The Newtown Forest Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources in Newtown, Connecticut. It owns over 1,000 acres across 108 parcels to maintain the rural character of the community. The NFA is independent of the town and relies on donations, grants, and membership fees to manage the land, which includes activities like trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and property stewardship. Its goal is to permanently protect important landscapes and habitats in Newtown through land acquisition and conservation easements.

1. Newtown Forest Association
(Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust)
Holcombe Hill Looking North

2. About the NFAAbout the NFA
View of Holcombe Hill from the Parking Area

3. NFA MISSIONNFA MISSION
The NFA is dedicated to
accumulating and preserving open
space and natural resources for
public enjoyment within the Town
of Newtown, Connecticut and to
help maintain our the rural
character of our community.

4. Non-Profit OrganizationNon-Profit Organization
The NFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit
charitable organization
Donations are tax-deductible (1)
We are exempt from income taxes
We are exempt from property taxes
(1) Consult your tax accountant to see if this is applicable for your
individual circumstances.

5. INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENT
 The NFA is in no way associated with the
Town of Newtown
 The NFA does not receive taxpayer dollars
 The NFA is fiscally independent
 The NFA is managed by an all volunteer
Board of Directors that are residents of
Newtown and are not subject to the changes
in the political sediment; accordingly, we
can maintain our mission generation after
generation.

6. Membership Based OrganizationMembership Based Organization
Annually, a meeting is convened to
for the Board of Directors to present
to its Membership a summary of the
prior year activities and current year
plan
The Membership elects the Board of
Directors

7. Sunset from Holcombe Hill

8. SOURCE OF FUNDSSOURCE OF FUNDS
Primary Source of Revenue is
Investment Earnings, but we are
dependent on Donations, Grants and
Bequests to Fund Special projects
and increase our Endowment
Spending Cap established to hedge
inflation for the future
Governed by UPMIFA and have to
track donor restricted funds to
ensure they are only spent as the
donor dictates

9. LAND ACQUISITION SINKING FUND
• Objectives will to maintain a sustainable fundraising
campaign to solicit donations to be use only related to
land acquisition activities.
• This will provide funds that can be made available
quickly to respond to market driven or bargain sale
opportunities that may be identified.
• This will also provide funds that can be uses to satisfy
matching requirements related to grant stipulations.
• Will prepare us better for when another “Castle Hill”
type matter arises.

10. USE OF FUNDSUSE OF FUNDS
 Property Stewardship Costs are our biggest
expense.
– Recurring, such as mowing and haying
– Contingent, such as storm damage
– Special projects, such as invasive removal and
surveying
– Interns
 Largest Single Cost is Insurance
 Office and Caretaker Utilities
 No paid administrative personnel
 Caretaker works for residency

11. Highest PointHighest Point
JO
Holcombe Hill – Looking North

12. Newtown’s Largest PrivateNewtown’s Largest Private
Landowner (July 2014)Landowner (July 2014)
The NFA owns 1,076 Acres
This is from 108± individual parcels
Clustered, create 70 separate preserves
Several abut Town or State open space
Most acquired by donations
Most are deed restricted
NFA also preserves 91 Acres under
Conservation Easements

13. From Holcombe Hill – Sun Directly
Over the Former Gretch Property on
Castle Hill

14. Owned LandOwned Land
 Most of the land we own outright is
subject to deed restrictions placed on
them by the donors.
 As owners:
– Responsible for maintenance
– Responsible to honor deed conditions
– Responsible to enforce deed restrictions
– Responsible to monitor boundaries
– Responsible to enforce our rights
– Define permitted use and monitor them
– Goal is inspect every property annually

15. EncroachmentEncroachmentss
Vehemently
protecting our
boundaries
from
encroachment
Just because no
one lives on the
adjacent property
does not give you
the right to dump,
expand your lawn
or build structures

16. Conservation EasementsConservation Easements
Owner holds title to the property
NFA holds the development rights
Loss in value may be tax deductible
NFA not responsible for maintenance
NFA must enforce rights and ensure
property owner (and successors) do
not violate easement restrictions
Often not open to the public

17. Sunrise from Nettleton Preserve

18. WHAT ELSE DO WE DOWHAT ELSE DO WE DO
• Preserve and Improve Ecological Diversity:
 Assess Conservation Values
 Address Invasives/Encroachments
 Evaluate Expansion/Connectivity Opportunities
 Develop preserve specific management plans
• Evaluate Proposed & Future Preservation Properties:
The Newtown Forest Association will be the pre-eminent
organization for facilitating the preservation of open space in
Newtown
• Community Advocacy & Outreach
 Earth Day, Duck Race, Annual Meetings
 Maintain Trails & Conduct Guided Hikes
 Comment on Ecological Issues Raised by Proposed Developments
 Comment on Proposed State Legislative Matters
 Eagle Scout and Other Community Service Projects
• Partner & Contribute to Regional Preservation Efforts

19. Greenleaf PreserveGreenleaf Preserve Detailed Studies of Our Properties
Help Guide our Property
Management Plans

20. Eagle Scout Project - DockEagle Scout Project - Dock
Hattertown Pond/Strauss Preserve

21. Eagle Scout Project - BridgeEagle Scout Project - Bridge
GREENLEAF PRESERVE

22. Brunot PreserveBrunot Preserve
Trails, Guided Hikes and
Geocaching – Fun for All

23. Wasserman – Rocky GlenWasserman – Rocky Glen
Guided Hike Reveals
Quite the View

24. Maintaining Meadows Into the Fall
to Provide Habitat for Ground
Nesting Birds and Butterflies

25. Managing Beaver Habitats