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As you know, NY State administrators have threatened
to close several State parks on Long Island. First,
Connetquot was earmarked to be closed on weekdays
and only open on weekends. Then, it was to remain
on the winter schedule: close Monday and Tuesday,
open Wednesday thru Sunday. I’m happy to report that
thanks to the Long Island State Parks Fishing
Advisory Board, which is donating the necessary
funds, the preserve will remain open according to
its regular schedule. Nevertheless, we need to
encourage Governor Paterson and the NY legislature
to agree on a budget that does not require any parks
to close and that provides sufficient funds for
daily operation. Please continue to put pressure on
them to vote against all closures. The amount saved
by closings is a very minimal part of the
multi-billion dollar budget. These are OUR parks; we
pay taxes and fees to support them. Show the State
that we will not stand aside and let them be used as
bargaining material.
Three new people have been inducted to serve on
our Board of Trustees: Rita Trapani as Secretary and
Aimee and Randolph Schmitt. They are long-time
supporters of the preserve and the Friends. We
welcome them and look forward to a productive
association.
On Saturday, March 27, the first of the Friends
three lectures for 2010 was held. Gary Lawton,
Regional Environmental Manager for the Parks Long
Island Region, gave an exceptional presentation on
the natural history of Connetquot State Park
Preserve. He pointed out rare plants and wildlife
that exist within the preserve. Some, we take for
granted as we walk the paths.
The Board has been working diligently applying
for grants to be used to continue restoration of the
mill and other planned projects.
Speaking of the mill restoration, the State is
resuming the restoration work. Epoxy is being
applied to address the beam damage caused by powder
post beetles over the years. We are attempting to
salvage as much of the original fabric of the mill,
but we expect that some beams will have to be
replaced with new ones.
No news on the hatchery. Ground water tests have
been performed. However, no results have been
released.
Signs of spring have begun. Ospreys have returned
from their wintering locations, daffodils are in
bloom, birds are beginning to pair off and nest.
Please visit the park to enjoy the season.
Sincerely,
Bob Labuski
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