Date: 3/24/25 3:42 pm From: M B <sootyshear...> Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] EPCAL Calverton Grasslands?
Thank you to everyone that replied publicly and privately. My wife and I
visited the site while on our way to Montauk, for our 10 year marriage
anniversary. Highlights were 3 Northern Harriers (all immatures), male
American Kestrel, Common Raven, and 2 Eastern Meadowlarks (flushed by
teenagers). It reminded me a lot of the Lakehurst Naval Air Station
grasslands, essentially an arid savanna.
I agree with Anita that some management is needed. While some percentage of
the pines should be left for roosting owls and raptor perches, many should
be removed, especially in the wider (less linear) areas. The place gives
the vibe of a "free-for-all" with people leaving the runways on foot and
even driving through the grasslands, engaged in myriad activities.
Drag-racing being permitted is ridiculous!
I would strongly advise against removing the runways. I was told by the
local dean at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR that "The removal of the runways
and associated drainage system is causing the site to become wetter and
wetter every year. All the soil that was used to cover the 4 runways w/3'
came from on the property . So the drainage systems were filled and broken
and dug out that's where the soil came from."
We accessed the EPCAL runways from Line Rd via Grumman Blvd. You cannot go
all the way through on the runways. There are roadblocks that we opted to
not drive around, though the Subaru could have easily. To access the other
section of runway, we drove onto the dirt road from Drew's Tower. I guess
Grumman is called River Road at that point?
We did not bother with the VOR/DME field because it looked quite overgrown,
via the Parker Rd side. The driveway for this piece is off Middle Country
Rd (Rt 25). I was told that this driveway is intended for foot traffic only
these days. There is a nice private grassland field on the northeast side
of Parker.
While I did not enjoy the site as much as Shawangunk, it is definitely
worth fighting for due to its size and the fact that grasslands with
grassland-obligate species are becoming quite scarce. In my opinion, not a
single grassland acre should be developed here. I actually think the entire
site should be preserved because housing on the outskirts would put a lot
of pressure on the breeders. It's a worthy cause.
Mike Britt
Washington Twp, NJ
On Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 4:05 PM John Turner <redknot948...> wrote:
> 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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