To the Editor:

The Candlewood Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has been working with town, state and federal agencies to protect the waters of Newtown for more than a decade. During that time we have raised over $250,000 for this work and community members have volunteered thousands of hours to restore and protect habitat along Deep Brook, the Pootatuck River, and Pond Brook.

Part of our efforts include working with town and state officials to protect land along Deep Brook. Deep Brook is one of only nine streams in the state to receive the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Class 1 Wild Trout Management Area designation in recognition of its clean water, abundant wild trout population and the commitment of the community to protect it.

A bill was passed in 2003 to transfer a parcel of land along Deep Brook to the Town of Newtown for open space and passive recreation purposes. Since that time, state and town officials worked to complete the transaction. That transfer would have provided additional protection for Deep Brook by leaving the land in an undeveloped state while allowing for public use and enjoyment. Instead, last week the Connecticut General Assembly transferred that same property to the Hubbard Foundation for private development.

We look forward to continuing to work with town officials, community members and private organizations to protect and restore cold water habitat in Newtown. We hope that the Hubbard Foundation will join with this group to safeguard this important resource.

Stephen Zakur

President

Candlewood Valley Chapter, Trout Unlimited

P.O. Box 3795, Danbury                      May 13, 2013