Save Oswegatchie Hills

Protect the last mile of this fragile coastal forest from ill-conceived development

The Oswegatchie Hills provide critical, undisturbed habitats for numerous native plants and animals, a safe haven for migrating birds, and an inspiring landscape for hiking, birding, and picnicking. The Hills also filter the water that runs into the Niantic River, a fragile tidal estuary that flows directly into Long Island Sound.

The best use of this vulnerable coastal forest is preservation, not development. For decades, the East Lyme Planning Commission has recommended that the rugged land be conserved. Fifteen years ago, when development threatened, grassroots organizations sprang up on both banks of the Niantic River to protect the Hills. In 2007, the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve was created. This private/public partnership protects 457 acres of the Oswegatchie Hills in perpetuity. 

But a crucial parcel of 236 acres along the River remains threatened by high-density housing, first proposed in 2002 by Landmark Development LLC. Landmark's latest development plan calls for 840 housing units, 1,767 parking spaces, and 36 acres of impervious surface. This dense development would denude the ridgeline, destroy precious forest and wetland, and seriously threaten water quality in the Niantic River and Long Island Sound.  

Save the Sound, the Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, and Save the River-Save the Hills have founded the Save Oswegatchie Hills Coalition to build and activate broad-based support for preserving all remaining open space in the Oswegatchie Hills.

Will you join us in the fight to permanently protect and Save Oswegatchie Hills?

By signing this petition, you express your support for protecting this last parcel of the Oswegatchie Hills from development. We'll share your support with key decision-makers and keep you updated on the fight.