SuffolkSuffolk CountyCounty VectorVector Control & Wetlands Management Long TermTerm PlanPlan && Environmental Impact Statement
Task 8: Impact Assessment Task Report Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Mastic BeachBeach-Shirley Risk Assessment Report Prepared for: Suffolk County Department of Public Works Suffolk County Department of Health Services Suffolk County, New York Prepared by: CASHIN ASSOCIATES, P.C. 1200 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY November 20052005 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
SUFFOLK COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL AND WETLANDS MANAGEMENT LONG - TERM PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
PROJECT SPONSOR
Steve Levy Suffolk County Executive
Department of Public Works Department of Health Services Charles J. Bartha, P.E. Brian L. Harper, M.D., M.P.H. Commissioner Commissioner Richard LaValle, P.E. Vito Minei, P.E. Chief Deputy Commissioner Director, Division of Environmental Quality Leslie A. Mitchel Deputy Commissioner
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Manager: Walter Dawydiak, P.E., J.D. Chief Engineer, Division of Environmental Quality, Suffolk County Department of Health Services
Suffolk County Department of Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Division of Health Services, Office of Ecology Vector Control Martin Trent Dominick V. Ninivaggi Acting Chief Superinte ndent Kim Shaw Tom Iwanejko Bureau Supervisor Principal Environmental Robert M. Waters Entomologist Bureau Supervisor Mary E. Dempsey Laura Bavaro Biologist Environmental Analyst Phil DeBlasi Environmental Analyst Jeanine Schlosser Principal Clerk
Cashin Associates, PC i Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
SUFFOLK COUNTY LONG TERM PLAN CONSULTANT TEAM
Cashin Associates, P.C. Hauppauge, NY Subconsultants Cameron Engineering, L.L.P. Syosset, NY Integral Consulting Annapolis, MD Bowne Management Systems, Inc. Mineola, NY Kamazima Lwiza, PhD Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY Ducks Unlimited Stony Brook, NY Steven Goodbred, PhD & Laboratory Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY RTP Environmental Westbury, NY Sinnreich, Safar & Kosakoff Central Islip, NY Bruce Brownawell, PhD & Laboratory Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY Anne McElroy, PhD & Laboratory Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY Andrew Spielman, PhD Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA Richard Pollack, PhD Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA Masahiko Hachiya, PhD Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA Wayne Crans, PhD Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ Susan Teitelbaum, PhD Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY Zawicki Vector Management Consultants Freehold, NJ Michael Bottini, Turtle Researcher East Hampton, NY Robert Turner, PhD & Laboratory Southampton College, NY Christopher Gobler, PhD & Laboratory Southampton College, NY Jerome Goddard, PhD Mississippi Department of Health, Jackson, MS Sergio Sanudo, PhD & Laboratory Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY Robert Cerrato, PhD Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY Suffolk County Department of Health Hauppauge, NY Services, Division of Environmental Quality
Cashin Associates, PC ii Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IN THIS PART
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS...... vi 1. OVERVIEW ...... 1 References...... 7 2. LAND USE SETTING...... 8 References...... 12 3. ECOLOGICAL HABITAT SETTING...... 13 3.1 Aquatic Settings ...... 13 3.2 Transitional Settings ...... 13 3.3 Terrestrial Settings ...... 17 3.4 Unique/Sensitive/Critical Environments ...... 18 References...... 22 4. ANIMAL SPECIES LISTINGS AND SURVEYS ...... 23 References...... 46 5. VEGETATION SPECIES LISTINGS ...... 47 References...... 54
LIST OF MAPS Map 1 Mastic Beach-Shirley Key Map...... 2 Map 2 Mastic Beach-Shirle y Quad Map...... 3 Map 3 Mastic Beach-Shirley Soils Map ...... 4 Map 4 Mastic Beach-Shirley Land Use Map...... 9 Map 5 Mastic Beach-Shirley Wetlands Map...... 14
Cashin Associates, PC iii Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
LIST OF TABLES
1-1. Soil Types within Mastic Beach-Shirley Risk Assessment Area and Buffer Zone...... 5 1-2. Summary of Ecological Habitat Settings within Mastic Beach-Shirley Risk Assessment Area...... 6 2-1. Existing Land Use in the Risk Assessment Area and Buffer Zone ...... 11 4-1. Artificial Ponds...... 23 4-2. Tidal Creeks...... 24 4-3. Freshwater Marsh...... 26 4-4. Red Maple Swamp...... 28 4-5. Salt Marsh Meadow (High Marsh)...... 29 4-6. Salt Shrub...... 30 4-7. Intertidal Marsh (Low Marsh) ...... 30 4-8. Salt Panne ...... 30 4-9. Intertidal Bars, Mudflats...... 31 4-10. Shoreline...... 32 4-11. Pitch Pine – Scrub Oak Barrens ...... 33 4-12. Coastal Oak – Hickory Woodland ...... 34 4-13. Mowed Lawn with Trees...... 35 4-14. Mowed Lawns (>30% tree cover)...... 35 4-15. Unique/Sensitive/Critical Environments ...... 36 4-16. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Documented Species...... 38 4-17. Unique/Rare/Threatened/Endangered Species ...... 44 5-1. Freshwater Marsh...... 47 5-2. Red Maple Swamp...... 48 5-3. Salt Marsh Meadow (High Marsh)...... 49 5-4. Salt Shrub...... 50 5-5. Intertidal Marsh (Low Marsh) ...... 50 5-6. Salt Panne ...... 50 5-7. Intertidal Bars/Mudflats...... 51 5-8. Shoreline...... 51 5-9. Pitch Pine – Scrub Oak Barrens ...... 52 5-10. Coastal Oak – Hickory Woodland ...... 53
Cashin Associates, PC iv Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
IN OTHER PARTS PART I SUMMARY
PART II MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
PART III HUMAN HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF VECTOR CONTROL PESTICIDES CONSIDERED FOR USE BY SUFFOLK COUNTY
PART IV WEST NILE VIRUS NON-HUMAN EFFECTS
PART V AVIAN POPULATION RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WEST NILE VIRUS
PART VI MARSH MANAGEMENT PLAN RISK ASSESSMENT
APPENDICES
Appendix to Mosquito-Borne Disease Impact Assessment: Additional Impacts from Mosquito Biting Behavior Appendices to the Human Health Risk Assessment A-G Appendices to the Ecological Risk Assessment A-J Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Health Risks from Background Pesticide Exposure Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Background Ecological Risks Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Air Concentration and Deposition Modeling Report Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Davis Park Risk Assessment Report Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Dix Hills Risk Assessment Report Appendix to the Quantitative Risk Assessment: Manorville Risk Assessment Report
Cashin Associates, PC v Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
CEA Critical Environmental Area FC Formerly Connected Tidal Wetlands FM Fresh Marsh HM High Marsh IM Intertidal Marsh NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ppt Parts per thousand RAA Risk Assessment Area SEQRA State Environmental Quality Review Act USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service WNWR Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
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MASTIC BEACH - SHIRLEY: RISK ASSESSMENT AREA
1. Overview The Mastic Beach-Shirley Risk Assessment Area (RAA) is located on the south shore of the Long Island mainland, in the Town of Brookhaven, within the Mastic Beach-Shirley peninsula (see Map 1). The peninsula is surrounded by water on its west, south, and east sides by the Great South Bay, Narrow Bay, and Moriches Bay respectively. The RAA borders on the Carmans River, and includes part of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge (WNWR) and the William Floyd Estate, which is part of the Fire Island National Seashore (see Map 2). Several tidal creeks are located on the southern edge of the peninsula including, from west to east, Unchachogue Creek, Johns Neck Creek, Sheep Pen Creek, Pattersquash Creek, and Lawrence (Odell’s) Creek.
