Visit "A Park A Day In May" And Celebrate Suffolk County's Park

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn kicks off her annual “A Park A Day in May” at Old Field County Park on May 1, 2023.STONY BROOK, NY – Today, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) kicked off her annual countywide “A Park a Day in May” campaign designed to encourage Suffolk residents to visit, enjoy and help promote and protect Suffolk County’s hundreds of parks.  This year, Hahn invited her fellow legislators to participate by choosing a favorite park in each of their districts to highlight together.  In addition, in a separate but related initiative, Hahn is also partnering with the Association for Mental Health and Wellness (AMHW) to bring attention to May being Mental Health Awareness month and the tangible role parks can play in helping to minimize the impact of stress on our daily lives. 

For several years, Hahn has highlighted a park a day each day for 31 days during May using social media to spread the word.  She challenges county residents to visit each of the parks highlighted sometime during the spring or summer; take and post a “selfie” that identifies which park they are visiting, and include the hashtag #aparkaday with their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts.  “We have a remarkable park system in Suffolk County and across Long Island that provides our residents with nearly limitless recreational opportunities to get out in nature at very little cost,” said Hahn.  “Not only does the ‘A Park a Day in May’ Challenge give people a roadmap for exploring our majestic natural landscape, but it also gives them the opportunity to celebrate that journey of exploration with their family and friends.”

Each day in May, Hahn will highlight another park, more than half chosen by her fellow legislators. From Inlet Pond Park on the North Fork to Laurel Valley Park on the South Fork, Sagtikos Manor on the South Shore and West Hills on the North Shore, the legislators are joining with Hahn in highlighting favorite parks across the county. In 2016, Hahn began her challenge focusing on parks within District Five, the legislative district she serves. “Residents of my district really took up the challenge, and each year since we have expanded our reach and I am excited and hopeful that across Long Island, families are going to get into the spirit of the idea of ‘A Park a Day in May,’” said Hahn.  

Suffolk County Parks

Through the “A Park a Day in May” campaign, Hahn has enlisted scores of Suffolk residents in raising awareness about Suffolk’s parks.  “Whether along a waterfront or deep in a forest, our parks and beaches are the natural resources that define our quality of life and make Suffolk and all of Long Island unique, and we must do everything we can to keep them clean, safe and accessible to local residents,” said Hahn.  Hahn chaired Suffolk’s Parks & Recreation Committee for five years beginning in 2017 and has focused on protecting the County’s more than 50,000 acres of parkland from illegal dumping and misuse, while also finding innovative ways to increase public access and enjoyment of these parks.  That year, Hahn led an effort to expose illegal dumping in some county parks and provide stiffer penalties for such abuse. Hahn has also created a volunteer Parks Stewardship program for County parks and has also created a fifth-district Parks Passport for kids and is working with the County Parks Department on a countywide version as well.

Legislator Hahn is accepting recommendations for parks to highlight during the 2023 “A Park a Day in May,” and is asking residents to take a photo of themselves in their favorite park and e-mail it to Kara.Hahn@suffolkcountyny.gov along with the reason why that park is their favorite.

