Governor Hochul Announces $2.2 Million Contract for Forest Management in Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $2.2 million contract to continue forest management in Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks to address damage from the invasive Southern Pine Beetle. The three-year contract will focus on areas adjacent to homes, trails, and Montauk Highway, creating additional access for Fire Departments to reduce the risk to human life or property in the case of a wildfire. This effort builds on earlier work to address southern pine beetle damage and fire risks within the parks. The contract will also improve forest health, reduce fuel loads, and restore fire-adapted conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $2.2 million contract will support strategic forest management, including thinning, brush reduction, and prescribed burning, to improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfires.
  • The three-year contract will start on November 1, 2025, and end on October 31, 2028, with tree cutting occurring between December and February to comply with the Endangered Species Act.
  • The project aims to create additional access for Fire Departments, reducing the risk to human life or property in the case of a wildfire.
  • Since 2014, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has treated over 2,500 acres on State and County lands to suppress the southern pine beetle population and protect New York's remaining pitch pine forests.
  • The Southern Pine Beetle has impacted tens of thousands of acres in Suffolk County's Central Pine Barrens Preserve (CPBP), a 105,000-acre region of high ecological significance.
  • The project includes piling of felled trees, creating hazard and risk analysis and fire management plans, and prescribed burn plans to reduce risk to public safety and restore the forest community.
  • Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni has commended Governor Hochul and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for prioritizing this important project to protect communities, preserve natural landscapes, and ensure public safety.
  • Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has called for more efforts from the state in other Suffolk County communities facing the dangers of wildfires.
  • The project has gained support from local officials, including East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, Councilmember David Lys, and Legislator Ann Welker.

Statistics:

  • The $2.2 million contract will be used for strategic forest management, including thinning, brush reduction, and prescribed burning.
  • The project will create additional access for Fire Departments, reducing the risk to human life or property in the case of a wildfire.
  • Since 2014, DEC has treated over 2,500 acres on State and County lands to suppress the southern pine beetle population.
  • The Southern Pine Beetle has impacted tens of thousands of acres in Suffolk County's Central Pine Barrens Preserve.
  • The project includes piling of felled trees, creating hazard and risk analysis and fire management plans, and prescribed burn plans.

Sources:

  • US State of New York Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement on forest management in Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton's statement on the southern pine beetle infestation
  • Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons' statement on the project's priorities and goals
  • Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine's statement on the importance of addressing wildfire risks
  • East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez's statement on the project's collaboration between state and local officials