We are committed to providing technical assistance and environmental education to support sustainable natural resource management using a watershed-based approach. Through collaboration and innovation, we empower communities to protect and enhance Eastern Connecticut’s land and water resources.
The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors and a team of professionals committed to protecting and restoring our region’s natural resources. Our board provides leadership and governance, while our staff members implement conservation programs, provide technical assistance, and engage with the community.
Magnus Stefansson, Executive Director
Magnus Stefansson, the ECCD Executive Director, is a scientist and an entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in genetics and an Executive MBA in business management. He has focused his career on different aspects of environmental sustainability, ranging from natural resource management to sustainable bioprocessing. His efforts have supported economic growth and created novel business opportunities.
Prior to joining the ECCD, he worked as a Research Manager at Harvard University. He oversaw and managed grant applications, reporting, budgets, and financial forecasts to facilitate groundbreaking research on ancient DNA and microbiology.
Dr. Stefansson has worked at the intersection of academia and industry to spearhead an R&D program in northern Iceland. The goal of the work there was to increase the sustainability of fisheries and agriculture by developing microbial upstream bioprocesses that utilized organic waste for media formulation. These microbes synthesized healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which as his feasibility studies showed, could be developed as supplements for human consumption and in aquaculture.
During his tenure at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Reykjavik (MFRI), he advised the Government of Iceland, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) on sustainable management of natural resources across the globe.
Dan Mullins, Assistant for Special Projects
Dan brings with him more than a decade of experience spearheading a project in Willimantic to restore the Willimantic River and its migratory fish, while creating an urban whitewater facility for recreational boating. While at the University Of Connecticut School Of Law, Dan studied environmental law, interning at Connecticut Fund for the Environment (CFE), Trout Unlimited and the University Of Connecticut Office Of Environmental Policy. Dan served on UConn’s Water and Wastewater Advisory Committee and on the Board of Trustees of Joshua’s Trust.
Maura Robie, Natural Resource Specialist
Maura has decades of experience in natural resource conservation including municipal inland wetlands regulation, land stewardship support, research and environmental education. She is the Watershed Coordinator for the Baker Cove Watershed Committee in Groton, assists NRCS with conservation planning for farms and procures funding for grant projects addressing non-point source pollution. Maura can be reached at maura.robie@comcast.net or 860-319-8807.
Paul Burgess, P.E. Environmental Engineer
Paul has Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering, which focused on water quality and water resources course work, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in CT. He has over 35 years of experience in environmental engineering and consulting. At ECCD, he works on storm water, erosion control and water resources projects.
Megan Trujillo, Natural Resource Specialist
Megan has a background in biology, ecology, and environmental education, and is passionate about protecting natural resources and connecting people with nature. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Education from Hamline University. Her work in conservation is guided by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys hiking with her husband and their dog, Alfredo, as well as camping and traveling to beautiful places to experience the outdoors.
Ashley Lorinsky, Natural Resource Specialist
We are excited to welcome Ashley to the ECCD team as our new Natural Resource Specialist. Ashley brings a strong background in ecology and environmental science, along with a deep passion for serving her local community. She holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Michigan and a certificate in Climate Change and Health from Yale University. In her free time, Ashley enjoys volunteering, spending time with her horses, and exploring new hiking trails. We’re thrilled to have her join the team and look forward to the expertise and energy she brings to our work.
OFFICERS
Chair, Sherwood Raymond, Norwich
Vice Chair, William Jorsz, Baltic
Treasurer, Paul Shaffer, Norwich
Secretary, Susan Manning, Griswold
DIRECTORS
Cathy Osten, Sprague
Charlie Hobbs, Ledyard
Lydia Pan, Mystic
Gwen Haaland, Ashford
Cindy Wright-Jones, Pomfret Center
Helen Zincavage, Groton
ALTERNATES
Matt Peckham, Woodstock
The Board of Directors meets once a month.
| Award Category | Received By | Description |
| Outstanding Leader Protecting Coastal Waters | Clean Up Sound and Harbors | In recognition of exceptional dedication and support for the partnership between Clean Up Sound & Harbors and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District. |
| Growing Grassroots Award | Maggie Favretti – AMRW
| In recognition of exceptional dedication and support for the partnership between Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District |
| Watershed Protection Award | Paul Goetz – WCWC | In recognition of exceptional dedication and support for the partnership between Wequetequock Clean Water Coalition and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District |
| Restoration Partnership Award | Tobias Glaza – Avalonia | In recognition of exceptional dedication and support for the partnership between Avalonia Land Conservancy and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District |
| Partnership Excellence Award | Natural Resources Conservation Service | In recognition of exceptional dedication and support for the partnership between Natural Resources Conservation Service and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District |
| Watershed Workhorse Award | Tom Olson | In recognition of exceptional dedication and support for the partnership betweenTom Olson and Eastern Connecticut Conservation District |
Eastern ConnecticutJuly 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
A message from the Chair
During the past year, Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) has continued to advance initiatives to improve the environment for all residents of eastern CT. The district’s approach emphasizes watershed-wide, landscape-scale restoration of our natural resources. From the development of watershed-based plans to the creation and management of locally led watershed committees, ECCD’s focus has been on improving soil health and improving water quality through collaborative community action.
