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New York buys nearly 750 coastal acres for $28.25 million
Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York's $28.25 million purchase of nearly 750 coastal acres on Thursday to permanently protect forests, wetlands and shoreline.
New York has purchased nearly 750 acres of undeveloped coastal land for $28.25 million to permanently protect its forests, wetlands and shoreline. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the acquisition on Thursday, describing the largest Long Island land purchase by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation.
The property surrounds the former Shoreham nuclear power plant in Suffolk County and extends across parts of Shoreham and Wading River along Long Island Sound. The state will manage the land for conservation and eventually open designated sections to visitors.
The purchase concludes more than a decade of conservation efforts. Environmental groups sought protection because of the site's coastal forests, rare plants and importance to Long Island's groundwater supply. The conservation department identified it for preservation in its 2016 plan and again in its draft 2026 plan.
Visitor access is still to come. Plans include marked trails, designated beach access areas, a public parking facility and accessible multi-use trails.