RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 22, 2010, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
Water trail plan on the way
A water trail for kayaks and canoes will be created on Long Island’s south shore.
Nassau County recently announced that a water trail for kayaks and canoes will be created on Long Island’s south shore, said a recent press release from Nassau County.
The trail will stretch from Bay Park on the west to Massapequa on the east, including Shell Creek in the Rockaways to Baldwin Park, Cow Meadow Park in Freeport, Levy Preserve in Merrick and to Wantagh Park. Nassau County will provide $50,000 in funding for maps, the website, signs and docking.
Additionally, $70,000 from the Environmental Bond Act will allow the Village of Freeport to acquire two boats to manage debris collection along this water trail. Meanwhile on land, plans are underway to rehabilitate the Brookside Preserve adjacent to the former Brooklyn Water Works on the Baldwin/Freeport border. Improvements will be made to enhance the preserve’s natural habitat, including the removal of invasive species, new plantings, fencing and signage. At the nearby Massapequa Preserve, a popular hiking and biking site that includes a series of lakes and streams, a trail renovation and storm water management project has just been completed. Massapequa Preserve is part of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. It extends from Merrick Road in Massapequa north to Bethpage State Park.
The storm water management component focused on increasing stream flow, thus allowing the stream to flow more consistently during dry weather and provide colder water to the stream in an effort to provide habitat for cool-water fish species, in particular trout. The project cost $8 million and included improvements to the hiking trails, new benches, lighting and better access points. While operating funds for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation have been cut 25 percent in the past two years, County Executive Ed Mangano said he will continue to move forward with plans to renovate and restore Nassau County’s parks and preserves. Nassau County has 70 parks, preserve, museums, historic properties and athletic facilities.
“Our parks and preserves are intended to offer relief, relaxation and fun to residents who are facing increased stress from a poor economy and high taxes,” said County Executive Mangano. “I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy them.”