LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Peconic Land Trust upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the 2015 Champion Award by the Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the continuing
welfare of the citizens of this great State and nation is greatly
enriched by the purposeful endeavors of individuals and organizations
committed to the preservation of our environment, and to the enhancement
of appreciation for the distinctive features of our natural
surroundings; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Peconic Land Trust upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the 2015 Champion Award by the Environmental Protection Agency which was
formally presented on Friday, April 24, 2015, in New York, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presents
the illustrious Champion Awards during Earth Week to recognize individ-
uals, businesses, members of the media, and environmental and communi-
ty-based groups whose work has protected the environment and improved
public health; and
WHEREAS, The Peconic Land Trust was established in 1983 by John V.H.
Halsey and a small group of local residents to ensure the protection of
Long Island's working farms, natural lands, and heritage; and
WHEREAS, For over three decades, the Peconic Land Trust has worked
diligently with landowners, communities, municipalities, and partner
organizations to protect nearly 11,000 acres of land; it has conserved
more working farms on Long Island than any other private conservation
organization, and securing significant funds from the public and private
sector for land protection; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the members of this remarkable organ-
ization have strived to carry out necessary research and planning to
identify and implement alternatives to outright development, while work-
ing to conserve productive farms, watershed, woodlands, and beachfront;
they also work to protect the unique rural heritage and natural
resources of the region; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Peconic Land Trust is involved in a wide variety
of projects focusing on such areas as sustainable development, climate
change, surface and groundwater protection, and the health of Peconic
Bay; its innovative, ground-breaking work continues to serve as a model
for other communities to replicate; and
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon every citizen to recognize that we are
all stewards of our environment and to applaud the efforts of the Pecon-
ic Land Trust who work tirelessly to protect our environment and natural
surroundings for the benefit of present and future generations; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Peconic Land Trust upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2015 Champion Award by the Environmental Protection
Agency; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Peconic Land Trust.