Southampton - I recently had the opportunity to engage in a two-part conversation with John v.H. Halsey, President and Founder of Peconic Land Trust.

When was Peconic Land Trust founded, John?

J v.h. Halsey: "It was founded in 1983 with four others, including then Deputy Town Attorney Ted Sharretts and Planning Board Chairman Roy Wines as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since that time we have protected 10,000 acres of land on Long Island, in concert with local government, partner organizations, landowners, and communities.

President and Founder of Peconic Land Trust. J v.h. Halsey. (Courtesy Photo: Halsey)

What was it that motivated you to found Peconic Land Trust?

JH: Well to put it in a historical context, I was born in New York City at New York Hospital where my father was an OB/GYN, (obstetrician/gynecologist). We moved to Southampton when I was four years old. I am of the 12th generation of Halseys, one of the original 'Founding Families of the Town of Southampton.

After graduation from Dad's alma mater, Dartmouth College, and further schooling in Sweden, I received a Masters in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and served as a consultant to non-profits, mainly in San Francisco. During a visit home to Southampton, I saw a 'for sale' sign on the farm next door. I asked the owners why they were selling. The reason was that they had a $2.2 million inheritance tax liability and had to sell the property to pay it. When they finally did sell the property for $4.1 million, not only did they owe the $2.2 million in taxes, but they also had to pay a 47 percent tax penalty. That was one of the factors that caused me to think about starting a land trust. The others were my experience with non-profits and my desire to return to my roots.

On a personal note, you told me that you met your wife, Janis, in California, and you have two children, Josh and Jenna, ages 25 and 20.

JH: That's correct.

Are you related to the famous WW II Admiral William Halsey?

JH: Yes, but that branch of the family moved to New Jersey generations ago.

What methods do you use to protect lands?

JH: We acquire title to land, development rights, and conservation easements by gift or purchase; and we have an extensive land stewardship program. We use 'bargain sales,' which allow us to acquire property for less than market value. The difference between the price we pay and the property's market value can qualify as a charitable donation by the seller. We also assist seller's with 'like-kind' exchanges under Section 1031 of the Federal Tax Code, which permits the deferment of the payment of taxes otherwise due on the sale.

How does Peconic Land Trust sustain itself financially?

JH: Seventy percent of our income is from charitable donations, 20 percent from fees for services generated by our planning and stewardship programs, and 10 percent from land that we lease. We also have a $4 million revolving fund to assist with acquisitions

How has the downturn in the real estate market affected your efforts?

JH: The market is not as bad on the South Fork as it was in the early 1990s, after the savings and loan crisis. Southampton Town's Community Preservation Fund (CPF) is at 70 percent to 80 percent of where it was in 2007, although this is not the case on the North Fork. There are certainly more conservation opportunities.

With land costs down, it would seem that your money would go further. Is that true?

JH: Yes, but, while land values are down, so are our donations. Our revolving fund has been in the same situation as many property owners who purchased real estate just before the downturn. Our capital was tied up in real estate. We were land-rich, but things have improved.

A misunderstanding I have encountered is some people believe that the monies from the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) taxes go to Peconic Land Trust.

JH: This is definitely not true. Those funds go to the five towns of Eastern Long Island, not to Peconic Land Trust. But we do work closely with the towns.

I appreciate the tour that you gave me of your offices and the opportunity to meet some of your staff. How many employees do you have?

JH: We have 26 full-time, two part-time, and approximately 100 volunteers, including our board members. While we focus our efforts in the five towns of Eastern Long Island, we do conserve land throughout Long Island.

I don't think we have to explain acquisition of property, development rights, and conservation easements to our readers, but what about your stewardship program?

JH: It's through our stewardship program that we provide farmers with access to protected farmland and help landowners and municipalities maintain the natural resources of Long Island. These stewardship projects exist on both the North and South Forks. Our staff and volunteers are also involved in providing hikes, lectures, birdhouse building, workshops, nature walks, and beach exploration. Education is a major component of conservation.

You attended a White House Conference in 2010 on preservation. Was President Obama at the Conference?

JH: Yes, he was. It was a very inspirational event. The president spoke to us and stressed the importance of partnership between government and the private, non-profit sector.

How do you see challenges regarding preservation going forward?

JH: The challenges are evolving. Thirty years ago, it was about preserving the land. Today, it's also about making it affordable for farmers to acquire protected farmland and to continue to farm the land they own. We have to take the tools that the Peconic Land Trust uses and apply them to address the wider range of social needs.

We recognize the need for affordable housing, especially on the South Fork. Land preservation and affordable housing need not be in conflict. We recognize this in our planning sessions when we meet with owners of property who are considering a sale or donation to the Trust. We look to the property owner's needs as well as those of the community. We consider that approach to conservation to be part of our 'Social Contract.'

Thank you John, for generously sharing your time and knowledge.

Editor's Note: John will be teaching a 22.5 hours Real Estate Continuing Education classes at Long Island University in Riverhead on September 12, September 14 and September 16. For information and registration contact Rosemary Malone at 631-287-8334 or by email at rosemary.malone@liu.edu.