Date: 3/24/25 1:05 pm
From: John Turner <redknot948...>
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] EPCAL Calverton Grasslands?
Hi Anita: Love the idea but given the current administration I think there
would be little interest. However, between support by the Town of
Riverhead, Suffolk County, and the State of New York (EPCAL is eligible for
acquisition as it is in the NYS Open Space Plan and is thus eligible for
state conservation dollars) perhaps a meaningful section of the grasslands
could be preserved. They are more likely motivated to act with support by
those that care about its fate.

John

On Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 10:51 AM anitabryk2 <anitabryk2...> wrote:

> Too bad it cannot be turned into a Wildlife Refuge like Shawangunk
> Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, at least in part. The diversity of
> wildlife throughout the season is amazing.
>
> Anita Regler
>
> On Sat, Mar 22, 2025 at 5:59 PM M B <sootyshear...> wrote:
>
>> John,
>>
>> Thanks for the info. I will be visiting the site for the first time
>> tomorrow. I am sure that I will fall in love with the place...
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> On Sat, Mar 22, 2025, 5:55 PM John Turner <redknot948...> wrote:
>>
>>> 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:
>>>
>>>> Open habitats like grasslands and marshes are my favorite! What is the
>>>> status of this site in 2025? I cannot find much online, except some eBird
>>>> reports and advocacy from the past in regards to development versus
>>>> conservation. What are the access points for the main area and smaller
>>>> piece to the north? Feel free to reply privately.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Michael Britt
>>>> Washington, Twp NJ
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