"Conservation Commission has forwarded the Report to the Zoning & Planning Commission for their consideration and inclusion in the Public Hearing Record of the proposed regulation and zone change.  The Report highlighted several issues which have much broader application than just the consideration of a zone change in the Parum Road/Chestnut Hill Area, particularly with respect to water quality.  Taking the Report as a starting point, we are now considering changes to the technical standards to include state-of-the-art stormwater design.  Again, the Report is a valuable resource.  Thank you for the effort all put into it."  These quotes were taken from a letter the ERT received from the town of Colchester in reference to the Zone Change report issued in July 2005.

" The town had no paid experts and a limited budget to engage such experts.  The wetlands commission is very dedicated and experienced but it was realized that the mere scope and complexity of this project was more than daunting and as most commissioners are employed there would not be enough time to be properly dedicated to the project.  When we received the report it became the foundation upon which we set out, we referenced all the report but some aspects became more relevant as we proceeded.  In conclusion I would state we were very fortunate to have the report and we referred to it and used it throughout the decision making."  Excerpt taken from Town of Sherman comments in the 2000-2003 Survey Results.

" As a member of a Planning and Zoning Commission, it has been years since I have had the benefit of an ERT, but in the past, when we got them, they were very helpful in providing the supporting documentation that helped guide the Commission (and educate the Commission) about important environmental considerations and made a major impact on improving projects (and regulation changes).  Comments supplied by a CRCCD Board Member in relation to Team Member Survey questions.

" The unbiased professional review that the ERT did for the town of Litchfield was a very valuable tool used to guide the commission in their review of the project and questions to the developer.  Without this direction, the inland wetland commission would have been severely hampered in finding relevant alternatives and technical information as well as determining their final decision."   Excerpt taken from comments in the 2000-2003 Survey Results.

" I was very pleased with the process and the report.  I especially appreciated the effort that was made to enlist people with a wide range of expertise that was necessary for an objective look at this site and proposed project.  In our town, staff spent some time making our volunteer boards aware of what information from the whole of the report pertained to each of their statutory authorizations.  I am left wondering who does that function in a town with limited staff.  Without that, boards could run amuck.  Thank you."  Excerpt taken from Town of Enfield comments in the 2000-2003 Survey Results.

" The ERT process is clearly one of value.  It is respected by our towns and is significant in their decision making."  Comments taken from Team Member Survey Results 2005.

" The DEP has land conservation as its goal- a certain percent of the state to be dedicated open space.  I feel the ERT provides the opportunity to preserve much smaller subtle pieces of the ecosystem on a parcel by parcel basis."  Comments taken from Team Member Survey Results 2005.