The state legislature in June 2011 ordered a forced transfer of a 17 acre parcel of Haddam protected open space overlooking the Connecticut River to a private developer. The land, part of the Clark Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is within the Gateway Conservation Zone, was purchased with public funds dedicated for open space and recreation. No factual inquiry was ever made to determine whether this transfer was in the public interest.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection previously found that the land"...being located on the Connecticut River, a prime natural feature of the Connecticut landscape, has high priority recreation, fishery, and conservation value, and is consistent with the state comprehensive plan for outdoor recreation and the state plan of conservation and development, and should be retained in its natural scenic or open condition as park or public open space,…". (the 2003 deed)

We, the undersigned citizens of the State of Connecticut, call on the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the town of Haddam, Conn. and the members of the Connecticut River Gateway Commission, to exercise their obligation to protect the public trust to ensure that this property remains forever as public open space, and that an appropriate planning process be implemented to provide economic development opportunities in the Tylerville section of Haddam which will benefit the public and will conform to the Connecticut River Gateway Commission’s standards.