 Located
less than a mile from Orient Point, the tip of Long
Island’s North Fork, lies the 840 acre, pork chop-shaped
Plum Island. Well-known from Nelson DeMille’s book of
the same title and even more so because of the Plum
Island Animal Disease Center (“PIADC”) that exists
there, this wildlife rich island is a vital stopover
site and breeding ground for migratory birds, seals and
other species. Unfortunately, its ecological resources
are in danger of being lost. In 2008, Congress approved
sale of the island to a private party, with plans to
move the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility to
another state.
The approximately 90% of Plum Island that is undeveloped
holds significant ecological and scenic sites.
In fact, Plum Island has been recognized as:
- “Important Bird Area” – Audubon, New York
- “Critical Natural Resource Area”
– US Fish and
Wildlife Service
- “Peconic Bay Environs Critical Environmental
Area” - Suffolk County, New York
- “Coastal Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat”
– NYS Dept. of State
- “Environmental Stewardship Area” - Long Island
Sound Study
The Island also holds nationally-significant
artifacts and historic buildings – including the
1870 Plum Gut Lighthouse and the 1897 Fort Terry
army barracks and weapons batteries. Plum Island’s
scenic value, ecological resources and historic
sites offer tremendous potential for recreation and
public education, and make it an ideal candidate for
permanent preservation.
Read the latest update
on the coalition's efforts (Winter 2010)
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