Preserving Plum Island

Another step has been taken towards preserving Plum Island. On Thursday, March 7th, H.R. 1584, the Plum Island National Monument Act, was heard by the House Natural Resources Committee, Federal Lands Subcommittee. The bill sponsored by Representative Nick LaLota would establish Plum Island as a national monument for ecological conservation, historical preservation, and the discovery and celebration of our shared cultural heritage.

The Peconic Land Trust, as part of the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, is in favor of the bill. Louise Harrison, Long Island Natural Areas Manager at Save the Sound, also a member of the Plum Island Coalition was invited to speak at the hearing. She spoke about how Plum Island contains a diverse assemblage of natural communities. Designating Plum Island as a national monument will allow flexibility in the management and preservation of the island.