The entire Mastic Beach-Shirley peninsula is situated within Hydrogeologic Zone VI, as delineated in the Long Island 208 Study. This area is a portion of the south shore shallow flow system that discharges to Moriches Bay, Narrow Bay, and the eastern portion of Great South Bay. Groundwater in this area primarily moves laterally toward coastal waters, possibly with some degree of upward flow as the groundwater discharges to the bay system. Areas with a depth to groundwater of less than five feet occupy a substantial portion of RAA, with large areas of designated wetlands where the groundwater table is at or above the ground surface (Cashin, 2003).
The RAA consists of Riverhead-Plymouth-Carver Association soils (see Map3). These soils are deep, level to sloping, well-drained, moderately-coarse to coarse-textured soils (on outwash plains). The part of this association near the shore is almost entirely built up, with gradual encroachment into inland areas. The areas currently the farthest from the shore are still wooded but the trend is toward complete development.
Cashin Associates, PC 1 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Cashin Associates, PC 2 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
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Table 1-1
Soil Types Within Mastic Beach-Shirley Risk Assessment Area and Buffer Zone
Location Soil Type Description
RAA only At Atsion sand
Bc Beaches
We Wareham loamy sand
Buffer Zone only CpC Carver and Plymouth sands (3-15% slope)
CpE Carver and Plymouth sands (15-35% slopes)
PlC Plymouth loamy sand
RAA and Buffer Bd Berryland muck sand Zone CpA Carver and Plymouth sands (0-3% slopes)
CuB Cut and fill land, gently sloping
De Deerfield sand
Fd Fill land, dredged material
Mu Muck
PlA Plymouth loamy sand, 0-3% slopes
PlB Plymouth loamy sand, 3-8% slopes
RdA Riverhead sandy loam, 0-3% slopes
RhB Riverhead and Haven soils, graded, 0-8% slopes
Su Sudbury sand loam
Tm Tidal marsh
Wd Walpole sandy loam
Source: US Soil Conservation Service, 1975
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Table 1-2
Summary of Ecological Habitat Settings within Mastic Beach-Shirley RAA
Animal Species Vegetation Species Habitat Type Table # Table #
Artificial Ponds 4.1 n/a
Tidal Creek 4.2 n/a
Freshwater Marsh 4.3 5-1
Red Maple Swamp 4.4 5-2
Salt Marsh Meadow (High Marsh) 4.5 5-3
Salt Shrub 4.6 5-4
Intertidal Marsh (Low Marsh) 4.7 5-5
Salt Panne 4.8 5-6
Intertidal Bars, Mudflats 4.9 5-7
Shoreline 4.10 5-8
Pitch Pine-scrub Oak Barrens 4.11 5-9
Coastal Oak-hickory Woodland 4.12 5-10
Mowed Lawn With Trees 4.13 n/a
Mowed Lawn (>30% Tree Cover) 4.14 n/a
Unique/Sensitive/Critical Environments 4.15 n/a
n/a: not applicable
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References:
Cashin Associates, 2003. Mastic Beach-Shirley Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Preliminary Draft Plan. Town of Brookhaven, Medford, NY. Paginated in sections.
US Soil Conservation Service, 1975. Soil Survey of Suffolk County, New York. Riverhead, NY.
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2. Land Use Setting
The RAA is approximately 2,061 acres. The buffer zone is approximately 1,576 acres. Land use designations in the RAA include:
· Residential
· Commercial
· Recreational and Entertainment
· Community Services
· Public Service
· Wild, Forested, Conservation and Public Lands
· Underwater Land
· Vacant
The acreage for each designation is given in Table 2.1. Land use designations are depicted on Map 4.
The predominant land use in the RAA is single-family residential development on small lots that range in size from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet. The total acreage of residential development within the RAA is approximately 1,212 including the buffer zone. The Mastic-Shirley community had 41,421 residents as of the 2000 Census. The hamlet of Shirley had a total population of 25,935 located in 11.13 square miles, and the hamlet of Mastic is home to 15,486 residents located in 4.48 square miles (Cashin Associates, 2004).
An area of one-acre residentially-developed lots is located in Shirley, between William Floyd Parkway and the WNWR. A 22-unit condominium complex is situated on the east side of William Floyd Parkway, fronting on Narrow Bay.
