| Many of us recognize the importance of preserving land-based agriculture, but we must remember our waters also provide a bounty, and Long Island aquaculture is thriving. Unfortunately, maritime businesses face increasing pressure to sell their waterfront properties for development, which could eliminate hundreds of jobs and negatively impact the local economy. Many businesses rely on the seafood products that are sourced from our local waters, so we cannot lose the local waterfronts that make it possible.
Thankfully, on September 3, Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine along with the sponsors of the bill, Legislators Ann Welker and Catherine Stark, signed the “Working Waterfronts” law. This legislation preserves commercial waterfront properties for maritime use, including aquaculture farms and other maritime businesses – and helps prevent these properties from being redeveloped for non-maritime use.
The Trust’s Matt Swain and Josh Halsey participated in the drafting of the legislation along with other community members. The new law is designed to protect the region’s working waterfront and uphold its cultural and economic identity – similar to how the Community Preservation Fund is designed to protect farmland and open space.
We thank the Suffolk County Legislature for their support, which helps protect working waterfronts.
A Day Filled with Exploration at Broad Cove
|
|
|
—————— |
|
|
| On November 15, the Trust welcomed nearly 100 people to celebrate the beauty and wildlife of Broad Cove at our first “Recreation Day.” The day dawned bright and crisp – perfect for exploring the trails of this 100-acre Trust preserve. A variety of fun and engaging programs were offered throughout the day, including walks on the history of the property as a former duck farm, birding, scavenger hunt, Indigenous foraging, the return of river otters, and craft activities, which included a make your own birdfeeder and painting projects for kids. We were thankful for our program partners, including Peconic Estuary Partnership, Seatuck, The Artist’s Nest, Peconic Baykeeper, LI Invasive Species Management, and Nancy Gilbert and Richard Wines. Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate Broad Cove, and stay tuned for more Connections activities at this gorgeous property in the near future.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
———————–
|
For the entire news release — December 5, 2025 — please visit www.peconiclandtrust.org |
| You make our work possible. Thank you! |
|
|
| Peconic Land Trust | 631.283.3195 | Info@PeconicLandTrust.org
Peconic Land Trust conserves Long Island’s working farms, natural lands, and heritage for our communities now and in the future. To learn more, visit us online at www.PeconicLandTrust.org.
The Peconic Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The majority of our support comes from our donors! We do not collect or distribute the 2% real estate transfer tax. Click here to learn more.
Financial Disclosure Statement: A copy of the last financial report filed with the New York State Attorney General may be obtained in writing to: New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005 or Peconic Land Trust. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
