Our local wildlife is a treasure that needs protection and preservation. Shelton, Connecticut and the Housatonic River communities are home to diverse species of flora and fauna that contribute significantly to our ecosystem's balance. However, urban development and human activities are increasingly threatening their survival. 
This petition endeavors to protect a 26 acre property along the Housatonic river in south Shelton that includes Two Mile Island and its adjacent riverfront land. Specifically, this petition requests that the property became a part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.  This would make Shelton the 11th unit in this federally protected program. The Refuge, which is managed by the US Fish And Wildlife Service, protects some of the last remaining coastal habitats in Connecticut -- Places that are important to wildlife and at risk species that require space to subsist.

The Beard family have owned and conducted a business on this land for many years with their sand and gravel operation. Prior history suggests this land was part of a grazing pasture for dairy cattle and even served as an airport at one time….actually Shelton’s first and only airport!

Much of the Two Mile Island property lies in serious flood zone area. Its intertidal zone creates a habitat that has evolved to support species which cannot survive elsewhere. This includes shorebirds, shellfish, and juvenile finfish. Creating a local wildlife refuge can provide these species with the necessary shelter and protection they need to thrive. 

According to the National Wildlife Federation, protected areas like refuges play an essential role in conserving biodiversity by providing habitats for endangered species (source: National Wildlife Federation). In Connecticut alone, there are over 20 endangered or threatened animal species (source: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection).

By establishing a wildlife refuge in Shelton along our river, we not only protect our local biodiversity but also promote environmental education among residents. It will serve as an outdoor classroom for schools and families alike where they can learn about nature conservation firsthand. This protected area would also serve as an open space for activities such as trail walking, wildlife observation, photography, kayaking and other such recreational activities. This refuge would not only benefit Shelton residents but would also be an asset to surrounding river communities and Connecticut as a whole.

This idea to create a refuge here in Shelton was initiated by the Citizens Advisory board. This committee is a civilian group that advises and makes recommendations to the city regarding important matters of the community. This movement was then endorsed by Alderman John Anglace and Cris Balamaci, and on 11/9/2023 a bipartisan resolution was passed in support of this initiative by the full Board of Alderman! 

Let us unite as responsible citizens who value our natural heritage, and urge our city and state officials to take this step towards preserving our environment for future generations of city residents. 

Please sign this petition if you support safeguarding our local wildlife through the establishment of a dedicated refuge right here in Shelton, CT.  

**Of note signing this petition is FREE…no payment/donation to change.org needed in order to sign.