*How to help: Please come to the meeting Tuesday night 9 May, 8pm at Goshen Center School and vote NO*

Dear Town of Goshen and Todd Carusillo, First Selectman,

As concerned members of the community, we urge you to take action to prevent destruction of the rural character of our town, preserve natural viewscape areas and habitat of endangered species. 

We urge you to prevent development of the property along CT RT 4, adjacent to land trust property. 

Our town is known for its natural beauty and unique rural charm, which attracts visitors from all over the world. However, we are now at risk of losing this precious resource due to urbanization and development. We long to preserve the rural character and natural viewscapes of our town for future generations. Development of the land on RT 4 adjacent to land trust property, (which contains a pristine wetland resource), is in direct conflict with that goal. 

According to a recent study by the National Wildlife Federation, more than one-third of all wildlife species in North America are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This includes many species that are native to our area, such as the Common nighthawk, a CT Endangered Species, which currently uses this undeveloped land and adjacent land trust land, for breeding. This land is now slated for development. This species plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity in our region and is part of our natural heritage in Goshen. Development of this land will irrevocably destroy breeding habitat for this species. 

Furthermore, development of this land will have negative impacts to the rural character and natural viewscapes of our town. 

Additionally, environmental consequences such as increased soil erosion and water runoff issues will be increased if this property is developed, which can harm both wildlife habitats, as well as human health, as a pristine wetland resource will be negatively impacted.

We believe that it is essential for Leaders like you to take steps toward preserving our town's rural character, while also protecting endangered species from further harm.

We ask that you consider implementing policies that prioritize conservation efforts over short-term economic gains. 

We ask that you:

1) Preserve rural character by preventing development of the land on CT RT 4, adjacent to Goshen Land Trust Property.

2) Work with Goshen Land Trust to preserve this parcel of land and preserve the breeding habitat of an endangered species. 

3) Encourage sustainable land use practices. 

4) Promote eco-tourism instead of large-scale commercial development.

5) Help provide incentives for landowners who protect their properties' natural features.

6) Establish protected areas for endangered species.

We hope that you will listen to our concerns and take action before it's too late.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Marissa Wright
Town of Goshen