Cashin Associates, PC 8 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Cashin Associates, PC 9 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
The Mastic Beach business district is located along Neighborhood Road, which includes a variety of small retail establishments that are primarily oriented toward serving local needs, as well as a small office supplies store, a realtor’s office, and community center. Further to the east within the RAA, there is a transition from commercial land use to a mix of single-family residential development and institutional/community uses such as the Mastic Beach Fire Department, several churches, a pre-school, and the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association headquarters. Land use becomes entirely residential further to the east until reaching the Fire Island National Seashore’s William Floyd Estate Park.
Extensive areas of recreational land and undeveloped open space exist owned either by governmental entities or the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association. The northwest segment of the RAA includes a portion of the WNWR’s 2500 acres. The Town of Brookhaven Manor of St. George is located just south of WNWR and includes 127 acres of undeveloped land. Other conservation areas include, from west to east:
· Smith Point County Marina (149 acres)
· Johns Neck State Tidal Wetlands (75 acres)
· William Floyd Estate – Fire Island National Seashore (613 acres)
Smith Point County Marina is a popular location for recreational boaters, as is the canal/lagoon located in the southeast segment of the RAA. The Links at Shirley, located in the northern portion of the RAA, is a 36-hole golf facility that includes a championship caliber 18-hole course and an executive style 18-hole course that is fully illuminated for additional night play.
A number of subdivided, vacant parcels held in individual private ownership are situated throughout the RAA, many of which have developmental constraints due to small lot sizes, wetlands, potential for flooding and high groundwater levels. Wet soils and areas of high water that occur along the shoreline have severe limitations for most land development uses.
New residential development is significantly declining in the Mastic Beach – Shirley area. This is due to the majority of the lots already being developed and a high percentage of the remaining lots falling with wetlands or flood zones.
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Table 2-1
Existing Land Use in the Risk Assessment Area and Buffer Zone
Land Use RAA (acres) Buffer Zone (acres) Total (acres)
Residential 1,094 118 1,212
Commercial 18 1 19
Recreational & Entertainment 17 130 147
Community Services 130 2 132
Public Service 7 4 11
Wild, Forested, Conservation & Public Lands 131 358 489
Underwater Lands 69 921 990
Vacant 664 42 706
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References:
Cashin Associates, 2004. Montauk Highway Corridor and Land Use Plan for Mastic and Shirley Draft GEIS. Town of Brookhaven, Medford, NY. Paginated in sections.
United States Census Bureau, 2002a. Population statistics for the Town of Brookhaven during the year 2000. Retrieved from: http://www.factfinder.census.gov
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3. Ecological Habitat Setting
3.1 Aquatic Settings Freshwater
Other than a few small ponds on the William Floyd Estate, two artificial ponds within the Links Golf Course and the upper reaches of some of the tidally-influenced streams, there are no major freshwater bodies in the RAA. Animal species typical of artificial ponds are listed in Table 4-1.
Marine-Estuarine
The RAA contains a total of 33,515 linear feet of coastal shoreline which includes the banks of all its rivers, creeks, and canals. The main coastal water areas that surround the Mastic Beach- Shirley peninsula include: the eastern portion of Great South Bay to the west, Moriches Bay to the east; and Narrow Bay to the south.
Narrow Bay forms an approximately one-half to one-mile wide strait which separates Mastic Beach and Shirley from the Fire Island barrier beach, and provides passage between Great South Bay-East and Moriches Bay. Much of Narrow Bay is less than three feet in depth, especially along the back-side of Fire Island. However, a channel that is part of the federally-authorized Intra-coastal Waterway, with depths generally in the five-to-seven-foot range, runs the entire length of Narrow Bay. Dredging has been necessary to maintain a minimum depth of six feet along certain reaches of this channel.
A series of small tidally-influenced creeks and basins is present along the RAA shoreline. These include, from west to east: Shirley Marina basin, immediately west of the Smith Point Bridge; the confluence of Unchachogue and Johns Neck Creek; Sheep Pen Creek (Section V Basin); Pattersquash Creek; “The Lagoon”; and Lawrence Creek which runs along the westerly side of the William Floyd Estate. Animal species typical of tidal creek habitats are listed in Table 4-2.
3.2 Transitional Settings The RAA and buffer zone contain approximately 29 acres of freshwater wetlands and 276 acres of coastal wetlands (see Map 5).
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Cashin Associates, PC 14 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Inland Wetlands
Of the 29 acres of freshwater wetlands, 22 acres are located within the RAA buffer zone. Freshwater marshes occur in areas where the tide affects the flow of waters but where the average salinity is below 0.5 parts per thousand (ppt). Vegetation in these marshes is extremely diverse and consists predominantly of herbaceous species. Animal species typical of freshwater marshes are listed in Table 4-3. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Table 5-1.
Red maple swamps are common in the RAA, most of which are located in the southern portion of Mastic Beach, east of Pattersquash Creek. A red maple swamp is a hardwood swamp that occurs in poorly drained depressions, usually on inorganic soils. In any given stand, red maple is either the only canopy dominant, or it is co-dominant with one or more others including black ash, American elm, swamp white oak, butternut, and butternut hickory (Cashin, 2004). The shrub layer is usually well-developed and may be quite dense. The herbaceous layer is often dominated by ferns. Animal species typical of red maple swamps are listed in Table 4-4. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Table 5-2.
The locations of state-designated freshwater wetlands within the RAA are summarized as follows:
· William Floyd Estate — comprising a fringe along the upland edge of the tidal wetland along the Estate’s southerly and easterly edges
· Unchachogue Creek — at the head of the creek and upland of the State-designated tidal wetland on the east side
· Johns Neck Creek — at the head of the creek and upland of the State-designated tidal wetland
· Pattersquash Creek — at the head of the creek
· Mastic Beach Area (75 acres)— comprising an extensive network of wetlands separated by the developed roadways, in the area between Pattersquash Creek to the west and Lawrence Creek to the east, especially south of Dogwood Road
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Coastal Wetlands
The RAA contains extensive areas of tidal wetlands. Approximately 276 acres of tidal wetlands are located in the RAA, 78 of which are situated within the buffer zone. Areas of high marsh account for approximately 164 acres in the RAA and 62 acres in the buffer zone. High marsh areas are irregularly flooded and occur in areas between the intertidal marsh zone and terrestrial uplands. Animal species typical of high marsh habitats are listed in Table 4-5. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Table 5-3.
