Connecticut Environmental Restriction Easement (WERE) is a legal tool designed to protect and preserve natural resources and environmentally sensitive areas in the state of Connecticut. It is a voluntary agreement between landowners and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) that restricts certain activities or land uses in order to ensure the long-term conservation of the land's ecological value. WERE aims to conserve habitat for wildlife, safeguard water quality, preserve open space, and maintain the scenic beauty of the region. It allows landowners to retain ownership and management control of their property while also providing public benefits by permanently restricting certain development activities. There are different types of Connecticut Environmental Restriction Easements, each tailored to protect specific natural resources or meet certain conservation goals. These include: 1. Habitat Preservation Restrictions: These easements focus on protecting critical habitats for endangered or threatened species. They ensure the necessary conditions for species survival and promote biodiversity conservation. 2. Water Quality Protection Easements: These easements target areas that contribute significantly to water quality, such as wetlands, riparian buffers, or lands adjacent to water bodies. Their purpose is to prevent pollution, control erosion, and maintain the integrity of water resources. 3. Scenic and Open Space Easements: These easements emphasize the preservation of scenic vistas and the maintenance of open space character within communities. They help protect significant landscapes and ensure their availability for recreational activities and cultural appreciation. 4. Agricultural Conservation Easements: These easements support the preservation of farmland and promote agricultural practices that are environmentally sustainable. They help prevent the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, ensuring the continuation of Connecticut's farming heritage. Through WERE, landowners receive several benefits, such as potential tax incentives, reduction in property taxes, access to technical and financial assistance, and eligibility for state and federal conservation programs. The protected land remains privately owned, but the easement's terms and conditions run with the land in perpetuity, passing on to future owners, ensuring the continued protection of Connecticut's natural resources. Connecticut Environmental Restriction Easements are an essential tool in conserving the state's ecological integrity, protecting natural resources, and maintaining the quality of life for current and future generations.