New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the completion of a new 1,800-foot connector trail at the Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest Maintenance Center. The connector trail links DEC’s popular Ridge Interpretive Trail to the 125-mile Paumanok Path and is made possible through the hard work of DEC Operations staff and the veteran-led humanitarian organization Team Rubicon.

“I am grateful for the work of DEC Operations staff and Team Rubicon volunteers on this ambitious and beneficial project,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “The new trail expands recreational hiking opportunities along Long Island’s longest hiking path and offers visitors the opportunity to both enjoy and learn from nature on DEC’s Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest Interpretive Trail.”

During a recent First Day Hike at DEC’s Ridge property, a participant mentioned how close (approximately one-third of a mile) the Ridge Interpretive Trail is to the popular Paumanok Path. DEC determined a connector trail was feasible and began drafting plans. In early 2024, DEC staff flagged the best route to give hikers a quick connection to the Paumanok Path. As a result of other successful collaborations with the veteran-led Team Rubicon, DEC requested assistance to complete the project. DEC Operations staff laid the initial path and removed old fallen fencing and logs that could ensnare wildlife. They also added new trail markers and posts to ensure hikers stay on the marked path. Team Rubicon then completed the path, widening it to approximately six feet across using various hand tools. 

“The Team Rubicon Volunteer Greyshirt is built to serve their community and protect the environment by clearing and improving trails on Long Island in cooperation with the New York State DEC,” said Team Rubicon City Administrator for Long Island Francois de la Roche. “Our primary goal for Earth Day 2024 is to make the trails safe for the public and to ensure emergency vehicle access on DEC lands.”

VIEW DEC-TEAM RUBICON TRAIL CREATION VIDEO

Team Rubicon has been partnering with DEC on Long Island since 2021. The international not-for-profit disaster response organization has conducted numerous exercises at DEC properties, including chainsaw training, southern pine beetle suppression, and horse trail improvements at DEC’s Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest.

Prior to the new connector trail, the Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest included three marked trails of varying distances where hikers could explore 184 acres of mixed wooded and open habitats. A three-mile interpretive trail helps guide hikers and describe the types of habitats and wildlife they might encounter.

The Paumanok Path is a 125-mile hiking path that starts at DEC’s Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest and meanders through various state and county lands until it eventually ends in Montauk Downs State Park. Due to the length of the Paumanok Path, most hikers do not attempt the whole journey in a single trek, therefore it is important to have numerous connections to the path where individuals can park and connect.

DEC’s Region One manages approximately 20,000 acres of property through Nassau and Suffolk counties, including tidal wetlands, freshwater wetlands, globally rare pine barrens, boat launches, fishing piers, and more. Many sites and trails are accessible to people with disabilities. Find recreation options by visiting Love Our NY Lands or DECinfo Locator. DEC's Adventure NY initiative connects more New York families and visitors to the great outdoors. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with DEC on Facebook, X, Flickr and Instagram.  

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon is an international not-for-profit disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams to communities affected by disasters. Team Rubicon currently maintains a roster of 130,000 plus volunteers able to deploy throughout the United States and world. In New York State, Team Rubicon has nearly 6,500 volunteers.

Team Rubicon was formed after a 7.0 earthquake shattered Por-au-Prince, Haiti, in January 2010. In the days following the earthquake, many traditional aid organizations were slow to establish relief efforts, citing dangerous and unstable working conditions. Troubled by the scenes in Port-au-Prince and the lack of proper aid, two Marines, Jake Wood and William McNulty, decided to act. Gathering supplies and volunteers, the small group of veterans, first responders, and medical professionals deployed to Haiti. The small group focused on populations often overlooked or underserved by traditional aid organizations. By applying medical and leadership skills honed by years of service in the military, Team Rubicon provided aid to thousands of survivors of the earthquake. From this initial operation, a larger organization grew, one committed to helping underserved communities impacted by disasters.

NOTE: Photos attached of Team Rubicon during trail project.