48°
To the editor:
Among Wilton's most alluring features are our beautiful open spaces, which offer hundreds of acres of beautiful meadows, woodlands, and even a forest! But did you know that until recently, many towns were reluctant to allow public access to open spaces, because of the potential costs of frivolous lawsuits? Or that state-owned conservation lands could potentially be opened up for development?
Fortunately, state Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton) is a leading proponent of open space, and has taken steps in Hartford to protect against these and other threats. In 2011 she was instrumental in passing legislation to grant immunity to towns that allow free recreation to take place on public lands. This year, she was an important sponsor of legislation to ensure that state-owned conservation spaces will permanently retain their status, thus protecting them from any future attempts at reclassification.
Many of us take our open spaces for granted. I am grateful to Rep. Lavielle for her leadership on this critical issue. Hella McSweeney
Lavielle represents 143rd House District, which includes parts of Wilton, Norwalk and Westport.
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