Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a Department of Energy (DOE) facility managed by the Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA). It encompasses 5,265 acres within the Long Island Central Pine Barrens. The Laboratory contains a variety of habitats including oak-pine forests, wetlands, open fields, ponds and a portion of the Peconic River. It is home to over 230 plant species, 15 species of mammals, 85 species of birds, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. BNL is also home to four New York State (NYS) threatened or endangered species. These include the endangered Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), threatened Banded Sunfish (Eanneacanthus obesus), threatened Swamp Darter (Etheostoma fusiforme), and threatened Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus). There are also 10 vertebrate species of concern, two rare plants, and 15 exploitably vulnerable plants known on site.
Prior to BNL, the property was part of Camp Upton during World War I and II. As a result, a number of historic elements still exist on the site. World War I trenches and foundations can be found in some of the forested areas. An archeological survey has also revealed the remains of two homes from the 1800’s.
Size: 5,265 acres
Relatively free of invasive species compared to its size
Due to the relatively high amount of pristine pine barrens areas where the acidic, sandy soils make it difficult for anything other than native pine barrens plants to establish, there are comparatively few invasive species on this site.
Large populations of rare and endangered species:
Home to 4 NYS Rare or Threatened species, 10 vertebrate species of concern, 2 rare plants, and 15 exploitably vulnerable plants makes this area a key place to protect from invasive species.
Phragmites australis, Japanese Barberry, Black Locust and Oriental Bittersweet are the major invasive plants found during surveys of the proposed invasive species prevention zone. There are also instances of Black swallow-wart and Kudzu on site, but not within the ISPZ. Efforts will be made to minimize species occurrences, as well as identify other highly priority invasive plants such as Mile-a-minute vine.
Species found within the buffer of the ISPZ, require monitoring for early detection and rapid response:
- Alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
- Southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)
- Burning bush (Euonymus alatus)
- Japanese knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.)
- Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Species recently found within the park that require rapid response:
- Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
- Autumn Olive (Eleagnus umbellata)
- LD Moth (Lymantria dispar)
- Black swallow-wort (Cynanchum nigrum)
Invasive species that are established within the park, requiring containment and removal in highest quality areas:
- Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
- Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
- Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
- Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
- Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
- Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Widespread invasive species found within the park that require greater research on their impact:
- Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
- Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)
- Climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
- Mimosa/Silk Tree (Albezia julibrissin)
- Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)
- Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Citations: Invasive Species Prevention Zone Plan: Brookhaven National Laboratory (2008)
