Fire Island National Seashore Gets New Management Plan

The Fire Island National Seashore has been approved for a “collaborative stewardship” between Fire Island’s many communities and local governments. This partnership, which got approved in December, will involve 17 communities of Fire Island, along with Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven. This plan is the first in four decades for the park, however, it might take up to four years for a council to be created.

The management plan asks that Congress create laws to create a balance to protect “natural and cultural resources while allowing opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment,” said Chris Soller, national seashore superintendent. One of the grievances of the park service is the continued building on Fire Island, which Soller told Newsday has worsened. “Is Fire Island just a few steps away from a Long Beach?” asked Soller. “We can’t just keep building and building.”

Local officials have granted zoning variances for new builds, but part of the partnership will include setting guidelines to determine how zoning decisions will impact the island as a whole. In order to eliminate these grievances and others, the National Park Service and local governments will consult with each other for solutions going forward.

The management plan will now implement laws for the park service to consult with environmental groups, local associations and stakeholders for decisions regarding the island, which range from more new construction to climate change.

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