DIVISION NEWS...
A Quick Snapshot of the Latest Important Information from Our Divisions
Land Use and Planning
Land use development projects currently under environmental review by the Land Use and Planning division include Core Preservation Area and Compatible Growth Area waivers, interagency referrals, inquiries and requests for determination of jurisdiction. Applications include development at Hampton West Park in Westhampton to expand the parking lot, rehabilitate sports courts and construct a restroom building as well as the use of indoor agriculture on the site of a former commercial office complex in Calverton.
Also, a five-year monitoring study of groundwater and surface water resources in the Peconic River and Carmans River conducted by the United States Geological Survey has been completed and published. The study is entitled Characterization of Stream Water Quality and Groundwater Levels in the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York, 2017-23. A two-year study from 2024 to 2026 continues this important water resources monitoring work.
Science and Stewardship
The 2026 prescribed fire season is underway in the Central Pine Barrens after a winter of deep snow and early spring with regular rainfall.
As spring progresses the Science and Stewardship division will focus on proactive prescribed fire forest management actions to reduce the risk of wildfires and improve grassland and forest health within the Central Pine Barrens.
Science and Stewardship staff will be monitoring the forest response at both the wildfire areas as well as those managed with prescribed fire throughout the season.
Compliance and Enforcement
The Compliance and Enforcement division works closely with other law enforcement partners to bolster efforts to deter illegal dumping in the Central Pine Barrens, encouraging residents to report polluters and urging lawmakers to increase penalties for illegal dumping.
Arrests, fines and violations continue in the Central Pine Barrens. The division plays a pivotal role in coordinating and resolving enforcement matters pertaining to the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act, helping to protect the vast ecological resources of the Central Pine Barrens.
Educational Outreach and Communications
Incredibly, it’s already nearly time for Barrens to Bay Summer Camp once again! The six weeklong camp sessions that begin in late June and extend through mid-August are already completely full. As such, the Educational Outreach and Communications division is currently focusing its efforts on adding new and exciting activities to the overall program.
At the same time, the division is working on a video for June’s annual Cooperators Meeting focusing on the fascinating topic of fauna in the Central Pine Barrens. The video fits into the meeting’s overall theme of The Fauna in the Central Pine Barrens.
The division is also at work on reviving a family fun event in September, Pine Barrens Discovery Day, at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting event for the community.
Pine Barrens Credit Clearinghouse
It’s been a busy 2026 so far for the Pine Barrens Credit Clearinghouse.
Conservation easements, letters of interpretation and easement monitoring continues.
New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy
The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (NYWIMA) has for nearly two decades been a vital training ground for those who dedicate themselves to protecting our communities, our forests and our natural resources.
NYWIMA planning continues, stay tuned...
Click here to go to the Public Information/Document Library category 'Past and Current Division Reports'
Video: Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act at 30 years
This video celebrates the history of this significant achievement to protect water and ecological resources in the Central Pine Barrens
Archive: Press Releases and Media Coverage
