Large Easement Increases East End Recreational Opportunities and Protects Natural Resources To Meet ‘30x30’ Conservation Goal
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the permanent protection of approximately 100 acres at the Peconic Land Trust’s Broad Cove Preserve in Suffolk County, helping conserve Long Island’s natural habitat and promoting climate resilience by safeguarding valuable natural resources. The conservation easement expands recreational improvements and accessibility to nearby environmental justice communities in the Town of Riverhead.
“Increasing access to recreational spaces and rare, undeveloped waterfront is the kind of forward-looking investment that keeps Long Island healthy and thriving,” Governor Hochul said. “This is an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for New Yorkers along the Peconic Estuary and demonstrates our State’s commitment to ensuring every region of New York has accessible places for community members to connect with the outdoors.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “The protection of this unique and large property along Flanders Bay will help Aquebogue, Riverhead, and surrounding communities enjoy more time outdoors, promote climate resilience, and protect critical wildlife habitat and the Peconic Estuary’s water quality. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s historic environmental investments and the ongoing successful partnership with the Peconic Land Trust, DEC is thrilled to secure this easement to ensure nearly 100 accessible acres will remain open space in perpetuity.”
Broad Cove Preserve is located at 764 Hubbard Avenue, Aquebogue, and is bounded by Flanders Bay to the south, Hubbard Avenue and the Long Island Railroad to the north, and a residential neighborhood on Overlook Drive to the east. The property borders both a New York State-identified disadvantaged community and potential environmental justice community. A new accessible parking area and network of trails constructed by the Peconic Land Trust is available for visitors to enjoy. Two spots reserved for hunters will be available during hunting season.
Broad Cove Preserve, a former duck farm, has reverted to a natural condition, including woodlands, meadows, uplands, and marshlands. It includes more than 8,000 feet of frontage on Terry Creek and Broad Cove in Flanders Bay and an embayment within the Peconic Estuary, an Estuary of National Significance. The property is home to a broad array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, the federally endangered northern long-eared bat, osprey, and eastern wild turkey, and it is in the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds. The property is situated within the State-designated Peconic Pineland Maritime Reserve and has long been sought for permanent conservation, having been included in every New York State Open Space Conservation Plan since the first was published in 1992.
Walo, Inc., acquired the property in 2020 with the hopes of preservation in the future. The owner received an acceptable offer for development but held off the deal to determine if a conservation solution was possible. Working closely with DEC, the Trust acquired full title to the property in late 2021 for $11.5 million, an incredible price for this piece of valuable waterfront property. The Trust also negotiated the removal of 22 farm structures by the seller at a cost of $400,000 and since initiated several projects to remove invasive species and plant native species, in part with grants provided by the Peconic Estuary Program.
DEC purchased the conservation easement with $10.95 million from the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The easement prohibits development while assuring public access in perpetuity. The title to the underlying land will remain in the Trust’s ownership, and the significant natural resources will be jointly managed to provide opportunities for passive public recreational access and hunting.
Peconic Land Trust President John v.H. Halsey said, “We are thankful to Governor Hochul and the DEC for working with us to conserve Broad Cove on Long Island’s East End. For decades, this incredible property had been a priority for conservation given its significance within the Peconic Estuary, but it has taken our partnership with New York State to bring it to fruition. We are thankful to our supporters who enabled the Trust to acquire the property in 2021 when it was under imminent threat of development. This was in anticipation of the State’s purchase of a conservation easement that ensures Broad Cove’s protection forever. The DEC continues to be a critical partner for land conservation organizations throughout the State. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration.”
Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard said, “The Broad Cove Preserve is truly one of Riverhead Town’s most treasured waterfront properties and I am grateful for the relentless conservation efforts by the Peconic Land Trust. I am also appreciative for the grant funding the Trust received through the Peconic Estuary Program which allowed for the preservation of the 100-acre parcel and former duck farm. What was once slated for a major waterfront development project has now been preserved and transformed into a beautiful public recreational space, in perpetuity. We are incredibly lucky to have this wonderful amenity in our town and hope residents utilize the trail system and recreational opportunities that so many worked so hard to preserve.”
Broad Cove Preserve was a duck farm beginning in the 1930s, one of 90 operating on Long Island at the time. After farming was abandoned in the 1970s, several development proposals were put forth, including a 500-unit condominium complex and a large-scale hotel resort.
Making Open Space Available for All
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, more than 51,000 acres in fee and easements have been added to lands managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The acquisition of a conservation easement on this former duck farm in Riverhead also advances the State's goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030, in line with the global 30x30 Initiative to protect the world’s lands and waters.
Today’s announcement complements other recent State open space successes, including the landmark agreement by Governor Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James to modernize the process to secure and protect critical open spaces statewide. To help continue progress, the Governor recently announced $25 million now available through the first round of the new Open Space Conservation Grant Program for land conservation partners to protect and preserve open space in New York State. Additional record investments in the EPF are protecting open space, supporting land trusts, and safeguarding of drinking water supplies.
New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “Every Long Islander should have easy access to the region's parks, recreational facilities and majestic open spaces. Safeguarding and restoring these lands is critical to ensuring this access while protecting the environment and our unique quality of life here on the East End. I applaud Governor Hochul in our combined efforts to promote and protect this valuable resource for today's residents and generations to come.”
About the Peconic Land Trust
Founded in 1983, the Trust conserves Long Island’s working farms, natural lands, and heritage. Since its inception, the nonprofit Trust has worked conscientiously with landowners, communities, all levels of government, partner organizations, and donors to conserve over 14,000 acres of land on Long Island. The Trust’s professional staff carries out the necessary research and planning to identify and implement alternatives to outright development. While working to conserve the productive farms, watersheds, woodlands, and beachfront of Long Island, the Trust is also protecting the unique rural heritage and natural resources of the region. For more information about the Trust, visit the Peconic Land Trust website.
For more information on New York State’s lands and forests, visit DEC's website.