Water Quality Gets a Boost from Two New Conservation Easements in East Hampton
October 16, 2026
By Yvette DeBow-Salsedo
In early September, East Hampton water quality initiatives received an important gift with the donation of two conservation easements to the Trust on properties in Springs and along the shoreline of Georgica Pond.
The donations, from two individuals who wish to remain anonymous, cover over nine acres and will have impacts on drinking water and coastal/wetlands resiliency.
“Private conservation, including the donation of conservation easements, is essential to protecting land for many purposes: plant and wildlife habitat, drinking water, coastal resilience, air quality, migratory stopovers, and more. We are grateful to the landowners who recognize the long-term benefits of conservation and who have made these immeasurable gifts to the community,” said John v.H. Halsey, President of Peconic Land Trust.
Georgica Pond Area: The 3.2-acre Wainscott easement removes the right to build a house or accessory structures on the land along Georgica Pond. Going forward, the land will continue to provide maritime and tidal wetland habitat for native plants and animals, as well as a stopover for migratory birds. With its location along the shoreline, the land has the potential to contribute to climate change resilience and wetlands migration as the sea level rises over time.
Springs: An easement over three properties totaling six acres within both the East Hampton Town’s Water Protection District and the Suffolk County Designated Special Groundwater Protection Area will restrict any additional development, including another house and septic system. The undisturbed woodlands and freshwater wetlands will be preserved, and the property also sits next to an open-space parcel owned by the Town.
Senior Project Manager Julie Wesnofske oversaw both donations. “It has been my honor to work with these two individuals to achieve these impactful conservation outcomes. It is with their foresight and love of community that these lands will be forever protected.”
Yvette DeBow-Salsedo
Vice President
ydebow@peconiclandtrust.org