DEC Turkey Season Opens May 1

Hunters Wishing to Hunt on DEC-Managed Land Must Enter Drawing by March 13 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the 2023 Spring Turkey Season in Suffolk County will begin Sunday, May 1, and continue through May 31, consistent with management practices in New York State and the Northeast. All of Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County) is open for spring turkey hunting. The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific access procedures to ensure equal hunting opportunities for all. DEC-managed properties open to shotgun spring turkey hunting require entering a drawing and advance reservations. To enter the drawing, hunters must complete the Long Island State Lands Spring Turkey Drawing Registration Form (leaves DEC website). Interested hunters are required to fill out their name, email address, and DEC customer ID, and list the top three properties they wish to hunt. Once the survey is completed and submitted, the hunter has been entered into the drawing. All entries must be received by 4:45 p.m. on March 13. Hunters will receive a drawing number via email after submitting their entry. Anyone unable to complete the online survey should contact the office at (631) 444-0310 before March 13. For general questions, or for those unable to access the survey online, please call DEC’s Region 1 Wildlife office at (631) 444-0310. Hunters may submit one entry only. Any individual who sends more than one entry will have all of their entries removed from the drawing. Hunting parties are limited to three hunters. Each member of a three-hunter party may send one entry. For more information on DEC-managed properties open for the spring turkey hunt please visit DEC’s website. Spring Wild Turkey Season Specifics Season Dates: Month of May, including weekends Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon Manner of Taking: Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9, or with a bow. Hunters may not use crossbows or rifles. Handguns are not permitted while hunting on State lands. Valid License and Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and a turkey permit to participate in the hunt. Spring Turkey Season Bag Limit for WMU 1C: No more than one bearded turkey per day; and No more than one bearded turkey in wildlife management unit (WMU) 1C. Areas Open for the Spring Season: All of Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County) is open for spring turkey hunting. The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific access procedure to ensure equal hunting opportunities for all. More information is available on the DEC website at DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage. Properties open to shotgun spring turkey hunting require entering a drawing and advance reservations. Lands that will be open for spring turkey on Long Island include: DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County: Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest - Archery Only East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest - Archery Only Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest - Archery Only Ridge Conservation Area - Archery Only Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest - Shotgun and Archery Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve - Shotgun and Archery Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest - Shotgun and Archery Cooperative Hunting Areas that will allow spring hunting season are: Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery David A. Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery Kings Park Cooperative Hunting Area - Archery Only Otis Pike Preserve Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery Tidal Wetlands Properties (archery only, no reservation required) Fireplace Neck Havens Point Long Beach Bay Additional information on New York State turkey hunting regulations can be found on DEC’s website. Successful hunters are strongly encouraged to bring harvested birds to the Ridge Hunter Check Station located at 484 Randall Road, Ridge, NY, following the hunt. DEC staff will be recording biological data to help evaluate the season and population structure. Visiting the check station is voluntary, but harvested birds must be reported within 48 hours of harvest by phone (1-866-426-3778) or via DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting webpage. For check station hours of operation, visit DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage or call the Region 1 Wildlife Office (631-444-0310). DEC-managed lands open to shotgun turkey hunting will be closed to other users from two hours before sunrise until noon throughout the season. Properties owned by local, county, and/or state (State Parks) governments may or may not allow spring turkey hunting. Hunters and recreationalists should reach out to the landowner to determine if access restrictions are in place. For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please visit the DEC’s hunting webpage. For tips and further details on regulations on turkey hunting, contact DEC regional wildlife office at (631) 444-0310 or visit DEC’s Turkey Hunting Regulations webpage. Additional information can be found at the following webpages: Hunting on Long Island Long Island Public Hunting Areas Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County, Long Island Conditions for Use of DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html

14 Foot Deceased Python Discovered In Medford

On Feb. 14, ECOs Kaufherr and Zullo received a report of a large snake, approximately 12 feet in length, on the side of the road in the town of Medford. The Officers arrived and observed the reptile curled up in a ball. A closer look revealed it to be deceased. The ECOs removed the snake from the roadway to appropriately dispose of it. The reticulated python measured 14 feet in length. It is illegal to keep these types of snakes as pets in New York and they may only be possessed by holders of a Dangerous Animal License. An investigation into the owner of the snake is ongoing.

