Located within the town of Southampton, the state forest preserve is largely dominated by pitch pine-oak forest, with an understory of mixed native ericaceous species and scrub oak. The site is bisected by the western portion of CR-104, also known as Quogue-Riverhead Rd. No known fires have taken place within the preserve in nearly 90 years, which has led to decreased forest health and increased risk of fire due to the larger than desirable basal area (ie: average amount of area occupied by tree stems). Because of this, there is also a very tall scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia) understory with limited herbaceous plants that otherwise provide important habitat for state rare insects like the Atlantic Coastal buckmoth (Hemileuca maia). Pitch pine-oak forests are fire adapted ecosystems that require burns to occur every 40-60 years in order to maintain ecosystem integrity.
The Paumanok Path trail within the park guides hikers towards Wildwood Lake, This 64 acre lake contains a number of naturally reproducing fish species such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white perch, brown bullhead, rock bass, and as well is stocked with trout. Fishing is only permitted for town of Southampton residents or those with a permit.
Hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are major recreational activities within the park. Hunting is permitted for large and small game with a permit.
In the 1920s the property had a string of long-wave radio antennae running through it operated by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). When the technology became obsolete in the late 1970s, the property was donated to the state.
Size: 2700 acres
Relatively free of invasive species compared to its size
The majority of invasive species found are along CR-104 (Quogue-Riverhead Rd) which splits across the preserve, and CR-63 (Lake Ave) that runs along the northwest border, while the interior remains relatively free of invasive plants and insects.
Large populations of rare and endangered species
The pine barrens is home to a number of rare and endangered species, and this site in particular has been documented to have Variable sallows (S1) and Tiger salamanders (S1S2)
Continued partnership and support of the Central Pine Barrens Commission to monitor and manage invasive species throughout this preserve, including southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and invasive viburnums (e.g. Viburnum stirigeum, Viburnum dilatatum). There are also a number of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) trees found along the CR-104, making it a priority monitoring site for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).
Species found within the buffer of the ISPZ, require monitoring for early detection and rapid response:
- Sheep’s-Bit (Jasione montana)
- Swallowwort (Vinitoxicum spp)
- Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Species recently found within the park that require rapid response:
- Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
- Southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)
Invasive species that are established within the park, requiring containment and removal in highest quality areas:*
- Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
- Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
- Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
- Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
- Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica var. japonica)
- Asian Bush Clover (Lespedeza cuneata)
- Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
- Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
- Common reed grass (Phragmites australis ssp. australis)
- Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
- Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
*all invasive individuals are confined to the edges of the road along CR-104 or the edge of the trail, heading south of CR-63 as per sightings documented in iMapInvasives as of 2021
Widespread invasive species found within the park that require greater research on their impact:
- Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Citations:
Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission (2007). Invasive Plant Inventory and Assessment Report Addendum 2007
Photos used with permission by the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission
