The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has awarded a $2.2 million contract for continued forest management at Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks to address damage from the invasive Southern Pine Beetle. The contract, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will focus on areas near homes, trails, and Montauk Highway. It will also improve access for fire departments to reduce risks to people and property in case of wildfires.
“One only has to look west to California or north to Canada to see the devastating impacts of wildfires. This is a safety issue,” Governor Hochul said. “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 caused significant damage to the pine barrens ecosystem. One result is reduced access for emergency responders during wildfires. Forest management efforts such as thinning, brush reduction, and prescribed burning are used to maintain forest health, reduce fuel loads that can feed fires, manage beetle risk, and restore natural conditions needed by these ecosystems.
Dead trees will continue being cut and piled before being chipped, removed or burned according to an approved plan. The three-year contract runs from November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2028. To protect endangered species like the Northern long-eared bat under federal guidelines, tree cutting will be done between December and February when bats are not present.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons stated: “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.”
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), said: “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. Since then it has affected tens of thousands of acres within Suffolk County’s Central Pine Barrens Preserve (CPBP), which covers about 105,000 acres with rare habitats supporting diverse wildlife. Most impacted land is owned by Suffolk County or DEC.
State agencies work with federal partners as well as local governments on suppression efforts such as tree removal and controlled burns while using mapping surveys and monitoring systems each year.
Additional ongoing work includes piling felled trees along parts of Paumanok Path through a $215,000 contract with Roxy Group; developing hazard analysis plans through Startree Wildfire Protection; trail maintenance; and staffing round-the-clock fire watch patrols.
Earlier phases since 2022 have involved spending over $2 million on managing hazardous trees—cutting more than 16,000—and creating fuel breaks across over two miles.
Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni commented: “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.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine added: “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 stated: “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…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…This project shows what is possible when the State, the Town, and our volunteer fire departments work together toward a shared goal.”
Councilmember David Lys noted: “When a fire breaks out in a place like Napeague…This investment gives our first responders access they need…I am grateful…for making this a priority…”
The Office oversees more than 250 parks across New York which received record visitation last year; more information can be found at parks.ny.gov.
