July 22, 2011, NEW HAVEN, CT — Save the Sound, a program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and the Long Island Sound Study’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) announced today that they will begin to tour ports in Connecticut and New York next month to discuss the CAC’s newly completed Sound Vision Action Plan, a two-year action plan for the restoration and preservation of Long Island Sound.
The Sound Vision Action Plan contains four major components: protecting clean water to achieve a healthy Sound; creating safe and thriving places for all Sound creatures; building Long Island Sound communities that work; and investing in an economically vibrant Long Island Sound. The plan was crafted and unanimously adopted by the 37 members of the CAC, representing business, municipal, environmental, civic and academic organizations from around the Sound.
“After two years of working with stakeholders, community organizations, scientists and businesses, the CAC has developed a Sound Vision action plan that lays out clear steps to protect and heal the Sound,” said Curt Johnson, program director of CFE/Save the Sound and Connecticut co-chair of the CAC. “At the same time it also promotes our region’s traditional water-based industries and expansion of public access for all of our residents.”
“Each part of the Action Plan addresses a unique aspect of the Sound,” said Nancy Seligson, Mamaroneck Councilwoman and New York co-chair of the CAC. “From clean water and protecting wildlife to ensuring smart development along its coasts and investing in the local economy, each of these components is vital to the health of our greatest shared resource, Long Island Sound.”
“This report is a true community vision for Long Island Sound,” said Leah Schmalz, director of legislative and legal affairs for Save the Sound. “We are hopeful that this opportunity to unite the citizens of Connecticut and New York around a common agenda will help all residents of the region understand how their actions can protect the Sound and our local heritage, now and for future generations.”
At each port, the Sound Vision Action Plan will be unveiled in front of the Stamford-based SoundWaters schooner. Specifics of the plan will be highlighted by members of the CAC and elected officials at each port. Additionally, educational kiosks will be set up to provide information about the Sound and the Action Plan.
The Sound Vision Action Planning process was supported with funding from Long Island Sound Study, US Environmental Protection Agency and the Sunhill Foundation. This summer’s schooner tour is made possible by support from the New York Community Trust.
Below is a list of dates for the Sound Vision schooner tour. Details for each specific location, and information on how to reserve limited spots for a sail on the schooner, will be released closer to each date at the SoundWaters website.
August 1, 2011: Mamaroneck, NY
August 8, 2011: Port Jefferson, NY
August 15, 2011: Bridgeport, CT
August 24, 2011: Old Saybrook, CT
August 27, 2011: Mystic, CT
August 30, 2011: Hempstead Harbor, NY
September 6, 2011: Greenwich, CT
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