Broad Cove - NYS Provides Last Piece of the Acquisition Puzzle
January 15, 2026
By Yvette DeBow-Salsedo
From its inception, the acquisition of Broad Cove has been a joint effort between the Peconic Land Trust (Trust) and New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). When it was acquired by the Trust in late December, 2021, with funds from its Revolving Fund and loans from its donors, the property was about to be sold for development. The acquisition was made in anticipation of New York State’s purchase of a conservation easement.
In December, 2025, the DEC provided the last piece of the acquisition puzzle by purchasing a conservation easement from the Trust. Through this acquisition, the State has assured public access to the property and its protection from future development forever.
“Increasing access to recreational spaces and rare, undeveloped waterfront is the kind of forward-looking investment that keeps Long Island healthy and thriving,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in the press release. “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.”
The funding provided by the State has also enabled the Trust to repay the loans it had taken to acquire the property, and to restore funding to the Trust’s Revolving Fund for future conservation projects. The Trust will retain ownership of the preserve, and will co-manage the property with the DEC.
“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, said John v.H. Halsey, President, Peconic Land Trust.
“We are also thankful to our supporters who enabled the Trust to acquire the property in 2021 when it was under imminent threat of development as well as our professional staff, including Senior Project Manager Julie Wesnofske, who made it happen. The DEC continues to be a critical partner for land conservation organizations throughout the State. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration,” John added.
Funding for the State’s conservation easement comes from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund.
“The protection of this unique and large property along Flanders Bay will help Aquebogue, Riverhead, and the 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,” said NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
Yvette DeBow-Salsedo
Vice President
ydebow@peconiclandtrust.org