The salt shrub portion of a marsh is a shrubland community that forms the ecotone between the salt marsh and upland vegetation (Edinger, G. et al., 2002). Characteristic shrubs are groundsel tree, saltmarsh elder, and pasture rose. Animal species typical of salt shrub habitats are listed in Table 4-6. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Table 5-4.
Areas of low marsh are flooded daily by the tide and vegetation is a nearly monospecific stand of
smooth cordgrass. Few species of plants may be present in very low numbers. Low marsh areas account for 33 acres in the RAA and 16 acres in the buffer zone. Animal species typical of low marsh habitats are listed in Table 4-7. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Table 5-5.
Salt pannes are shallow depressions in a salt marsh where the marsh is poorly drained. Pannes may occur in both low and high salt marshes. Plants and animals that live in a panne adapt to drastic changes in water temperature, in salinity and in oxygen content. Animal species typical of a salt panne are listed in Table 4-8. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Table 5-6
The abundance of coastal wetlands within the RAA is due largely to the low topographic relief of the waterfront area on the peninsula. Major areas of vegetated tidal wetlands are described as follows:
· Manor of St. George — high marsh (HM), fresh marsh (FM) and formerly connected tidal wetlands (FC) cover an extensive contiguous area on the northern portion of this property;
· Shirley Marina Property — an extensive area of HM is present, with patches of intertidal marsh (IM) extending along the main tidal channels;
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· Unchachogue Creek — the west bank is stabilized (including a series of canals), and supports essentially no mapped marshes; however, the east bank comprises the Johns Neck Creek Conservation Area, which contains extensive HM, with some fringing IM;
· Johns Neck Creek — most of the west bank contains small patches of IM; the westerly side of the creek’s mouth and a large segment of the east bank comprise the Johns Neck Creek Conservation Area, which contains extensive HM, with fringing IM;
· Sheep Pen Creek (Section V Basin) — some patches of HM are present on the south side;
· Pattersquash Creek — contains fringing IM, with bands of HM further inland, on both shores along most of the tidal reach of this creek; and
· William Floyd Estate — contains expansive areas of IM and HM along the Estate’s southerly and easterly edges
Mudflats/Beach/Dunes
Coastal shoals, bars and mudflats account for approximately 117 acres of the RAA, 113 acres of which are located within the buffer zone. Unvegetated tidal flat areas are most common in the RAA as shallow-water extensions of the vegetated tidal wetland areas described above. Animal species typical of intertidal bars/mudflats and shoreline are listed in Tables 4-9 and 4-10, respectively. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Tables 5-7 and 5-8.
3.3 Terrestrial Settings Upland
The native upland vegetation of the RAA consists primarily of a coastal oak-hickory forest and pitch pine-scrub oak woodlands containing predominantly white oak, black oak, scarlet oak, hickory, and pitch pine (Cashin Associates, 2003).
Pitch pine-scrub oak communities occur on well-drained, sandy soils that have developed on sand dunes, glacial till, and outwash plains. Pitch pine is the dominant tree with a percent cover ranging from 20 to 60 percent. Coastal oak-hickory forests occur in a dry well-drained, loamy
Cashin Associates, PC 17 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005 sand of knolls, upper slopes, or south-facing slopes of glacial moraines of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The forest is usually dominated by two or more species of oaks mixed with a few species of hickories (Edinger, G. et al., 2002).
The William Floyd Estate, Manor of Saint George and WNWR are particularly noteworthy since they comprise large tracts of land which support mature indigenous woodland vegetation, in addition to native freshwater and tidal wetland ecological communities.
Animal species listings for pitch pine-scrub oak and coastal oak-hickory habitats are listed in Tables 4-11 and 4-12, respectively. Corresponding vegetation species are listed in Tables 5-9 and 5-10. Animal species listings for residential mowed lawns typical of the RAA are listed in Tables 4-13 and 4-14.
3.4 Unique/Sensitive/Critical Environments South Shore Critical Environmental Area
Chapter 80 of the Brookhaven Town Code designates Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs) and implements the provisions of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to protect the valuable resources within the Town. Areas are classified as CEAs if they possess exceptional or unique character with regards to the following:
· a benefit or threat to human health;
· a natural setting (e.g., fish and wildlife habitat, forest and vegetation, open space and areas of important aesthetic or scenic quality);
· agricultural, social, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or educational values; or
· an inherent ecological, geological or hydrological sensitivity to change that may be adversely affected by any change.
The entire RAA falls within the boundaries of the Town’s South Shore CEA. The South Shore CEA includes all the lands along the south shore mainland bay shorelines.
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Great South Bay-East
Great South Bay-East comprises approximately one-half of the largest protected, shallow, coastal bay area in New York State. This broad expanse of open water is highly productive, and supports a tremendous diversity of fish and wildlife species, and therefore has been designated as a New York State Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The entire fish and wildlife habitat of Great South Bay-East is approximately 32,000 acres, generally defined by the mean high water elevation on the north and south sides (exclusive of federal lands), by the Brookhaven town line to the west, and by Smith Point Bridge over Narrow Bay to the east.
The Great South Bay-East habitat encompasses a vast area of relatively shallow (typically less than 12 feet deep at mean low water) open water, and is connected to the ocean by Fire Island Inlet and Narrow Bay. Tidal fluctuations in the bay average approximately 0.7 feet. The bay is bordered on the north and east by dense residential and commercial development, including extensive marina and harbor facilities. Many of the remaining wetland areas along the north shore of Great South Bay-East are owned by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to protect their natural values. Elsewhere, the bay is bordered by Federally-owned wetlands (Fire Island National Seashore and WNWR), open water, and low density residential development on Fire Island.
Based on surveys, it appears that Great South Bay-East supports the largest wintering waterfowl concentrations in New York State, and is probably one of the most important areas for diving ducks in the northeastern United States. Waterfowl use of the bay during winter is influenced in part by the extent of ice cover each year. Concentrations of waterfowl also occur in the area during spring and fall migrations (March through April and October through November, respectively). Many species of migratory birds that typically occur in coastal habitats are found nesting or feeding in the remaining natural areas along the north and south shores of Great South Bay-East (Cashin Associates, 2003).