DEC Announces Spring Long Island Wild Turkey Hunting Season

Responsible Management of Reintroduced Wild Turkeys Results in Rebounding Healthy Turkey Population The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the dates for the first-ever spring Long Island wild turkey hunting season. The opening of this new season is the result of wild turkey reintroduction efforts DEC initiated in the mid-1990s.  “DEC is excited to give Long Island hunters an additional local turkey hunting opportunity,” said Cathy Haas, DEC Regional Director. “Not only does this new season give more opportunities to local hunters, it also serves as an example of how locally extirpated populations can be successfully reintroduced and flourish. Both the fall and new spring seasons are possible thanks to the diligent work of DEC’s regional wildlife staff, as well as the cooperative efforts of local hunters and volunteers who took the time to share their turkey sightings, allowing our staff to assess population health and growth.” In 2009, the first fall-only wild turkey season opened in the region. DEC carefully monitored this new season over the ensuing years and confirmed the Long Island wild turkey population could continue to thrive while under hunting pressure. Long Island proved to be a region where safe and successful hunting of wild turkey was possible, with no hunting safety incidents reported throughout 14 fall seasons. The spring wild turkey season will open on May 1 and run through May 31, consistent with management practices in New York State and the Northeast.  Season Dates: May 1-31 Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon Manner of Taking: Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9, or with a bow. Hunters may not use crossbows or rifles. Handguns are not permitted while hunting on State lands. Valid License and Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and a turkey permit to participate in the hunt. Spring Turkey Season Bag Limit for WMU 1C: No more than one bearded turkey per day; and No more than one bearded turkey in wildlife management unit (WMU) 1C Additional information on NYS Turkey Hunting Regulations can be found on DEC’s website. Successful hunters will be strongly encouraged to bring harvested birds to the Ridge Hunter Check Station located at 484 Randall Road, Ridge, NY. DEC staff will be recording biological data to help evaluate the season and population structure. Visiting the check station will not be mandatory, but all birds harvested must be reported within 48 hours by phone (1-866-426-3778) or via DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting webpage. For check station hours of operation, visit DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage or call the Region 1 Wildlife Office (631-444-0310). Status of Wild Turkey on Long Island Long Island’s wild turkey population is an example of successful restoration and management efforts. Populations of wild turkey on Long Island disappeared in the late 19th Century due to reduced forested habitat, as these environments were cleared for colonial farms and firewood. In the mid-1990s, DEC trapped approximately 75 wild turkeys in upstate New York and released these birds at three locations in Suffolk County. The Long Island population is now estimated at more than 3,000 birds and growing. Wild turkeys have become a common sight at many locations in Suffolk County and some locations in Nassau County, and the population has reached a level that in some locations, nuisance permits have been issued in order to control the amount of damage the birds are causing. DEC monitors population size and distribution through annual August turkey surveys, bow hunter sighting logs, and harvest indices. Based on that information, DEC determined the population is sufficient to support a spring hunting season.  Areas Open for the Spring Season All of Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County) is open for spring turkey hunting. The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific access procedure to ensure equal hunting opportunities for all. More information is available on the DEC website at DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage. Properties open to shotgun spring turkey hunting require entering a drawing and advance reservations. Lands that will be open for spring turkey on Long Island are: DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County: Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery Only East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery Only Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery Only Ridge Conservation Area – Archery Only Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest – Shotgun and Archery Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve – Shotgun and Archery Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest – Shotgun and Archery Cooperative Hunting Areas that will allow spring hunting season are:  Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery David A. Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery Kings Park Cooperative Hunting Area – Archery Only Otis Pike Preserve Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery Tidal Wetlands Properties (archery only, no reservation required) Fireplace Neck Havens Point Long Beach Bay DEC-managed lands open to shotgun turkey hunting will be closed to other users from two hours before sunrise until noon throughout the season. Properties owned by local, county, and/or state (State Parks) governments may or may not allow spring turkey hunting. Hunters and recreationalists should reach out to the landowner to determine if access restrictions are in place. For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please visit the DEC’s hunting webpage. For tips and further details on regulations on turkey hunting, contact DEC regional wildlife office at (631) 444-0310 or visit DEC’s Turkey Hunting Regulations webpage. Additional information can be found at the following webpages: Hunting on Long Island  - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8373.html Long Island Public Hunting Areas  - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40399.html Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County, Long Island  - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40414.html Conditions for Use of DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40419.html

ECO's Find Animal Parts From Montana At Suffolk County Seafood Facility

Something’s Fishy at the Seafood Facility - Suffolk County
On Jan. 4, ECOs Kaufherr, McGhee, Paschke, and Zullo conducted a compliance check on a seafood facility in Cutchogue. During the inspection, the Officers found a mule deer head in the facility’s freezer, along with two coolers full of deer meat and a coyote pelt. The ECOs conducted several interviews and determined the mule deer was harvested in Montana, a state with increased cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a highly contagious and fatal disease affecting cervid populations including deer, moose, and elk. The Officers seized the deer head and ticketed the individual who had imported it with possessing deer parts from another state. ECOs then sent the deer head to an incinerator to prevent the potential spread of CWD. For more information on CWD and restrictions to prevent its spread, visit DEC’s website.