- 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
New Story Map

The Land & People of the Long Island Sound Watershed
The Connections to Long Island Sound Story Map, created in partnership with the Long Island Sound study, characterizes the land and people in the watershed, and shares the stories of nine people and their connection to the land and water.
CT ECO Advanced Viewer

NEW Advanced Viewer on CT ECO
The CT ECO website provides maps and geographic data for Connecticut. Map Viewers are a popular way to view and interact with the information. The Advanced Viewer v2 is now available with more viewer updates in the works.
What’s Legally Required? 8th Edition,2nd printing
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.
The book is back in print! Order your copy here. Note: Mike Zizka donates all proceeds from the sale to CLEAR programs.
CLEAR Webinars
Upcoming
Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) Introduction and Demonstration
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 1-2 PM ET Speakers: Stu DeLand, Camille Fontanella, & Eric Hammerling, CT DEEP Host: UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) In May, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) launched a web-based tool to assist with the potential siting of solar projects and further the goal […]
visit our Webinars page for more information, and to watch our past webinars.
Rain Garden Certificate Course

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.
Upcoming Events

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Jun18Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) Introduction and DemonstrationZoom Webinar1:00 PM
Learn more about Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) and how to use it from the developers of the tool at DEEP. CREST is an online map viewer of data sets related the siting of solar and other renewable energy.
Land Use Commissioner Training

Upcoming Land Use Commissioner Trainings
The Land Use Academy (LUA) provides practical education for critical local land use decision makers, focusing on the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to serve effectively on a local land use commission through our webinars and workshops.
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 Preparedness in Connecticut
by Juliana Barrett, Emily Wilson, Zachary Guarino

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.