In addition to having significant bird concentrations, Great South Bay-East is an extremely productive area for marine finfish, shellfish, and other wildlife. Much of this productivity is directly attributable to the salt marshes and tidal flats found throughout Great South Bay. Great South Bay-East serves as a major spawning, nursery, and foraging area. A commercial fishery
Cashin Associates, PC 19 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005 for Atlantic silverside and white perch has been established in the Bellport Bay area. Most of the bay waters are certified for shellfishing, resulting in a commercial and recreational harvest of statewide significance.
As a result of the abundant fisheries resources in this area, Great South Bay-East receives heavy recreational fishing pressure, of statewide significance. Nearly all of Great South Bay-East is open to the public for waterfowl hunting, but due to the limited amount of emergent wetlands within the bay, hunting pressure is of only local significance. Species typically found in Great South Bay-East are listed in Table 4-15.
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
WNWR is operated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It is comprised of approximately 2,500 acres, and is bisected by the Carmans River which flows into Great South Bay-East. The Carmans River is a New York State designated Wild and Scenic River.
Approximately half the refuge consists of aquatic habitats including intertidal saltmarsh, high saltmarsh, freshwater marsh, shrub swamp, and red maple swamp. WNWR contains one of the last undeveloped estuary systems remaining on Long Island. The refuge's salt marshes combined with the adjacent New York State saltmarsh to the west is the largest contiguous salt marsh remaining on the mainland of Long Island.
A portion of WNWR’s terrestrial habitats includes pioneer hardwoods, dominated by black cherry and sassafras. Pitch pine forests are the most prominent at Wertheim. Other overstory species include white oak, red oak, and black oak. Areas of warm season grasslands are dominated by little bluestem, switch grass, Indian grass, broomsedge, and big bluestem. Cool season grasslands are dominated by non-native grasses including meadow grass, orchard grass, timothy, fescue, and crab grass. One native cool season grass (sweet vernal grass) occurs on forest edges and as a component of forest meadows (USFWS, undated).
Close to 500 vertebrate species have been documented at WNWR (see Table 4-16 for common species recorded). The refuge encompasses many of the vegetation types on Long Island, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife ranging from forest interior nesting, neotropical migrant birds to marine mammals. The coastal location of the refuge also makes it part of a
Cashin Associates, PC 20 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005 major migration corridor for a variety of birds including waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors, and songbirds. Waterfowl use is extensive and the refuge serves as important wintering habitat for waterfowl from October through April. Waterbird use is common with peak periods for long legged wading birds, terns, shorebirds and other waterbirds occurring in the warmer months. Nine species of herons, egrets and ibises are commonly observed on the refuge (USFWS, undated). In addition, WNWR contains the largest breeding population of wood ducks on Long Island, and one of the Island’s largest wild turkey populations. From October through April, the refuge harbors up to 400 black ducks, hooded mergansers, gadwall and greater scaup (SSER Council, undated).
The saltmarsh supports various killifish species, bays provide seasonal habitat for many important commercial marine species, tidal rivers and streams support both catadromous and anadromous species, freshwater streams serve as trout habitat, and ponds and impoundments support warm water fisheries. More than 100 species of fish occur at the refuge.
William Floyd Estate National Park
The William Floyd Estate is located in Mastic Beach, fringing Moriches Bay at the mouth of the Forge River. The Estate property is owned by the National Park Service and is managed as part of the Fire Island National Seashore. The Estate is comprised of 613 acres of uplands, submerged lands, islands, five freshwater ponds, and over 150 acres of wetlands. Approximately 205 acres of the William Floyd Estate lie within the RAA buffer zone.
Cashin Associates, PC 21 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
References:
Cashin Associates, 2004. Brookhaven Zoning Code Amendments Change DGEIS. Town of Brookhaven, Medford, NY. Paginated in sections.
Cashin Associates, 2003. Mastic Beach-Shirley Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Preliminary Draft Plan. Town of Brookhaven, Medford, NY. Paginated in sections.
Edinger, G. et al., 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State, Second Edition. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Latham, New York.
South Shore Estuary Reserve Council, undated. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Retrieved on January 4, 2005 from: http://estuary.cog.ny.us/access_guide/site58.html
USFWS, undated. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Retrieved on January 5, 2005 from: http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=52561
Cashin Associates, PC 22 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
4. Animal Species Listings and Surveys
Table 4-1
Artificial Ponds
Fish Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Yellow perch Perca flavescens
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 23 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-2
Tidal Creeks
Fish Atlantic Silverside Menidia menidia
Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus
Striped Killifish Fundulus majalis
Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus
Fourspine Stickleback Apeltes quadracus
Threespine Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus
American Eel Anguilla rostrata
Shellfish Longwrist Hermit Crab Pagurus longicarpus
Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus
Atlantic Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus
Daggerblade Palaemonetes pugio
Grass Shrimp
Eastern Mud Snail Nassarius obsoletus
Common Atlantic Slippershell Crepidula crepidula
Northern Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria
Softshell Clam Mya arenaria
Razor Clam Ensis directus
Invertebrates Hairy Sea Cucumber Sclerodactyla briarus
Comb Jellies Beroe spp., Mnemiopsis spp.
Acorn Worm Hemichordata
Bamboo Worms Polychaeta
Cashin Associates, PC 24 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Terrebelid Worm Amphrtrite spp.
