• enviro corps
    Providing information, education and assistance to land use decision makers, in support of balancing growth and natural resource protection.

New and Upcoming

Smartphone GPS Training

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Hands-on Workshop, April 23

CLEAR is now offering a new half-day, in-person workshop at our Haddam office. Participants will learn how to use their iOS or Android devices to collect and share GPS data and make maps.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Climate Adaptation

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Adapt CT Website

CLEAR and Connecticut Sea Grant work to provide information, tools, trainings an workshop opportunities to assist municipalities, businesses and residents of Connecticut in their efforts to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

Landcover Data

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1-meter resolution land cover for Connecticut!!

CLEAR is happy to announce the arrival of new high resolution statewide land cover—1 meter pixel resolution and 17 classes. Thanks to our partners at NOAA Office of Coastal Management for developing this awesome dataset.

VIEW CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Land Use Commissioner Training

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We are currently expanding the Land Use Academy program to offer more trainings in both in-person and virtual settings, cover additional topics, and provide new video training modules for commissioners.  Keep an eye out for new exciting changes. 

As of January 1, 2023, planning and zoning commissioners in the State of Connecticut are required to complete at least four hours of training as required under the Section 8-4c of Connecticut General Statutes.

UConn CLEAR, in collaboration with OPM, has set up a statewide Land Use Commissioner Training Calendar to help towns and commissioners locate training opportunities in line with these requirements. This includes events from providers throughout the state as well as ongoing virtual trainings.

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What’s Legally Required? 8th Edition

book cover imageMike Zizka has collaborated with UConn CLEAR on the printing of his latest (8th) edition of What's Legally Required?: A guide to the legal rules for making local land use decisions in the State of Connecticut. This 273 page book is the definitive reference guide for land use planners and commissioners in the State of Connecticut.

Click here for details and to purchase.

Featured Projects

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CT MS4 Guide

CT NEMO is providing tools, training and other support to communities facing new stormwater rules under the MS4 general permit.

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CLEAR Story Map Gallery

Story Maps combine interactive maps with photos, videos, graphics and more. From bears to breakwaters, we’ve got something for you here. Check it out! 

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New Imagery on CT ECO

Check out the new, statewide 2016 high resolution aerial imagery on the updated CT ECO website!

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Adapt CT

A CLEAR partnership with Connecticut Sea Grant providing outreach, tools and learning opportunities focused on climate adaptation in Connecticut communities.

Featured Story Maps

Program Areas

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Water

Land use is a major determinant of both water quality and water quantity. CLEAR has several projects and programs focusing on the impact of urbanization on water resources.

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Land & Climate

Land use is the bottom line! At CLEAR we have research, tools and outreach programs to help people make more informed land use decisions that protect their natural resources and make them more resilient to a changing climate.

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Mapping

CLEAR's mapping expertise is focused on remote sensing analysis, development of online geospatial land use tools, and training for professionals and others in the use of various types of geospatial technology.

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STEM

Connecting Connecticut high school students, adult volunteers and teachers with conservation efforts at the community level.

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Food

CLEAR’s food-related programs are focused on local/regional food system tactics that center the potential of small food producers to transform our ability to access healthy, fresh, local food.