The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has awarded a $2.2 million contract to support ongoing forest management efforts in Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks. The initiative aims to address the damage caused by the invasive Southern Pine Beetle, with a focus on areas near homes, trails, and Montauk Highway. The project will also improve access for fire departments to reduce wildfire risks.
Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the importance of the project, stating, “One only has to look west to California or north to Canada to see the devastating impacts of wildfires. This is a safety issue. It’s why we are expediting the next phase of work to lessen the likelihood of a wildfire starting from a car, cigarette, campfire fire, or sparks from the railroad, and to improve access for firefighters in the event of a wildfire.”
The Southern Pine Beetle infestation has significantly affected Long Island’s pine barrens ecosystem. One result has been reduced access for emergency responders during wildfires. Forest management strategies such as thinning trees, reducing brush, and prescribed burning are being used to improve forest health and lower fuel loads.
Work under this three-year contract will begin November 1, 2025 and continue through October 31, 2028. Tree cutting activities will take place between December and February in compliance with the Endangered Species Act while endangered Northern long-eared bats are hibernating off-site.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons expressed appreciation for state support: “I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s support for this crucial public safety work. Our agency is committed to addressing these risks. The agency has undertaken a series of projects including removing trees, clearing underbrush, creating fuel breaks, and preparing the site for prescribed burning. We look forward to working with community members and local first responders to address concerns and strengthen the local ecosystem.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted previous efforts: “Since 2014, DEC has treated more than 2,500 acres on State and County lands to suppress the southern pine beetle population and protect New York’s remaining pitch pine forests. DEC is thankful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in helping to sustain the State’s efforts to reduce the potential safety risks connected to this invasive species and support critically important management on our State lands.”
The Southern Pine Beetle was first detected on Long Island in 2014 and has since impacted tens of thousands of acres within Suffolk County’s Central Pine Barrens Preserve (CPBP), which covers about 105,000 acres with diverse plant and animal species across state, county, municipal, and private properties.
Management priorities include tree removal and prescribed burns within CPBP’s Core Preservation Area—its most protected section—coordinated among multiple government agencies using ground monitoring techniques such as GIS mapping.
This summer’s additional projects involve piling felled trees along sections of Paumanok Path through a $215,000 contract with Roxy Group; developing hazard analysis plans via a $64,000 contract with Startree Wildfire Protection; trailblazing work; stump grinding; and staffing around-the-clock fire watch patrols.
Since 2022 over $2 million has been spent by OPRHP on similar fuel management initiatives at these parks.
Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said: “The threat of wildfires on the East End is very real, and this funding will allow critical work to move forward in Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks. Managing the damage caused by the Southern Pine Beetle is essential to protecting our communities, preserving our natural landscapes, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. I commend Governor Hochul and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for prioritizing this important project,” stated Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine noted: “This is a positive step towards protecting our residents and natural resources by finally addressing the wildfire danger that the southern beetle has created across Long Island. We hope to see more of these efforts from the state in other Suffolk County communities, which face the dangers of wildfires all year round.”
Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker added: “Hither Hills and Napeague were recognized in 2006 as among the top natural heritage areas in New York State by the New York Natural Heritage Program for their globally rare biodiversity. The Southern Pine Beetle has left these forests vulnerable to wildfire, and this funding will support controlled burns, reduce fuel loads, and improve access for emergency responders while protecting nearby homes, increasing public safety, and preserving irreplaceable habitats that define our East End community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for this continuing support.”
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said: “We want to sincerely thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and for making this critical investment in East Hampton’s safety. This project shows what is possible when the State, the Town, and our volunteer fire departments work together toward a shared goal. We are deeply grateful to the Governor for prioritizing this work and to our local firefighters for the extraordinary service they provide to protect lives, property, and the natural beauty of East Hampton.”
East Hampton Town Councilmember David Lys remarked: “When a fire breaks out in a place like Napeague there’s no room for delay. This investment gives our first responders access they need removes dangerous fuel that drives wildfires I am grateful Governor Hochul making priority our volunteer firefighters standing ready protect lives property every single day”
The Office oversees more than 250 parks statewide which had record attendance numbers last year.