Nursery areas:
Fish Winter Flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus
Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata
Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix
Striped Bass Morone sazatilis
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 25 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-3
Freshwater Marsh
Mammals White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Birds Red-winged Black Bird Agelaius phoeniceus
American Coot Fulica americana
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
American Black Duck Anas rubripes
Canvasback Aythya valisineria
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Green Heron Butorides striatus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Tree Swallow Iridoprocne biocolor
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Reptiles Eastern Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum
Cashin Associates, PC 26 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina
Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata
Amphibians Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis saurtius
Northern Water Snake Nerodia sipedon
Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens
Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum
Fowler’s Toad Bufo woodhousei fowleri
Spring Peeper Hyla crucifer
Grey Treefrog Hyla versicolor
Wood Frog Rana sylvatica
Insects Black-winged Damselfly Calopteryx maculata
Green Darner Anas junius
Mosquito Culicidae
Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio Troilus
Source: Stewart and Springer-Rushia, 1998
Cashin Associates, PC 27 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-4
Red Maple Swamp
Mammals Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Beaver Castor canadensis
River Otter Lutra canadensis
Mink Mustela vison
Birds Red-winged Black Bird Agelaius phoeniceus
Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
American Black Duck Anas rubripes
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Reptiles Eastern Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum
Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans
Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina
Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata
Amphibians Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis saurtius
Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens
Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum
Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum
Cashin Associates, PC 28 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Jefferson Salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum
Fowler’s Toad Bufo woodhousei fowleri
Green Frog Rana clamitans
American Toad Bufo americanus
Spring Peeper Hyla crucifer
Pickerel Frog Rana palustris
Grey Treefrog Hyla versicolor
Wood Frog Rana sylvatica
Insects Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio Troilus
Sources: Stewart and Springer-Rushia, 1998 & Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 4-5
Salt Marsh Meadow (High Marsh)
Mammals Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Birds Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris
American Black Duck Anas rubripes
Shellfish Coffeebean Snails Melampus bidentatus
Insects Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Aedes spp.
Greenhead Flies Tabanidae
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 29 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-6
Salt Shrub
Birds Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 4-7
Intertidal Marsh (Low Marsh)
Birds Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus
Fish Mummichog (at high tide) Fundulus heteroclitus
Shellfish Fiddler Crab Uca pugilator and U. pugnax
Ribbed Mussel Geukensia dimissa
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 4-8
Salt Panne
Fish Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus
Sheepshead Minnow Cyrprinodon variegatus
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 30 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-9
Intertidal Bars, Mudflats
Birds American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliates
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
Common Loon Gavia immer
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Gulls Order Charadriiformes,
Family Laridae
Grebes Order Podicipediformes
Terns Order Charadriiformes,
Family Laridae
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Shellfish Mud Snail Ilyanassa obsolete
Softshell Clam Mya arenaria
Blue Mussel Mytilus edulis
Invertebrates Polychaetes Polydora ligni
Streblospio benedicti
Nereis virens
Lumbrinereis tenuis
Heteromastus filiformis
Sources: Edinger, G. et al., 2002 & SSER, undated
Cashin Associates, PC 31 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-10
Shoreline
Mammals White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Birds Red-winged black bird Agelaius phoeniceus
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Reptiles Fowler’s Toad Bufo woodhousei fowleri
Grey Treefrog Hyla versicolor
Wood Frog Rana sylvatica
Amphibians Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis saurtius
Insects Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio Troilus
Source: Stewart and Springer-Rushia, 1998
Cashin Associates, PC 32 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-11
Pitch Pine – Scrub Oak Barrens
Mammals Raccoon Procyon lotor
White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leusopus
Birds Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
Bobwhite Colinus virginianus
Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum
Chipping Sparrow S. passerine
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Crows Corvus spp.
Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Eastern Wood Peewee Contopus virens
Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla
Gray Catbird Dumetella caroliniensis
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus
Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus
Prairie Warbler D. discolor
Raptors
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus
Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus
Cashin Associates, PC 33 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustellina
Reptiles Box Turtle Terrapene carolina
Amphibians Black Racer Coluber constrictor
Fowler’s Toad Bufo woodhousei
Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis
Gray Treefrog Hyla versicolor
Hognose Snake Heterodon platyrhinos
Red-backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus
Sources: CPBJPPC, 1995; Reschke, C. 1990; & Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 4-12
Coastal Oak-Hickory Woodland
Mammals White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Birds Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalamus
Vireos Vireo spp.
Woodpeckers
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 34 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-13
Mowed Lawn With Trees
Mammals Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
Birds American Robin Turdus migratorius
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 4-14
Mowed Lawns (>30% tree cover)
Birds American Robin Turdus migratorius
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 35 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-15
Unique/Sensitive/Critical Environments
Great South Bay-East
Birds American Black Duck Anas rubripes
Brant Branta bernicla
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Canvasback Aythya Valisineria
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Mallard Anas platyrhnchos
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Scaup Aythya marila
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus
Gadwall Anas strepera
Green-backed Heron Butorides virescens
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
Least Tern ** Sterna antillarum
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Northern Harrier * Circus cyaneus
Cashin Associates, PC 36 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Oldsquaw Clangula hyemalis
Osprey * Pandion haliaetus
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Scup Stenotomus chrysops
Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus
Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Shellfish American Oyster Crassostrea virginica
Blue Claw Crab Callinectes sapidus
Hard Clam Mercenaria mercenaria
Fish Atlantic Silverside Menidia menidia
Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix
Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus
Northern Pipefish Syngnathus fuscus
Stickleback Gasterostreus aculeatus
Striped Killifish Fundulus majalis
Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus
Weakfish Cynoscion regalis
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Winter Flounder Pleuronectes americanus
* State-listed threatened
** State-listed endangered Source: Cashin Associates, 2004
Cashin Associates, PC 37 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
The following is a list of positively identified species documented at WNWR.