Concurrently, ECCD staff have supported local communities and committees by securing funds to install best management practices on residential, commercial, agricultural, and municipal lands. These practices range from small-scale residential rain gardens to large-scale infrastructure projects to assist farmers in managing their manure and towns in managing their stormwater runoff. These efforts simultaneously improve the water quality of local waterways while assisting myriad partners to improve the water quality and ecosystems of Long Island Sound. More concerted, regional efforts, however, are needed to secure clean water and healthy ecosystems into the future.
In March 2026, the ECCD underwent a change in leadership with the appointment of a new Executive Director. The outgoing Executive Director, Dan Mullins, advanced ECCD’s mission on several fronts. A crowning achievement under Dan’s leadership was increasing migratory fish passage in the Poquetanuck Cove watershed, including breaching the Straight Pond Dam and constructing a fishway around Shewville Dam. Dan also leveraged more than $6 million of funding to assist dairy farmers in eastern CT in constructing infrastructure to manage agricultural waste. Recognizing the value of educating youth about the environment, Dan spearheaded efforts to install outdoor classrooms at numerous schools throughout the district. Finally, over the past 12 years, ECCD has secured funding to install green infrastructure in many towns, thereby reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff to improve the water quality of local waterways and Long Island Sound. The ECCD Chairman and Board of Directors extend their deepest gratitude to Mr. Mullins for his twelve years of dedicated leadership and for leaving a lasting legacy of conservation, partnership, and environmental stewardship throughout eastern Connecticut.
The ECCD welcomes its new Executive Director, Magnus Stefansson. Dr. Stefansson has a strong background in regenerative agriculture and aquaculture. His vision to implement regenerative agriculture across eastern Connecticut has the potential to expand regional collaboration. A successful regional program to implement regenerative agricultural practices will reduce the burden upon our natural resources, while increasing value-added commodities for resale. Such an effort, however, will require broad cooperation across a wide array of institutional, educational, and political boundaries, but success will result in a healthier environment for all. The future is bright in eastern Connecticut, but an engaged populace is foundational to success. Eastern Connecticut Conservation District calls you to action – be engaged!
Sherwood Raymond, Chair
Our direction
Statewide Vision
Connecticut’s five Conservation Districts shall serve as leading environmental organizations in Connecticut.
District Vision
Provide technical assistance and environmental education to promote sound natural resource management utilizing a watershed approach.
Technical Assistance
ECCD responded to a wide variety of inquiries from district municipalities and residents, providing technical assistance on topics such as:
Partnerships
Partnerships with government agencies and non-profit organizations are important to ECCD to achieve its mission. ECCD is represented on the Board of Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area, Thames River Basin Partnership, the Celebrating Agriculture Steering Committee, The Last Green Valley, Connecticut Envirothon, Niantic River Nitrogen Work Group, Long Island Sound Study Citizens Advisory Committee, and Willimantic Whitewater Partnership. We also partner with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, US Environmental Protection Agency, Council on Soil & Water Conservation, Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative, Department of Public Health and local health districts, UConn Extension System, CLEAR, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CANR), CT Sea Grant, and others. Partnering with other conservation organizations provides a positive synergy to meet our conservation goals.
In addition to our many partnerships, ECCD provides support services to other conservation organizations, including administrative and financial management services, and grant application submittal and management.
In order to move forward and implement recommendations in watershed plans, ECCD created and facilitates several watershed committees. These include Niantic River Watershed Committee, Baker Cove Watershed Committee and Wequetequock Clean Water Coalition. These watershed committees are comprised of representatives from local communities and other stakeholders who are working together to improve and protect water quality, soil health and natural resources.
We extend our thanks to the following supporters of conservation for their generous assistance & outreach!
Information & Education
Project category 01
ECCD works alongside USDA NRCS and local farms to build the infrastructure that keeps nutrients on the farm and out of our waterways. This year, projects in Woodstock, North Stonington, Lebanon and Baltic advanced composting, manure management and silage leachate control to reduce nitrogen reaching Long Island Sound.
