MULLA CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

Two conservation easements of nearly 75 acres located off of Melius Road were given by Adil and Zarinna Mulla in 2011 and 2017.

The parcels are made up of forest and forested wetland, including a substantial stands of mountain laurel, and remnants of stone walls and trails. The Mulla Easements are of special conservation significance as they abut land containing the Upper Shepaug Reservoir, which is owned by the City of Waterbury and supplies drinking water for the city; the easements’ wetlands feed into that reservoir.

Historically, the property was used for various agricultural purposes, including pasture, hay, and such crops as corn, turnips and barley. Farming operations ceased by the late 19th century. Since purchasing the land in 1995, the Mullas have carefully and thoroughly explored the parcel, and the property has been used by the University of Connecticut's School of Forestry as an example of proper forest stewardship.

The easements, with their deciduous trees, brush and rocky hillsides, provide a diverse wildlife habitat. Oak, birch, maple and ash trees are interspersed with dense areas of mountain laurel. Hawks, turkey and deer populate the land, along with varieties of squirrel, nuthatch, kinglets and warblers.

PRIVATE PROPERTY - PUBLIC ACCESS NOT ALLOWED