Table 4-16
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Documented Species
Mammals Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus
Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus
Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus
Eastern Mole Scalopus aquaticus
Flying Squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus
Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus
Meadow Vole Microtus pennsylvanicus
Muskrat Ondatra zibethica
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Opossum Didelphis virginiana
Red Bat Lasiurus blossevillii
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes
Tufted Titmouse Parus bicolor
White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Birds American Black Duck Anas rubripes
Atlantic Brant Branta bernicla
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Common Loon Gavia immer
Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus
Cashin Associates, PC 38 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Greater Black Backed Gull Larus marinus
Greater Scaup Aythya Marila
Mallard Anas platyrhnchos
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
Black Capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
Blue Winged Warbler Vermivora pinus
Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis
Brown Creeper Certhia ame
Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludoviciantus
Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Cashin Associates, PC 39 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis
Eastern Pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus
Eastern Wood Peewee Contopus virens
Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Green-backed Heron Butorides virescens
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Least Tern Sterna antillarum
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus
Merlin Falco columbarius
Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Cashin Associates, PC 40 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Northern Oriole Icterus galbula
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Pine Sisken Carduelis pinus
Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor
Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus
Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Red Winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Saw Whet Owl Aegolius acadicus
Screech Owl Otus asio
Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
Sharp Shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni
Cashin Associates, PC 41 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
Short-tailed Shrew Blarina carolinensis
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Sora Porzana carolina
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia
Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Reptiles Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina
Eastern Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum
Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta
Eastern Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina serpentina
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta
Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata
Amphibians Black Racer Coluber constrictor constrictor
Cashin Associates, PC 42 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana
Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis
Diamondback Terrapins Malaclemys terrapin
Eastern Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum
Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus
Fowlers Toad Bufo fowleri
Green Frog Rana clamitans
Northern Watersnake Nerodia sipedon
Red Backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus
Wood Frog Rana sylvatica
Fish American Eel Anguilla rostrata
Atlantic Silverside Menidia menidia
Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanus
Marsh Killifish Fundulus confluentus
Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus
Source: USFWS, undated
Cashin Associates, PC 43 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 4-17
Unique/Rare/Threatened/Endangered Species
Federally- Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
designated Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta Endangered and Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Threatened Species Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
New York State- Black Tern Chlidonias niger
designated Common Tern Sterna hirundo Threatened and Eastern Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Endangered Species Least Tern Sterna antillarum
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
USFWS Migratory American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Non-game Birds of Bicknell's Thrush Catharus bicknelli Management Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis Concern or New York State Species Black Tern Chlidonias niger of Special Concern Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus
Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica
Common Loon Gavia Immer
Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina
Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla
Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Cashin Associates, PC 44 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus
Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
Veery Catharus fuscescens
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus
Sources: USFWS, undated & USFWS, 1987
The sea turtle is dependant exclusively on subtidal habitats. The piping plover and roseate tern are associated with subtidal and/or strand habitats and are irregular visitors to WNWR. Bald eagles principally use the refuge during migration or for wintering. They are associated with aquatic/wetland habitats and adjacent terrestrial borders (USFWS, undated).
The three tern species make use of aquatic and strand habitats in the RAA and buffer zone. Least terns have been documented utilizing Smith Point County Park as a nesting habitat. Common terns have been documented nesting on Pattersquash Island (the western edge of which falls within the buffer zone) (Sinkevich, S., USFWS, pers. comm., January 5, 2005). The osprey is dependant on open water habitats and adjacent terrestrial lands. Northern harriers make use of emergent wetlands and grasslands. The eastern mud turtle uses emergent wetlands, mature pitch pine and oak-pitch pine stands as hibernation sites, and warm season grasslands as nesting sites.
Cashin Associates, PC 45 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
References:
Cashin Associates, 2004. Peconic River Human Health and Environmental Assessment. Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Hauppauge, NY.
CPBJPPC, 1995. Central Pine Barrens Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Vol. 2: Existing conditions. Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, Great River, NY.
Edinger, G. et al., 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State, Second Edition. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Latham, New York.
Reschke, C., 1990. Ecological Communities of New York State. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Latham, New York. 96 pp.
South Shore Estuary Reserve Council, undated. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge (Shirley). Retrieved on January 4, 2005 from:http://estuary.cog.ny.us/access_guide/site58.html
Stewart, P. and L. Springer-Rushia, 1998. A Field Guide to Long Island’s Freshwater Wetlands. Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences State University of New York at Stony Brook.
USFWS, 1987. Migratory nongame birds of management concern in the United States: The 1987 list. Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC. 25 pp.
USFWS, undated. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Retrieved on January 5, 2005 from: http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=52561
Cashin Associates, PC 46 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
5. Vegetation Species Listings
