NYS Public Meeting – Project Update Southern Pine Beetle

Community Invited to Learn About tree work and address damage from the southern pine beetle at Napeague state park

Montauk, NY, February 10th, 2026 – The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) invites community members to a public meeting to discuss and learn about the phased dead trees removal efforts, trail safety improvements, air curtain burning and on going work to reduce wildfire fuel loads.

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 631-668-5000.00.