Photo: The site at Valley View Farm in North Stonington is prepared for constructing agricultural waste management facilities.
01 · Woodstock
To improve water quality in Long Island Sound, ECCD and NRCS are collaborating with Fairholm Farm in Woodstock to construct a composting facility for agricultural wastes that will produce value added compost.
02 · North Stonington
To improve water quality in Long Island Sound, ECCD and NRCS are collaborating with Valley View Farm in North Stonington to construct a new free-stall barn with agricultural waste management and storage facilities.
03 · Lebanon
To improve water quality in Long Island Sound, ECCD and NRCS are collaborating with Square A Farm in Lebanon to construct a new free-stall barn with agricultural waste management facilities.
04 · Baltic
To improve water quality in Long Island Sound, ECCD and NRCS are collaborating with Spielman Farm in Baltic to construct silage bunkers to manage nutrients and pathogens in silage leachate.
Project category 02
From pervious pavers and rain gardens to dam modification and erosion control inspections, ECCD’s water quality work tackles stormwater runoff and habitat connectivity at the watershed scale, bringing municipalities, partners and residents together to improve local waterways and Long Island Sound.
Photo: Stormcrete® porous pavers in Washington Park sidewalk.
01 · City of Groton
In partnership with the City of Groton Public Works Department staff, Parks and Recreation staff, and Eagle Quality Landscaping, approximately 7,500 square feet of pervious concrete panels were installed at the City of Groton owned Washington Park. The project included a demonstration tour of installed pavers to promote reducing Nonpoint Source (NPS) pollution from stormwater runoff to nearby Birch Plain Creek, a primary tributary to Baker Cove. The project includes the installation of an educational sign.
02 · Groton Estates
Groton Estates apartment complex has issues with storm drain runoff discharging into Birch Plain Creek which drains into Baker Cove. ECCD, City of Groton & Groton Estates are installing 5 tree filters, 6 rain gardens, 1 hydrodynamic separator, 5 storm drain filters, 3 interpretive signs and held 1 educational workshop for residents and City stakeholders.
03 · Commercial solar installations
ECCD has an agreement with CT DEEP to conduct erosion and sediment control inspections at new commercial solar installations. ECCD started inspections for seven new solar sites during the fiscal year 2025–2026, including Scotland, Plainfield, Woodstock, Mansfield, North Franklin, Lantern Hill and Groton Landfill. ECCD staff conducted 97 solar inspections for these sites and other ongoing sites and assisted the CT River Coastal Conservation District in conducting 50 inspections.
04 · Natchaug River watershed
In collaboration with the eight towns within the Natchaug River watershed, ECCD staff developed an advisory board comprised of municipal officials and other stakeholders to protect the watershed and drinking water for Mansfield and Windham. The board is working to implement CT’s first healthy watershed plan.
05 · Willimantic
ECCD, in partnership with Willimantic Whitewater Partnership, is modifying the Bridge Street Dam and reconstructing the streambed to create fish passage and restore vital habitat connectivity to protect Long Island Sound’s wildlife resources and create recreational access opportunities.
06 · Thompson
In October 2025, CT DEEP selected ECCD’s proposal for Section 319 funding to reduce stormwater runoff to the French River in Thompson, supported by matching funds, much of them through in-kind work by the Town of Thompson. At Town Hall, Thompson DPW will regrade and repave two parking lots and install approximately roughly 2,000 square feet of porous concrete panels, while ECCD’s contractor will install approximately 780 square feet of pervious pavers along a sidewalk. At Thompson Public Library, the project will add approximately 3,000 square feet of pervious pavers and a rain garden. The contract with CT DEEP was executed in June 2026, and construction is expected to begin in spring 2027.
Project funding
With Gratitude
The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to all of our donors listed below during 2025–26. Your generosity and cooperative spirit greatly support our efforts in soil & water conservation throughout eastern Connecticut. Thank you.
In honor & in memory
ECCD wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the generous donations made on behalf of others in the name of conservation.
Town contributions
We would like to thank the following towns for their contributions to ECCD in 2025–26, which help support regional conservation throughout eastern Connecticut.
Ashford · Bozrah · Brooklyn · Canterbury · Columbia · Griswold · Groton (Town) · Ledyard · Lisbon · Mansfield · Montville · Preston · Putnam · Sterling · Stonington · Waterford
Who we are
Board of Directors
Alternate Directors
Staff
Brooklyn office
Eastern Connecticut Conservation District
139 Wolf Den Road Brooklyn, CT 06234
860-774-9600 x 13
North Franklin office:
Eastern Connecticut Conservation District
106 CT-32, North Franklin, CT 06254
