Every time I pass Plum Island on the Orient to New London Ferry I imagine the surf fishing potential of this unique, ecologically rich island. That gorgeous rip that forms north of the entrance to the small harbor begs to have darters and bottle plugs cast under the cover of darkness. It’s easy to imagine that it would be as productive a spot as the rocks beneath the Montauk Lighthouse. My dream is to find out firsthand and it sits atop my bucket list.
This 840 acre parcel sitting across form Orient Point is best known for housing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. What most people don’t know is that the other undeveloped 90 percent of the island contains significant ecological and scenic sites, as well as nationally artifacts and historic buildings like the 1870 Plum Gut Lighthouse and the 1897 Fort Terry army barracks and weapons batteries.
It is home to federally threatened and NYS endangered piping plovers, and an estimated 190 other bird species that utilize the island for breeding or migratory purposes. It is also the most significant seal haul-out site in southern New England, playing host to up to several hundred grey and harbor seals each winter. Forty rare and protected plant species round out the treasure trove of ecological abundance that this island possesses.
As impressive as all of this is, it is the fishing potential that is most intriguing. The island is now in danger of being sold to developers. In 2008, Congress approved sale of the island to a private party, with plans to move the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility to Kansas. These plans are moving forward and if they are to be stopped, we need to act now.
The U.S. General Services Administration has recently released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Plum Island. This DEIS details the environmental impact a sale would have on the island. Unfortunately, the GSA recommends a sale of the Island within this report, despite the detrimental impact it would have on the island’s remarkable wildlife and habitat.
The Preserve Plum Island Coalition strongly believes that Plum Island’s scenic value, ecological resources and historic sites offer tremendous potential for recreation and public education, making it an ideal candidate for permanent preservation such as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Let your Congressional officials know that you support conservation of this island’s critical wildlife habitats by sending the below message (please feel free to personalize) immediately. You can either send the attached letter via snail mail, or you can copy and paste the sample message below and email (all addresses are listed below.)
Please act quickly. We desperately need your help as we fight to keep Plum Island’s ecological and historical riches from being lost forever. Please see the list of emails and link to the letter at the bottom of this page.
As a concerned citizen, I appreciate your ongoing efforts to restore Long Island Sound and protect its national treasures. Today, I am urging you to include protection of Plum Island’s diverse habitats in these efforts. The substantial and remarkable resources found on this vastly undeveloped island are currently at risk by the General Services Administration (GSA) auction process!
A unique wildlife haven, Plum Island is the largest haul-out site for wintering seals in the northeast, as well as breeding grounds for bank swallows (a bird species in decline in New York), ospreys and federally threatened piping plovers. Plum Island is also a vital feeding area for federally endangered roseate terns. An Audubon designated “Important Bird Area”, approximately 190 species of birds have been documented nesting or using the island as a critical migratory stopover site. It also hosts approximately 40 rare and protected plant species.
In addition to these natural resources, the island also holds nationally significant artifacts and historic buildings, including the 1870 Plum Gut Lighthouse and the 1897 Fort Terry army barracks and weapons batteries.
Plum Island’s scenic value, ecological resources and historic sites offer tremendous potential for recreation and public education, and make it an ideal candidate for permanent preservation.
I am urging you do everything in your power to ensure that the important these resources are protected, including potentially creating The Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge. Your ongoing efforts to protect and restore Long Island Sound have been very much appreciated. Please include the protection of Plum Island in these efforts.
To mail a hard copy of the letter:
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Honorable Charles Schumer Honorable Chris Murphy Honorable Lee Zeldin Honorable Peter King Honorable Joe Courtney |
Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand Honorable Richard Blumenthal Honorable Steven Israel Honorable Rosa DeLauro |
