§ 77-1. Intent., Chapter 77. Nature Preserves, Code of Ordinances, Brookhaven

Many areas of the Town of Brookhaven contain natural resources which are vital to, and enhance the quality of, the life of its residents. These natural resources include significant populations of wildlife; important natural communities; rare, endangered, unique or locally significant species of plants and wildlife; ponds, lakes, streams, estuaries and other surface waters; important geological formations; prehistoric, aboriginal and historic cultural resources; and pristine potable groundwater.

These areas are important for displaying scenic beauty, providing habitat for significant species of wildlife and vegetation, furnishing habitat for commercially important species such as shellfish and finfish, protecting the Town's groundwater and drinking water supply, supplying passive recreational opportunities for Town residents, offering opportunities for education and scientific study and providing other important environmental benefits

Accordingly, it is recognized that many parts of the Town which contain important natural resources and which are either in public or private ownership, should be maintained in or as near as possible to their existing natural state in order to ensure the continued ecological benefits of these areas for Town residents.

Therefore, it is the purpose of this chapter to designate areas as nature preserves and to manage and protect these areas in their existing natural or as near to natural state as possible for the benefit of present and future Town residents.