County, Town to Provide Equal Funding for Planning of Environmentally Friendly Hiking Trail

In an effort to promote healthful recreation countywide and enhance the county’s open spaces, Suffolk Executive Steve Levy today announced that the county will provide funding for a trail stretching the width of the North Fork.

Originally developed by the Water Quality Review Committee as a potential project, the Bay to Sound Integrated Trails initiative seeks to create a network of trails that will connect land owned by Suffolk County, Southold Town and Greenport Village. These trails will allow those on foot to hike from Peconic Bay waterfront to the shores of the Long Island Sound.

Levy announced the approval today of $35,000 from the county to fund planning for the trail that will encompass 325-plus acres, and will require the creation of two miles of new trails, along with 1,250 linear feet of elevated boardwalk. The town of Southold has similarly committed $35,000 for the initial planning steps.

This project will also incorporate a survey of the location’s flora and fauna to identify areas requiring habitat restoration and protection and removal of invasive plant life. Proposed trails will be sited according to management plans developed using survey data. Similarly, refuse will be removed from several fresh water ponds, wetlands and upland portions in the area.

“Suffolk County is home to some of the world’s most beautiful, scenic areas,” Levy said. “When you can combine that natural beauty with environmentally focused initiatives and healthful recreation for residents, you’ve got a win-win-win. Whether you’re a nature lover, a health freak or just someone looking for a nice way to spend a day, I guarantee that you will love the Bay to Sound Integrated Trails.”

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