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Grants support preservation of environmentally sensitive land in central Suffolk
Brookhaven Town is set to preserve more than 20 acres of environmentally sensitive land near the Swan River and Artist Lake after securing state funding for two separate acquisitions.
The town will receive $500,000 in state funding to purchase 8.6 acres of vacant land along the tidal portion of the East Patchogue’s Swan River, which drains into Patchogue Bay.
The funding was announced by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The parcel is located south of the Swan Lake Preserve and consists of marshland and woodlands, including approximately 2.5 acres of tidal wetlands, according to Luke Ormand, Brookhaven’s principal environmental analyst in the town’s land management division.
Last month, the property owner accepted Brookhaven’s offer to acquire the land.
The town declined to disclose the purchase price or identify the property owner as of this time.
The grant was awarded through the state’s Climate Smart Communities Grant program, which provides matching funds for projects aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, improving water infrastructure and preserving open space.
The program is funded under the state’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
In a separate preservation effort, Brookhaven was also awarded a New York State Water Quality Improvement Project grant to acquire and preserve two parcels near Artist Lake in Middle Island.
The parcels, totaling approximately 12 acres, are located on the south side of Middle Country Road, just east of the lake.
Town officials said the acquisition will help protect water quality and prevent future development in the area.
Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico said land preservation remains a priority for the town, particularly through partnerships with state and county governments.
“We aggressively pursue worthwhile acreage for preservation and value our partnerships with the state and county officials and governments,” Panico said.
Top: The town will receive $500,000 in state funding to purchase 8.6 acres of vacant land along the tidal portion of the East Patchogue’s Swan River. (Credit: Town of Brookhaven/courtesy)
