The dwarf pine plains are a state (S1) and globally rare (G1G2) community restricted to the eastern end of Long Island. This unique woodland consists of very few species of vascular plants due to the extremely well drained and infertile soils consisting of coarse sand. The dominant plant species are dwarf pitch pines (Pinus rigida) and scrub oaks (Quercus ilicifolia) that range from 4-8 ft tall. Characteristic plants that can be found along the sand are low-growing shrubs like bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and herbs such as Houghton’s sedge (Carex houghtoniana), orange-grass (Hypericum gentianoides), flaxleaf whitetop aster (Ionactis linariifolius), and coast jointweed (Polygonella articulata). In-spite of the harsh conditions of these level outwash sand and gravel plains, there are also a diversity of insect, bird and fungal communities that call the dwarf pine plains home.
The largest portion of the dwarf pine plains is situated between the David A. Sarnoff Preserve to the North and the Francis S. Gabreski Airport to the south as the Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plain Preserve, as Suffolk County property. On the other side of the airport is another smaller extent of the dwarf pine plains, which is found within Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
Surrounded and bisected by major highways, the dwarf pine plains are particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and invasive species pressure if not properly managed. Its proximity to residential housing developments increases the difficulty of fire based management, which the ecological community is dependent on.
In 1995, in the midst of a particularly dry summer, this site was part of the “Sunrise Fire.” This was Long Island’s worst wildfire that burned 7000 acres of pine barrens for nearly two weeks along Sunrise highway. There were minor injuries, some property damage, and no deaths associated with the fire. As pitch pine barrens are fire dependent communities, the site of the fire was found quickly regenerating, with pitch pine seedlings pushing through the ground just two weeks after the flames were extinguished.
Size: 6,654 acres
Relatively free of invasive species compared to its size:
Due to the harsh conditions of the outwash plains, it is likely difficult for invasive species to become established within intact parts of the dwarf pine plains. As well, the pressure of Southern pine beetle may be lower due to the beetles preference for trees of a larger diameter. As of surveys completed in 2006, the interior of the site is nearly free of invasive species. However, there are notable occurrences of invasion along the edges as well as within certain disturbed areas. Most notably, Stewart ave where there is a large housing development, and along the southern trail adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road. In the western side of the site, just north of the Suffolk County Police training facility, Tier 5 invasive plants such as common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) can be seen, possibly due to disturbance from ATV traffic. More information and research is needed to understand the potential impact and therefore priority of management of these invasive plants on the site.
Populations of rare and endangered species:
The ecological community of the dwarf pine plains itself is a state and globally rare community. It is home to nearly 30 rare species including plants such as Veined Thoroughwort (Eupatorium subvenosum) and insects like Pink Sallow (Psectraglaea carnosa)
Continued partnership and support of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission to monitor and manage invasive species at and within the buffer of this state and globally rate site is of high importance to LIISMA. These goals include monitoring portions of the dwarf pine plains where pitch pines are not dwarfed. As well, continuted monitoring impacts of LD moth as well as orange striped oak caterpillar within this unique ecosystem.
Species found within the buffer of the ISPZ, require monitoring for early detection and rapid response:
- Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
- Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.),
- Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
- Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Species recently found within the park that require rapid response:
- Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)
- Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Invasive species that are established within the park, requiring containment and removal in highest quality areas:
- None
Widespread invasive species found within the park that require greater research on their impact:
- Sheep’s-Bit (Jasione montana)
- Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
- Nodding thistle (Carduus nutans)
Citations:
Panko, Bob, Weigand, Polly, Ziegler, Shaun (2021). Central Pine Barrens Comprehensive Prescribed Fire Management Plan. Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission
Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission (2007). Invasive Plant Inventory and Assessment Report Addendum 2007
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2021. Online Conservation Guide for Dwarf pine plains. Available from: https://guides.nynhp.org/dwarf-pine-plains/. Accessed December 2, 2021.
