County Executive Romaine announced intention to acquire Plum Island from federal government
Plum Island’s future is coming into clearer focus, thanks to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s announcement Wednesday that the County will seek to acquire the 822-acre island off the tip of Long Island’s North Fork.
The Preserve Plum Island Coalition (PPIC) enthusiastically supports Suffolk County’s strategic planning toward developing future partnerships and securing the preservation of Plum Island after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) departs. While seeking partners and studying preservation needs, the County can officially express its intention to acquire the island after the federal government declares the asset to be Surplus Property. First, DHS will issue a Report of Excess when the science mission at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center has come to an end, giving an opportunity for other federal agencies to consider ownership. The PPIC is unaware of any such U.S. agency interested in acquiring the island.
“That Suffolk County has expressed its interest in pursuing the permanent preservation of Plum Island is music to the ears of countless Long Islanders who support the goal of preserving the highly significant cultural, historical, and ecological resources of Plum Island,” said John Turner, spokesperson for the Preserve Plum Island Coalition. “We strongly support the County’s request to secure state funding to help provide a path for achieving these important goals, and we express our gratitude and appreciation to County Executive Ed Romaine for his unwavering support for protecting Plum Island.”
“This is a hallelujah moment,” said Louise Harrison, Long Island project manager and senior science advisor for Save the Sound. “County Executive Romaine has raised the hopes of everyone who cares about the preservation of Plum Island. This is a giant step that inspires our imaginations about the possibilities for future partnerships with many parties, focused on conservation, research, education, cultural heritage of the Montaukett Indian Nation, and sustainable public access.”
The PPIC appreciates that the County Executive recognizes the complexity of preserving an island with a unique collection of disparate features. The island’s legacy includes historic Fort Terry and the Plum Island Light Station, the infrastructure built for the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, colonialism, and abundant ecological resources. The Coalition supports the County Executive’s plans to pursue funding for development of a comprehensive business and operations plan. The County already is undertaking a study of ferry transportation options around the Peconic Estuary region, which may increase options for future public access scenarios.
Formed after Plum Island first became vulnerable to public auction, the PPIC is composed of about 130 organizations. Its steering committee has been meeting monthly since 2011, working to bring together stakeholders to determine the public’s vision for the island and to encourage elected officials—including U.S. senators and representatives from New York and Connecticut—to explore every possibility to secure permanent preservation of Plum Island. Over the last three years, the PPIC has developed a fruitful relationship with leadership at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center and the General Services Administration, advancing discussions about the realities of and opportunities for preservation.
All members of the broad-based Preserve Plum Island Coalition have agreed to our mission statement although we continue rigorous, strategic discussions on methods in our monthly meetings. We expect our members will coalesce around and within the County’s upcoming planning effort, and we look forward to participating in the development of the plan for Plum Island.
STATEMENTS FROM ADDITIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Kevin McDonald, The Nature Conservancy’s Long Island Policy Advisor: “The Nature Conservancy commends Suffolk County for its intent to preserve Plum Island for conservation, research, and public access. Just 100 miles from New York City, Plum Island is a national treasure that provides a myriad of benefits for people and wildlife. We applaud Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for seizing this unique opportunity and members of Congress for their ongoing leadership in protecting this extraordinary place. We look forward to working with public officials and partners to conserve Plum Island for locals, visitors, and the many species that depend on it.”
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment: “There is overwhelming public support for preserving Plum Island because the public realizes this magnificent island is too precious and beautiful to allow it to be developed and degraded. We have an obligation to save this valuable ecological gem space and we are thankful for the County Executive’s willingness to advance this critical preservation effort.”
Bob DeLuca, president, Group for the East End: “Suffolk County has been a visionary leader in addressing many of the most critical conservation issues facing our region for decades. Today, we are thrilled to applaud the Romaine administration for stepping forward to begin the critical work necessary to preserve the unique ecological value and extraordinary cultural history of Plum Island. Suffolk County’s leadership is pivotal, not only to protecting the island but in developing a viable, enduring, and sustainable management plan. The Preserve Plum Island Coalition stands ready to help and support this effort any way we can.”
Anne Murray, Southold Land Use Coordinator, North Fork Environmental Council: “Plum Island is an ecological crown jewel that must never be sold to private developers. Suffolk County taking ownership would be the ultimate victory for local conservation, permanently protecting this fragile wildlife sanctuary for generations to come.”
Jane Fasullo, chair, Sierra Club Long Island group: “I want to extend my appreciation to County Executive Ed Romaine for showing such interest in preserving Plum Island and for including so many of the priorities that were developed during the visioning process—in particular the need to manage public access to avoid damaging the parts of the land that provide critical habitat for nature, both plants and animals.”
Sandi Brewster-walker, Executive Director & Government Affairs Officer, Montaukett Indian Nation: “The Montaukett Indian Nation strongly believes that it is morally wrong for Suffolk County to seek to acquire Plum Island’s 840 acres of land without consulting the Montaukett Indian Nation. This is part of our ancestral territory, and once again decisions are being made without any consultation with the Nation; we see this as Colonialism 2.0. We should be at all discussions concerning our stolen lands.”
Casey Petrashek, Political Director, New York League of Conservation Voters: “The preservation of Plum Island has been a longtime NYLCV priority. We applaud Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for his leadership and vision to not only protect this historical and ecological treasure but to ensure it remains accessible to the public while paying it forward with cutting edge education and research to inform conservation efforts for generations to come.”
Richard Remmer, president, Friends of Plum Island; commisioner, Long Island State Parks: “Plum Island represents one of the last truly extraordinary conservation opportunities on the east coast. This remarkable island is an environmental, historical, and cultural treasure whose protection will create an enduring legacy for future generations. Preserving Plum Island will safeguard critical wildlife habitat, expand opportunities for outdoor education and scientific research, and allow people to experience one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the northeast. Because Plum Island remains largely undeveloped and free from light pollution, it serves as a world-renowned refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. Standing atop its windswept bluffs, with panoramic views of Long Island Sound, Plum Gut, Gardiners Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, it is easy to understand why more than 220 species of migratory birds return year after year. Today we have a rare opportunity to ensure this extraordinary place remains protected forever—not just for wildlife but for every generation that follows.”