N. CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND CONDITIONS IN SOUTHAMPTON GENERALLY AND AT WESTWOODS
(3) BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Terrestrial habitats contribute to the area's community character, as well as the well-being of the area's native species. (S125, at 21.)
The ?maritime oak forest? habitat located on Westwoods has a high ecological value; the habitat ?maritime pitch pine dune woodland? that is on Westwoods has been assigned the highest value available within New York for a habitat site because this habitat is especially vulnerable to extinction. (S125, at 21-22; S152, at 83, 123.) There is potential habitat on the bluff area located on the northern Westwoods parcel for a plant species known as the Nantucket juneberry, also known as the Nantucket shadbush (Amelanchier nantuckentensis ), an endangered species. (S125, at 27, Appendix B.)
Protection and sustainable management of the Peconic Estuary and its resources-including fish and shellfish-are critical to the community character and economic well-being of eastern Long Island. (S125, at 27-31.) The Peconic Estuary, to which Westwoods is hydrologically connected, is threatened by algal blooms; nutrient pollution arising from fertilizer runoff; infiltration from septic systems; storm water runoff and wastewater discharges; degradation and destruction of natural habitats on land adjoining the estuary; pathogen contamination of shellfish beds; and toxic chemical pollution from human activities. (S125, at 28-30.)
Approximately 30 species of birds were identified on Westwoods during two short visits by Mr. Grover to Westwoods on April 12, and August 9, 2006. (S226, at 5; Tr.1959.) The New York State Breeding Bird Atlas divides the state into survey blocks of nine square miles, and Block 7052A, which includes the Westwoods property, covers much of the area known as Hampton Bays. (S226, at 5.)
Interim data for 2000-2005 shows 73 breeding species for the survey block, of which at least 40 of these species nest in the type of habitat provided by the Westwoods property; since there is ample woodland habitat on the property, it is reasonable to assume that all or most of these species use the property for breeding purposes. (S226, at 5-6, Exhibit l; Tr.1958-59.)
The Westwoods property also supports habitat for New York Special Concern Species, including the Eastern Box Turtle. (S226, at 5-6; Tr.1955-56.) Other special concern species, including the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk, would be expected on this property, based on habitat, during the winter. (S226, at 6.) Read more...
