The first property is 18 acres of land adjacent to the Muttontown Preserve in Muttontown. The property, part of the Hall/Wood/Wentworth Estate, is being acquired from the Hall family that has owned the land since the early 1950s and will become part of the 550-acre Preserve.

The second property includes 8 acres of land adjacent to the Tiffany Creek Preserve in Oyster Bay Cove. The property, which consists of old growth forest and a pristine groundwater fed pond, will become part of the 197-acre Preserve.

“Forty percent of the county’s open land has been developed since 1980 and that leaves less than 10% of remaining land that we can enjoy,” said County Executive Suozzi. “I am proud that we will be able to preserve these properties and protect wildlife habitat, groundwater quality and the County’s drinking water supply.”

In November 2006, the Environmental Bond referendum was approved by voters to authorize the issuance of $100 million in bonds to fund the Environmental Program. The Environmental Program Advisory Committee, appointed by Suozzi, reviewed more than 299 proposals for the funds. The panel recommended 95. The Environmental Program Advisory Committee’s recommendations were reviewed by the Nassau County Planning Commission and the Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee.

Proceeds from the 2006 Environmental Bond Act are used for the purpose of open space preservation, park and storm water quality improvement, and brownfield cleanup projects that will protect the environment and drinking water.

The 18-acre property is in the New York State designated Special Groundwater Protection Area and is also identified for preservation in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.

The 8-acre property is located in the Special Groundwater Protection Area and the Tiffany Creek Watershed which is part of the Oyster Bay – Cold Spring Harbor