With final build-out of Long Island expected before 2015, there remains less than a decade to preserve whatever open space and farmland Long Island wants to save. The Society and other environmental groups have identified some 25,000 acres of open space and 10,000 acres of farmland in need of protection.
Land not preserved soon will be lost forever to development. In addition to the adverse environmental and quality-of-life implications, failure to preserve this important land would undercut Long Island’s number one industry, tourism, worth $4.3 billion.
It would destroy the viability of New York State’s top agriculture-producing
county and have devastating impact on taxes needed for government services if this land were developed.
The Society will work with government at all levels to continue Long Island’s historic commitment to land preservation and will support private efforts at preservation.
|
