West Babylon, NY, January 27, 2026 – The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) invites community members to a public meeting to discuss the multi-year habitat restoration project in response to the Southern Pine Beetle impacts at Napeague State Park & Hither Hills State Park. The meeting will provide a summary of actions completed to date and an overview of planned work for 2026 and beyond, addressing efforts to ensure the safety, resilience, and sustainability of the park.

Meeting Details:

Date:              February 10, 2026

Time:             6:00 pm

Location:      Montauk Downs State Park, 50 S. Fairview Ave., Montauk, NY 11954

Agenda:

Attendees will learn about the phased tree removal efforts, trail safety improvements, and ongoing work to reduce wildfire fuel loads.

Key project highlights include:

• Continued dead or hazard tree cutting in priority locations.
• Continued piling of downed trees and debris in preparation for disposal.
• Completion of a Wildland Fire Management Plan, including a Hazard & Risk Analysis.
• Continued dead tree, slash pile and stump removal for improved emergency access.
• Air-curtain burner contract out for bid. Work will reduce forest fuel load.
• Continued development and implementation of a restoration plan to support resilient habitats.

OPRHP will also discuss the environmental considerations guiding this work, such as compliance with federal protections for the Northern Long-eared Bat.

Public input is encouraged, and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and New York State Department of Environment Conservation officials will be available to answer questions. This meeting is an opportunity to engage with the community and share progress on this critical initiative. For more information about the meeting or the project, please contact OPRHP at 631-321-3502.