to maintain Long Island Sound as healthy functioning ecosystems. Data Sources: DEP Office of Long Island Sound Program and Natural Resource Center

8g. Percentage of habitats preserved that are critical to upland ecosystems
Explanation: Targets assume that the identification of upland community types is possible within the time frames specified but additional funding and staff will be required for actual protection. Discussion: By using community classification system protocols, the best examples of critical habitats will be identified of each upland community type. Data Sources: DEP and the Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey