by Spencer Busler, Director of Land Conservation

In June, TILT purchased over 300 acres of wetlands adjacent to the Crooked Creek Preserve. The parcel lies alongside State Route 12 between Goose Bay and Crooked Creek, and has been recognized by the New York Department of State as a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat because of its ecosystem rarity, species vulnerability and irreplaceability.

The Property contains a significant wetland complex that is visible from Route 12, adding scenic quality and natural vistas to this highly travelled corridor.  Its mosaic of coastal emergent wetlands, forested uplands, rock outcrops and open water also provides for unparalleled biodiversity, supporting an impressive amount of St. Lawrence River wildlife. In fact, the property supports a handful of New York State threatened and endangered species such as the Blanding’s Turtle, Pug Nose Shiner, the Common Tern, Black Tern, and the Northern Harrier, as well as more common species such as Northern Pike, Whitetail Deer and Painted Turtle.

Wildlife habitat and scenic quality aren’t the only benefits deriving from TILT’s newly conserved parcel. The coastal wetlands act as water filters by slowing runoff and allowing pollutant-laden sediments to drop out of the water column before entering the open waters of Goose Bay. Wetlands also provide flood mitigation by holding and slowly releasing water from major storm events. “By conserving these forests and wetlands, the Land Trust will be protecting one of the most important and sensitive landscapes in all of the Thousand Islands. From its water quality and scenic values to its flood mitigation and habitat, this multifaceted property will continue to serve the St. Lawrence River for generations to come,” said Spencer Busler, TILT’s Director of Land Conservation.

The Property was purchased in June from Berne and Kate Broudy, grandchildren of Jack and Abigail Weisberg, who passed this land down to their daughter Dori Ann Broudy. The family has stewarded the land for over half a century. 

“Conserving this piece of the 1000 Islands was of paramount importance to my sister and me,” said Berne Broudy. “We grew up here, we spent every summer getting to know the plants and animals here. Our grandparents’ love of this land taught me about the importance of conservation, and it’s made conservation a priority for me and my family.” Broudy is a co-founder of the Backyard Collectives, now part of the Conservation Alliance.

 “The Land Trust is incredibly thankful for the Broudy Family’s consideration for conservation and willingness to work with TILT to protect this beautiful place,” Busler said. TILT acquired the Property with the support of United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funding, as well as funding contributed by a limited number of generous donors who wish to remain anonymous.