§ 77-5. Management of nature preserves., Chapter 77. Nature Preserves, Code of Ordinances, Brookhaven

The majority of a nature preserve site shall be maintained in its existing natural or near-natural state or restored to a natural state and shall not be used for active purposes, such as ballfields, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, or other uses which would physically impair or irreparably alter the ecological or cultural value of said site. A minor portion of the nature preserve, up to 2% of the total acreage of the nature preserve parcel with a maximum of 40,000 square feet, may be used for parking, structures for interpretation and public comfort and the installation of trails, including wooden walkways. The restoration of portions of or all of a nature preserve to a previous natural condition, activities which maintain and perpetuate certain types of ecological communities such as the periodic mowing of grasslands, invasive species control, the implementation of prescribed burns, planting of native plant species and other activities which enhance certain ecological qualities such as the improvement of a site for certain species of wildlife or vegetation shall not be precluded, however.

Upon dedication as a nature preserve, said nature preserve, shall be posted with appropriate signs identifying the site as a Town nature preserve.

Limitations on use. Use limitations on nature preserves may be imposed as needed in order to protect its ecological resources. Limitations may include designation of hours, days and seasons of use; access; prohibitions of certain types of activities; allowance of access by prearranged permit only and other reasonable limitations deemed necessary. Limitations on use shall be included in the management plan.

Management plan. Within one year of a site's designation as a nature preserve, a management plan shall be prepared for the site which recommends the best use and management of the ecological qualities of the site. Each management plan shall be based on a literature review and in-depth on-site observations and inventories of a nature preserve's natural resources, including wildlife, vegetation, geology, cultural resources and other ecological characteristics and may include a review of relevant published reports, studies or articles. The management plan shall recommend the type of passive uses which may be acceptable; shall identify significant, sensitive areas which should be protected from human disturbance; shall recommend locations for trails, parking, fencing, signs and access points; shall identify desirable restoration activities; shall determine hours, days and seasons of use; shall recommend any limits on access if necessary; shall recommend the preparation of any interpretive publications and displays, and shall provide a timetable for implementation. Draft management plans shall be presented to the Town Board for its review. Upon approval of a management plan by the Town Board, said management plan shall be implemented by the Division of Land Management. Management plans may be revised as needed and, if revised, shall be subject to all the requirements of this chapter.