The Town of Brookhaven acquired two environmentally significant open space properties in Middle Island and Mastic Beach. The acquisitions include approximately 5.5 acres along the headwaters of the Carmans River in Middle Island and three parcels totaling approximately 25,000 square feet within the Mastic Marshlands in Mastic Beach.
The town has completed the acquisition of 5.5 acres located along Yaphank-Middle Island Road at the headwaters of the Carmans River. The property will be preserved as open space, allowing it to naturally revert to native vegetation while complementing more than 450 acres of adjoining protected land, including Cathedral Pines County Park.
Bordering the Carmans River along its western boundary, the property plays a critical role in protecting the headwaters of one of Brookhaven’s most significant waterways. The acquisition also advances the goals established in the 2013 Carmans River Conservation and Management Plan, which seeks to preserve and enhance the river’s ecological health for generations to come. A vacant residential structure and sanitary system currently located on the property are scheduled for removal in the coming months.
“The Carmans River is one of Brookhaven’s greatest natural resources, and protecting its headwaters is essential to the health of the entire river system,” said Town Supervisor Dan Panico. “This acquisition reflects years of persistence and partnership, and it ensures this land will remain protected for future generations instead of being developed. It’s another example of the Town’s long-term commitment to preserving the places that define Brookhaven’s natural character.”
Councilman Michael Loguercio said, “Open space preservation is an investment in the future of our community. By making this acquisition happen, we continue the commitment we made to balance growth with preservation while safeguarding our natural beauty for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this come to fruition.”
The town also completed the acquisition of three parcels located at the southwest corner of Beaver Drive and Forest Road East in Mastic Beach. Together, the approximately 25,000 square feet of preserved land includes a mix of upland habitat, freshwater and brackish wetlands that support a variety of native wildlife species.
The acquisition expands a nearly 25-acre network of publicly owned freshwater, brackish, and tidal wetlands in the immediate area. These wetlands serve as natural flood protection by absorbing stormwater, improving water quality by filtering pollutants before they reach local creeks and bays, and providing critical habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.
“Small acquisitions like these can have a significant environmental impact when they connect to existing preserved lands,” Panico said. “By expanding this protected wetland network, we’re improving the resilience of these ecosystems while helping to protect nearby neighborhoods from future flooding and environmental degradation.”
Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig added, “Preserving our wetlands is essential to protecting our environment and our communities. This acquisition expands an important network of protected land that will benefit wildlife, improve water quality, and help safeguard our neighborhoods for generations to come.”