Land Protection
Tramaridge Estates, North Haven
Startop Ranch, Montauk 
Smith Homestead, Nissequogue/Smithtown 
Paard Hill Farms, Shelter Island Since 1983, the Peconic Land Trust has worked with landowners to help plan and accomplish conservation projects that meet their goals and financial needs. The Peconic Land Trust creates partnerships with landowners, communities and all levels of government to develop win-win solutions that conserve land while respecting the rights of the individual and the interests of the public.
The following are general guidelines the Peconic Land Trust uses when working with landowners to determine appropriate land conservation methods and on-going stewardship of conserved lands
Understand the Land to be Protected
As land is artificially divided, property lines rarely conform to significant natural features, much less habitats or scenic vistas. This being the case, the Trust analyzes each project by looking at the property’s existing conditions, natural features, and surrounding land uses.
Learn more about the 
Criteria for Conservation Projects [PDF] the Peconic Land Trust uses to conserve working farms and natural lands and the various options available to landowners to achieve their conservation goals.
Understand the Goals and Circumstances of the Landowner
In order to preserve land, it is essential to understand the goals, needs, and circumstances of a landowner. For example, if a landowner desires to pass land on to the next generation and has strong conservation interests, it may be possible to preserve the land at no public cost through the use of a conservation easement to a private conservation organization. If a landowner is strictly interested in realizing the equity within the land, a limited development approach may preserve the most significant portion of the parcel, while providing the landowner with a reasonable financial return. The Peconic Land Trust’s Work with Landowners [PDF].
Devote the Resources Necessary to Actively Manage Protected Land
During the process of land conservation, it is important to understand and account for the financial resources needed to effectively manage the conserved land, including:
- the basic maintenance of land, including regular monitoring of the land, posting, clean-up, etc.;
- the restoration and enhancement of natural features such as agricultural soils, wetlands, and habitats; and
- the extent and nature of public access, including the construction and maintenance of improvements such as trails and other facilities.
A comprehensive stewardship management plan will address these and other concerns upfront.