Urbanization in Connecticut: Tracking its Progress, & Defining its Environmental Impacts

2011 (Presenter Chester Arnold, Associate Director, Center for Land Use Education and Research, University of Connecticut) - The UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) is engaged in an ongoing study of land cover change in Connecticut. Currently, we have data for the 21-year period from 1985 to 2006. The study allows us to characterize trends in many land-cover related metrics, including: the growth of developed land; loss of agricultural land and forest; forest fragmentation; and changes to riparian (streamside) corridor areas. This information, coupled with national research on the relationship of land cover to environmental health, gives insight into the status and trends of key factors of Connecticut’s environment. This lecture was recorded at "Smart Growth," the Elizabeth Babbott Conant Interdisciplinary Conference on the Environment at Connecticut College on March 4 and 5, 2011. https://www.conncoll.edu/academics/majors-departments-programs/majors-and-minors/goodwin-niering-center-for-the-environment/conferences/smart-growth/