The beloved lake in Killingworth is now debt-free and protected from development pressures, thanks to a group of nonprofits and donors dedicated to its preservation.
Deer Lake is a 253-acre property formerly owned by the Boy Scouts of the Connecticut Yankee Council. It was put up for sale in September 2021 and had been attracting attention and bidding from developers, but local nonprofit Pathfinders Inc. found a way to purchase the site.
“We know how important this land is,” said Patti Clifton, former Deer Lake camp director.
She rallied the community around the purchase of the land and sparked the initial preservation of the site.
“We said, ‘Okay, we’re just going to protect this place,'” Clifton said.
Thanks to more than $3 million in donations from more than 1,300 people across 87 towns in Connecticut and 34 states, as well as international donors, the nonprofit was able to finance the purchase.
“Unbeknownst to us, there were people who had great feelings for Deer Lake and wanted to preserve it,” Clifton said.
That $3 million was added to a total of $1.8 million in loans, bringing the total purchase price to $4.75 million.
The debt from those loans was paid off as of Tuesday, according to a news conference with state and local leaders.
“We all put in a few blocks to make this possible, and we’re just grateful to have played a small part in it,” said Attorney General William Tong.
When Mr. Tong learned that the lake might be sold for development, he began helping residents and non-profits with the legal process to secure an equitable right to purchase the lake for conservation. said. He was joined by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who has also been keeping a close eye on real estate sales.
“We all deserve to enjoy the treasures we have inherited, and we have an obligation to continue to protect them,” Blumenthal said at a news conference Tuesday.
The buyer, Pathfinders Inc., has big plans for the future of this property, which is closely tied to the community.
“The public is welcome to use the hiking trails and explore the grounds,” said Pathfinders President and Chairman Ted Langevin.
He added that the space will be inclusive and welcoming to all. It also plans to offer rental space for weddings, corporate events, ceremonies, and more. In the future, there are plans for programs and camps to ensure that this land is protected from development and has a long life in near-natural conditions.
“The goal is to welcome people to our land and get them interested in coming more often and enjoying nature and all that we have to offer,” Langevin said of the site’s goal. Ta.
Meanwhile, Clifton is excited about the next chapter in Deer Lake’s life. She said with an expected increase in foot traffic and events, renovations and education on the “Leave No Trace” philosophy will be needed to keep the building in good condition.
But she has high hopes that Killingworth and the surrounding area will soon come to love what she and others who worked to protect the property have loved for years.
“We want people in this area to walk the trails and appreciate how beautiful this land is,” Clifton said.
