Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

CEEJAC Land Subcommittee

Land Subcommittee brings attention to urban environments and community participation in issues related to open space, remediation projects, brownfields, urban forestry, and (coastal) land acquisition. This subcommittee aims to:

  • Identify a public participation process that includes community stakeholders in the development of grant funding programs.  
  • Identify strategies for conserving and revitalizing/remediating land in urban environments.  
  • Identify opportunities to reduce barriers to accessing open space beyond urban parks. 

Council Members

  • Kathy Czepiel
  • Anna Ruth Pickett
  • Reggy Saint Fortcolin

Council Member Bios

August 12, 2025 | Solar Siting in Environmental Justice Communities
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Land Resource Hours

This new program provides an opportunity to learn about funding opportunities related to land resources, urban forestry, and conservation. These meetings will take place during the lunch hour and will feature grant program managers who will talk about upcoming opportunities, eligibility, application requirements, and available technical assistance. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and hear example funded projects. 

Trees for Communities, Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition, Urban Green and Community Garden

July 31, 2025 | Download Slides | Watch Meeting Recording

Urban Forestry

Urban forestry is the management and care of trees and green spaces in urban areas. There are a lot of social and health benefits urban forestry provides such as helping offset urban heat island effect. CEEJAC is providing DEEP's forestry division with feedback on a grant program that would allow recipients to pursue community forestry projects.

Previous Meetings:

Oct 13, 2023 - Land Subcommittee Meeting

Land Acquisition

April 4, 2024 - Land Subcommittee Meeting (Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition)

Open Space

April 25, 2025 - Land Subcommittee Meeting (State Green Plan)

February 22, 2024 - Land Subcommittee Meeting (Conservation and Development Plan)

Dec 1, 2023 - Land Subcommittee Meeting