Betsy and Jonathan Blattmachr Donate Conservation Easement to Protect the Natural Habitat Near Big Fresh Pond

January 11, 2018

Blattmachr easement is 1.8 acres of woodlands, owned by the family for over 100 years, in North Sea

John v.H. Halsey, President of the Peconic Land Trust, announced that the Trust has received the donation of a conservation easement from Betsy and Jonathan Blattmacher of Southampton. The Blattmachr’s decision to make this gift was guided by their commitment to preserving the natural habitat of the land that has been in their family for over 100 years.

The easement covers approximately 1.8 acres of undisturbed woodlands, which will preserve the natural habitat for the benefit of the public. It is important to note that this property could have been developed with a residential structure in an area that has long faced development pressure. Located on Coopers Lane and Big Fresh Pond Road in North Sea, within the Town of Southampton, the Blattmachr property is near Town-owned open space and adds to the scenic viewshed and woodlands in this area. In close proximity to Big Fresh Pond, the protection of this land also contributes to the preservation of the pond’s integrity. This gift is a welcomed addition to an assemblage of protected land known as Tuckahoe Woods.

“The land has been in our family for over 100 years. Being able to contribute to the preservation of the local ecology and habitat surrounding Big Fresh Pond for the benefit of future generations is important to our family. The land will forever be undisturbed and we are pleased to have been able to work with the Peconic Land Trust to see this wish fulfilled,” said Betsy and Jonathan Blattmachr.  

“We thank Betsy and Jonathan for  preserving their historic family land. Their protection of these sensitive woodlands around Big Fresh Pond can serve as inspiration to landowners on Long Island,” said John v.H. Halsey, President of the Peconic Land Trust. “We all have the opportunity to make a difference. We thank the Blattmachrs for choosing to donate a conservation easement thereby conserving this land as natural habitat for the benefit of the community.”  

What is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a qualified conservation organization that restricts land from development in perpetuity. A conservation easement may provide the donor with a charitable income tax deduction, a reduction of property taxes, a lower valuation for estate tax purposes, and a special New York State property tax credit. The landowner continues to own the property, less its development rights, but retains the right to sell the restricted land or pass it on to heirs.