Table 5-1 Freshwater Marsh Trees Atlantic White Cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua Shrubs Common Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Inkberry Ilex glabra Sheep Laurel Kalmia angustifolia Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa Sweet Gale Myrica gale Wildflowers Arrow-arum Peltandra virginica Blue Flag Iris veriscolor Broad-leaved Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia Cardinal-flower Lobelia cardinalis Common Duckweed Lemna spp. Jewelweed Impatiens capensis Mad-dog Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris Marsh St. Johnswort Triadenum virginicum Narrow-leaved Cattail Typha angustifolia Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus Spotted Joe-Pye-weed Eupatorium maculatum Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata Swamp Rose Rosa palustris Swamp Smartweed Polygonum coccineum Turk’s-cap Lily Lilium superbum Turtlehead Chelone glabra Yellow-eyed Grass Xyris torta Sedges Spikerush Eleocharis spp. Three-Square Rush Scirpus americanus Grasses Common Reed Phragmites australis Ferns Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris Royal Fern Osmunda regalis Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis Virginia Chain Fern Woodwardia virginica Horsetails Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense Bryophytes Sphagnum Moss Sphagnum spp. Three-lobed Bazzania Bazzania trilobata Parasitic Dodder Cuscuta gronovii Source: Stewart and Springer-Rushia, 1998
Cashin Associates, PC 47 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 5-2 Red Maple Swamp Trees American Elm Ulmus Americana Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica Butternut Juglans cinerea Butternut Hickory Carya cordiformis Green Ash F. pennnsylvanica Ironwood Carpinus carolinianus Red Maple Acer rubrum Slippery Elm U. rubra Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor White Ash F. americana White Pine Pinus strobus Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis Shrubs Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Gray Alder Alnus incana spp. Hazel Alder A. serrulata Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Inkberry Ilex glabra Leatherleaf Chamaedaphne calyculata Northern Arrowood Virburnum recognitum Poison Ivy Rhus radicans Poison Sumac Rhus vernix Pussy Willow Salix discolor Red Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea Shadbush Amelanchier arborea Sheep Laurel Kalmia angustifolia Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Spicebush Lindera benzoin Swamp Azalea Rhododendron viscosum Swamp Beggar-tick Bidens connata Swamp Loosetrife Decodon verticillatus Swamp Sweetbells Leucothoe racemosa Sweet Gale Myrica gale Sweet Pepperbush Clethra alnifolia Wild Raisin Viburnum cassinoides Winterberry Ilex verticillata Wildflowers Blue Flag Iris versicolor Cardinal-flower Lobelia cardinalis Golden Hedge-hyssop Gratiola aurea Jewelweed Impatiens capensis
Cashin Associates, PC 48 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris Marsh St. Johnswort Triadenum virginicum Pitcher Plant Sarracenia purpurea Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus Spotted Joe-Pye-weed Eupatorium maculatum Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata Swamp Smartweed Polygonum coccineum Turtlehead Chelone glabra Virginia Meadow-beauty Rhexia virginica White Hellbore Veratrum viride Yellow-eyed Grass Xyris torta Sedges Three-Square Rush Scirpus americanus Grasses Rice Cut-grass Leersia oryzoides Ferns Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea Crested Wood Fern Dryopteris cristata Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris Royal Fern Osmunda regalis Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis Spinulose Wood Fern Dryopteris carthusiana Bryophtyes Three-lobed Bazzania Bazzania trilobata Sphagnum Moss Sphagnum spp. Sources: Cashin Associates, 2004; Stewart and Springer-Rushia, 1998; & Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 5-3 Salt Marsh Meadow (High Marsh) Black Grass Juncus Gerardi Common Glasswort Salicornia europaea Common Three-square Scirpus pungens Fleabane Pluchea purpurascens Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens Marsh Elder Iva frutescens Salt Marsh Aster Aster tenuifolius Salt-meadow Grass Spartina patens Salt Marsh Bulrush Scirpus robustus Sea Lavender Limonium nashii Seaside Gerardia Agalinus maritima Smooth Cordgrass (dwarf form) Spartina alterniflora Spearscale Atriplex patula var. hastata Spikegrass Distichlis spicata Switch Grass Panicum virgatum Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 49 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 5-4 Salt Shrub Black Grass Juncus geradii Groundsel Tree Baccharis halimifolia Pasture Rose Rosa carolina Salt Marsh Elder Iva frutescens Salt-meadow Grass Spartina patens Switch Grass Panicum virgatum Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 5-5 Intertidal Marsh (Low Marsh) Smooth Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Glasswort Salicornia europaea Hollow Green Weeds Enteromorpha spp. Knotted Wrack Ascophyllum nodosum Lesser Sea Blite Suaeda maritima Rockweed Fucus vesiculosus Salt Marsh Sand-spurry Spergularia marina Sea Lettuce Ulva ssp. Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Table 5-6 Salt Panne Arrow-grass Triglochin maritimum Glassworts Salicornia europaea S. virginica Marsh Fleabane Pluchea odorata Salt Marsh Plantain Plantago martima spp. juncoides Salt Marsh Sand-spurry Spergularia marina Smooth Cordgrass (dwarf form) Spartina alterniflora Spikegrass Distichlis spicata Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 50 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 5-7 Intertidal Bars/Mudflats Sea Lettuce Ulva lactuca Rockweed Fucus vesiculosus Green Fleece Codium fragile Hollow Green Weed Enteromorpha compressa Irish Moss Chondrus crispus Graceful Red Weed Gracilaria foliifera Agardh’s Red Weed Agardhiella tenera False Agardhiella Gracilaria verrnucosa Source: National Park Service, 2003
Table 5-8 Shoreline Beach Grass Ammophila breviligulata Sea-rocket Cakile edentula Seabeach Atriplex A. arenaria Seabeach Sandwort Honkenya peploides Seaside Spurge Chamaesyce polygonifolia Seabeach Knotweed Polygonum glaucum Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 51 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Trees Pitch Pine Pinus rigida Scrub Oaks Quercus ilicifolia Q. prinoides Shrub layer Black Huckleberry Gaylussacia baccata Bluberries Vaccinium angustifolium V. pallidum Sweet-fern Comptonia peregrine Grasses Big Bluesteam Andropogon gerardi Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans Little Bluesteam Schizachyrium scoparium Forbs Bushclovers Lespedeza capitata L. hirta L. procumbens L. stuevii Goat’s Rue Tephrosia virginiana Milkwort Polygala nuttallii Pinweed Lechea villosa Wild Lupine Lupinus perennis Source: Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 52 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
Table 5-10 Coastal Oak – Hickory Woodland Trees Black Oak Q. veluntina Chestnut Oak Q. montana Mockernut Hickory C. tomentosa Pignut Hickory Carya glabra Scarlet Oak Q. coccinea Sweet Pignut Hickory C. ovalis White Oak Quercus alba Shrubs Blueberries Vaccinium angustifolium V. pallidum Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Huckleberry Gayussacia baccata Maple-leaf Viburnum Virburnum acerifolium Groundlayer Swan’s Edge Carex swanii Herbs Panic Grass Panicum dichotomum Poverty Grass Danthonia spicata Cow-wheat Melampyrum lineare Spotted Wintergreen Chimaphila maculate Rattlesnake Weed Hieracium venocum White Wood Aster Aster divaricatus False Solomon’s Seal Smilacina racemosa Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica White Goldenrod Solidago bicolor Sources: Cashin Associates, 2003 & Edinger, G. et al., 2002
Cashin Associates, PC 53 Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Long-Term Plan Mastic Beach – Shirley Risk Assessment Task Eight – Impact Assessment August 2005
References:
Cashin Associates, 2004. Proposed Zoning Code Amendments DGEIS. Town of Brookhaven, Medford, NY. Paginated in sections.
Cashin Associates, 2003. Mastic Beach-Shirley Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Preliminary Draft Plan. Town of Brookhaven, Medford, NY. Paginated in sections.
Edinger, G. et al., 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State, Second Edition. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Latham, New York.
National Park Service, 2003. Fire Island National Seashore Short-term Community Storm Surge Protection Plan Environmental Assessment. Retrieved on 2/10/5 from: http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:-2IWrxupG-MJ:www.fiyrra.com/BeachEA6-3- 03.pdf+%22beach+heather%22+FINS&hl=en#10
Stewart, P. and L. Springer-Rushia, 1998. A Field Guide to Long Island’s Freshwater Wetlands. Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences State University of New York at Stony Brook.
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