As Long Islanders work to complete
preservation of the Long Island Pine Barrens by public purchase of the
most sensitive areas or through purchase of development rights, the
Society’s role is increasingly becoming one of stewardship.
Fewer than 3,000 acres of the Core
Preservation Area of the Pine Barrens remain in private hands with an
additional 3,000 acres in the Compatible Growth Area targeted for
protection. Thus, the job of securing the Pine Barrens to protect
drinking water and to preserve critical habitat is slowly winding down.
Our next challenge is to develop plans
to manage this extraordinary natural resource. What kind of activity is
appropriate and where? What parts of the Pine Barrens lend themselves
to recreation and which parts only to scientific study? How will
access be encouraged, yet controlled? How will land be protected,
drinking water recharge assured and fire managed?
The Society is working with government
agencies, law enforcement and non-profit organizations to develop
comprehensive management for Long Island’s premiere ecosystem. Three
important committees of the
New York State Central Pine Barrens
Commission are actively involved in stewardship matters.
Additionally, the Society hosts seasonal
trail maintenance hikes in the Pine Barrens. The work hikes are
open to the public. To find out about future work days, please
call (631) 369-3300 or
sign up to receive
updates by email.
|
