KATHAN RECEIVED STATE CONSERVATION AWARD

Rev. Boardman Kathan received the award from the officers of the Conn. Land Conservation Council; from left: Catherine Rawson, vice chair; Amy Patterson, executive director; Alicia Sullivan, chair.

 

 

The Rev. Boardman Kathan, treasurer of the Prospect Land Trust, received one of the two top awards of individual excellence in conservation from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council at its annual conference on March 21 in Middletown. Kathan received “Honorable Mention,” while the top honor went to Bill Arnold, president of the Kent Land Trust. Named after Katchen Coley, the award recognizes a person who is fiercely devoted to land conservation and whose long term commitment has furthered the work of one or more conservation organization and serves as an  inspiration to others. 

The award to Kathan read in part: For almost 68 years, the last 23 as volunteer, Barney has provided leadership in churches and organizations throughout the country as a youth director, pastor and administrator. In Prospect, his commitment to public service included volunteer work for a multitude of organizations and initiatives including the Region 16 Board of Education, Prospect Public Library, Prospect Bicentennial commission, and the Prospect Congregational Church.Barney took the initiative in organizing the Prospect Land Trust in 1994 by inviting Prospect residents and members of the Cheshire Land Trust into his living room. He has been a PLT officer through most of the 21 years, serving as treasurer for the last thirteen. Under Barney’s leadership, PLT has guided hikes as part of the Trails Day of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, co-hosted regional Land Trust Board summits, attended conferences and workshops, and otherwise worked to strengthen the organization’s impact. Barney ensured a large portion of his land  would remain open space for generations to enjoy for many years to come by donating 82 acres of his family’s land to the Prospect Land Trust. Through his donation of Kathan Woods, PLT’s largest holding, the Prospect community is assured that this beautiful and historically significant area will be protected forever.

In receiving the award, Kathan gave credit to his late wife, Joyce C. Kathan, who was a pioneer in conservation and environmental protection. She organized and led the national Environmental Network for the American Association of University Women, she was an early member of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and she was active in the Connecticut Coalition for Clean Air. When the Governor threatened to veto the bill cleaning up the “sooty six” power plants, her letter to the Governor helped to change his mind, and he signed the legislation.