The conservation status of the EPCAL (Enterprise Park at Calverton) is
unclear. The Executive Director of the LI PIne Barrens Society and I met
with the Town of Riverhead Supervisor to urge the preservation of as much
of the property as possible including the extensive grasslands that bracket
both runways. He stated that legally the fate of the property is up in the
air and that they're waiting on the NYSDEC's review of the development plan
which calls for extensive conservation (about 1,000 acres), while
accommodating large lot commercial development. The concern is will enough
contiguous grassland habitat be protected and remain viable for
overwintering raptors such as short-eared owl, of which from 2-4 have been
reported most days. It is also critical for grasshopper sparrow and
eastern meadowlark.
A more engaged birding public urging conservation of what is most likely
the most significant grassland community in downstate New York could only
be helpful and appreciated.
John Turner
On Sat, Mar 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM M B <sootyshear...> wrote:
