- Providing information, education and assistance to land use decision makers, in support of balancing growth and natural resource protection.
- Providing information, education and assistance to land use decision makers, in support of balancing growth and natural resource protection.
- Providing information, education and assistance to land use decision makers, in support of balancing growth and natural resource protection.
- Providing information, education and assistance to land use decision makers, in support of balancing growth and natural resource protection.
New and Upcoming
Rain Garden Certificate Course
![planting a rain garden](https://clear.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/163/2022/04/featured-raingarden.jpg)
This course designed to provide guidance on how to properly site, size, install, and maintain rain gardens. There are 7 modules to be viewed at your own pace, with practice quizzes on the material for each module and a final course exam.
Landcover Data
![Map](https://clear.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/163/2022/03/feature-landcover.jpg)
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.
News & Updates
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Mapping Invasive Plants in a Coastal Forest
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Neag School Professor Appointed to National Science Foundation Advisory Committee
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New Model Identifies Shortcut for Understanding Dolphin Health
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Tending Your Garden: New Rain Garden Installation Offers Lessons in Local Impact
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How Will Climate Change Impact Connecticut?
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Role of Riparian Buffers in Watersheds and in Your Landscape
Land Use Commissioner Training
![Extension educator presenting to an audience.](https://clear.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/163/2022/05/presenting.png)
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.
Next Upcoming Training: How Light-Touch Density and Live Local Urban Villages Can Supply Housing Abundance to Connecticut
- Tuesday, July 16th, 2pm EST
- General commissioner training hours: TBD
- Fair & Affordable Housing training hours: TBD (minimum 0.5 anticipated/possibly more)
What’s Legally Required? 8th Edition
Mike 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
CT MS4 Guide
CT NEMO is providing tools, training and other support to communities facing new stormwater rules under the MS4 general permit.
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!
New Imagery on CT ECO
Check out the new, statewide 2016 high resolution aerial imagery on the updated CT ECO website!
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
![Coastal storm damage](https://clear.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/163/2022/03/storymap-storm-preparedness.jpg)
Coastal Storm Preparedness in Connecticut
by Juliana Barrett, Emily Wilson, Zachary Guarino
![students walking on pervious pavers](https://clear.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/163/2022/03/storymap-lid.png)
The State of Low Impact Development in Connecticut
by Dave Dickson and Manon LeFevre
Program Areas
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.
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.
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.
STEM
Connecting Connecticut high school students, adult volunteers and teachers with conservation efforts at the community level.