Setauket Woodlands to be Dedicated as First State Forest on Long Island

Local officials announced on Monday the planned dedication of the woodlands behind Setauket Elementary in the heart of historic Setauket as the first state forest on Long Island.

The 28-acre stretch of forest wrapping around the back of the school was acquired by New York State in 2009 for $5.45 million from the Diocese of Rockville Centre using funds drawn from two sources: a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the $25 million environmental restoration fund established by Northville Industries during the 1980s in response to the company's gasoline spill in East Setauket.

The announcement was made by U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, who was joined by Assemb. Steve Englebright, D-Setauket, during a presentation Monday at Setauket Elementary which also featured the first public elementary school showing of a 1779 letter written by Gen. George Washington.

The state forest is expected to be formally dedicated within the next month, and plans for trails and other public resources will be developed.

Dr. Anne Rullan, principal of Setauket Elementary, said the school plans to apply for stewardship of the forest through the Department of Environmental Conservation's Adopt a Resource program. Stewardship would give students a role in the cleanup and management of the forest. She said such a relationship would allow plentiful possibilities for learning.

"It's truly remarkable, and we will have some great opportunities," Rullan said. "Hopefully, the idea is to have an environmental center."

Englebright expressed support for the school's endeavors.

"Our children will ultimately be the stewards of our history and natural beauty," he said.

Monday's presentation also featured the presentation by Bishop of a flag flown over the nation's capital on Aug. 30 to the Three Village Community Trust for use at Setauket Elementary. Rullan and Cynthia Barnes, president of the Community Trust, accepted the flag.