Long Island Pine Barrens
The Long Island Pine Barrens is a vast, ecologically rare forest region spanning over 100,000 acres across Suffolk County, covering portions of Brookhaven, Riverhead, and Southampton. Recognized as one of the most important natural ecosystems in the northeastern United States, the Pine Barrens protects the island’s underground aquifers and serves as a critical habitat for rare plants, wildlife, and migratory species. With its pitch pine forests, sandy soils, wetlands, and expansive hiking trails (PDF Maps), the area is a defining feature of eastern Long Island’s natural landscape.
Due to its environmental significance, the Pine Barrens is permanently protected under the New York State Pine Barrens Protection Act of 1993, which preserves the region as a natural resource and limits or prohibits development within its most sensitive core areas.
What Makes the Pine Barrens Unique?
The Long Island Pine Barrens is:
- The largest natural area remaining on Long Island
- A globally rare ecosystem
- The island’s primary source of drinking water protection
- Home to many endangered, threatened, and rare species
- A major recreational destination for hiking, biking, camping, and nature watching
Similar pine barrens exist in New Jersey and Cape Cod, but the Long Island Pine Barrens are the only extensive fire-dependent pine ecosystem in New York State.
Regions of the Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens is divided into two major regions:
The Core Preservation Area
- Development is strictly restricted
- Includes state parks, preserves, and water protection land
- Primarily located in Ridge, Manorville, Calverton, and parts of Riverhead and Southampton
The Compatible Growth Area
- Limited development allowed under strict regulations
- Must comply with environmental protection standards
- Surrounds the core and includes small residential and commercial areas
Geology & Ecology
The Pine Barrens formed on glacial outwash plains over thousands of years, leaving:
- Sandy, nutrient-poor soil
- A landscape dependent on periodic wildfire
- Unique fire-adapted plant species
Notable vegetation includes:
- Pitch pine
- Scrub oak
- Huckleberry
- Bearberry
- Wintergreen
- Rare orchids and wildflowers
Native wildlife includes:
- Eastern box turtle
- Spotted turtle
- Red fox
- White-tailed deer
- Tiger salamanders (state endangered)
- Numerous songbirds and migratory species
Major Protected Areas & Parks
- Brookhaven State Park (Ridge/Yaphank): Over 1,600 acres of untouched pine barrens and hiking trails.
- Suffolk County Pine Barrens Trail System: The Pine Barrens Trail stretches over 47 miles from Rocky Point to Hampton Bays.
- Sandy Pond County Park: Known for its freshwater ponds and nature paths.
- Manorville Hills County Park: A large rugged area popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
- Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve (near Riverhead): Wetland trails and pond habitats.
- Quogue Wildlife Refuge (Southampton): Environmental education center and hiking sanctuary.
Recreation in the Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens offers outdoor experiences including:
- Hiking (Paumanok Path & Pine Barrens Trail)
- Camping
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking & canoeing (Peconic River & ponds)
- Nature study & ecology programs
Why the Pine Barrens Are Protected
The Pine Barrens sit above the largest groundwater aquifer on Long Island, supplying drinking water to nearly 3 million people. Without protection, development could destroy ecosystems and contaminate the water supply.
The 1993 Pine Barrens Protection Act resulted in:
- Permanent land preservation
- Zoning restrictions
- Creation of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission
- Scientific research and ecological monitoring
Threats to the Pine Barrens
Despite legal protections, threats still exist:
- Invasive species
- Human-caused wildfire suppression leading to ecological imbalance
- Illegal off-road vehicle use
- Proposed development in nearby areas
- Climate change and drought conditions
- Groundwater contamination from outside the Core
Vicinity of the Pine Barrens Preserve
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Over 100,000 acres preserved |
| Counties | Primarily Suffolk County |
| Towns | Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton |
| Established Protection | Pine Barrens Protection Act, 1993 |
| Ecosystem Type | Fire-dependent pitch pine and scrub oak habitat |
| Main Purpose | Drinking water & ecological preservation |
| Major Trails | Paumanok Path, Pine Barrens Trail |
| Wildlife | Tiger salamander, hawks, turtles, deer, foxes |
| Recreation | Hiking, camping, nature study, biking |
| Long Island Pine Barrens Society | https://www.pinebarrens.org |
The Long Island Pine Barrens remain one of the region’s most irreplaceable natural treasures-a vast protected wilderness that preserves wildlife, protects the aquifer, and offers thousands of acres of open space for outdoor discovery. Its survival is the result of decades of environmental advocacy and careful land management. Whether you’re hiking a quiet trail, studying rare species, or simply exploring the natural side of Long Island, the Pine Barrens represents the island at its most untouched and enduring.
