Governor Hochul Announces Largest Long Island DEC Land Acquisition in History

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the acquisition of nearly 750 acres of open space surrounding the former Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant in Suffolk County. The acquisition permanently secures one of the largest remaining undeveloped coastal parcels in the Long Island Sound Estuary, protecting globally rare pine barrens ecosystems and Long Island's sole source aquifer.

"Protecting the North Shore's coastal beauty is more important than ever, and this historic acquisition integrates the ecological benefits of the Long Island Sound Estuary, Pine Barrens and other critical habitat to provide lasting benefits for the region," Governor Hochul said. "For decades, the permanent protection of the unique land surrounding the former Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant has been an aspiration, and together with our many partners, New York State has succeeded in ensuring this open space is preserved for generations to come."

Located in the hamlets of Shoreham and Wading River, the property was originally slated for the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant. Following the plant's abandonment in 1989 and decommissioning in 1994, the surrounding land remained undeveloped. The Shoreham parcel has been a priority of the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for over a decade, listed in both the 2016 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and the draft 2026 Plan as a target for preservation until DEC recently acquired the property from National Grid.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Securing nearly 750 acres of coastal habitat in a region as densely populated as Long Island is a rare triumph that deserves to be celebrated. This has been a priority project for over a decade and thanks to Governor Hochul's continued leadership, the coastal habitats, pine barrens, and tidal wetlands of the newly acquired Shoreham property will provide current and future generations of New Yorkers with expanded recreational opportunities and a cleaner, greener future."

DEC purchased the property for $28.25 million that included contributions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Long Island Sound Partnership Program, the New York State Clean Water Infrastructure Act, and the 1996 Clean Water, Clean Air Bond Act. The parcel spans diverse ecological habitats, including sand and gravel beaches, 100-foot-high bluffs, maritime shrublands, coastal oak-heath forests, rare pine barrens, and more than 40 acres of tidal marshes and shrub swamps. It hosts critical bird habitats for species such as osprey and the endangered piping plover, rare native plants, and diverse maritime life.

With the property now owned and managed by DEC, land access improvements including a public parking area and marked trails will be designed and installed in the coming years to make this unique area accessible for public enjoyment.

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, "On a densely populated island of 3 million people, opportunities to protect 750 contiguous acres is truly a cause to celebrate. We are overjoyed that DEC has acquired this crucial open space for preservation around Long Island Sound. This is the largest land acquisition in decades on Long Island and it brings significant protection for our wild areas, wetlands, coastal ecosystems and Long Island Sound watershed for generations to come. These open spaces and wetlands will serve as critical habitat, recharge our sole-source aquifer, help prevent flooding, and reduce pollution to our bays, harbors, and the Long Island Sound. We applaud New York State for this monumental investment in Long Island's environment, communities, and future."

Louise Harrison, Long Island Project Manager and Senior Science Advisor at Save the Sound said, "We are thrilled to celebrate New York's amazing gift to the Long Island Sound region - the permanent protection of 750 acres of essential watershed land, wildlife habitat, tidal marsh, and long-sought-after open space. Long before New York's 2016 Open Space Conservation Plan, Long Island's naturalists and environmentalists have wanted to do what is best for the native forest and marshlands along this coastline - preserve it for posterity."

Bob DeLuca, Group for the East End President said, "Protection of the Shoreham Forest has long been a top priority of conservationists from all across Long Island, and today we are incredibly thankful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the commitment to finally secure the permanent preservation for this unique property. From its undeveloped shorelines and remarkable wetlands, to its extensive areas of intact native forest, there are few pieces of unprotected property that so wonderfully embody Long Island's rich ecological diversity, and which offer so many opportunities for exploring and enjoying nature."

John Turner, co-founder and long-time Long Island Pine Barrens Society Board member said, "The Shoreham property includes a nearly one-mile stretch of unspoiled shoreline along Long Island Sound, hundreds of acres of forest, the presence of 'Split Rock', a large glacial boulder complex that held great spiritual significance to several indigenous Native American tribes, and beautiful rolling landscapes that contain stunning scenic quality. This acquisition is a great gift to all Long Islanders. Kudos to the regional land acquisition staff at DEC, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, and Governor Kathy Hochul, for making this valuable purchase happen."

Kevin McDonald, Senior Policy Advisor for The Nature Conservancy in New York said, "The Nature Conservancy applauds the preservation of nearly 750-acres of woods, wetlands, and a mile of natural beaches on Long Island Sound. Located in the Central Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area, this is a critical conservation priority for the protection of clean drinking water and wildlife habitat."

Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, "On Long Island, where open space has become increasingly scarce, preserving large undeveloped expanses of woodland like this is especially important. Protecting nearly 750 acres in Shoreham and Wading River will help safeguard our sole-source aquifer, preserve critical wildlife habitat along the Sound, and give future generations greater access to the natural spaces that make Long Island such a special place to live. As a strong supporter of open space preservation, I am grateful to Governor Hochul, the DEC, and the many local partners who helped make this historic acquisition possible."

This acquisition is part of theGovernor's '30x30' Initiative to protect 30 percent of New York's lands and waters by 2030. Managed by DEC, the property will feature expanded recreational opportunities, including beach access and accessible multi-use trails.