Citizens Campaign for the Environment

CAMPAIGNS

Carmans River

The lower lake of the Carmans River
Photo credit: Long Island Adventures

The Carmans River, located in Brookhaven, NY, is one of four major rivers on Long Island. It used to be a 10 mile river, beginning north of the Long Island Expressway and flowing all the way to the Great South Bay. Centuries ago, dams were installed that created a series of lakes. The lakes have since provided energy, recreation, and a source of income for citizens in the area.

Recently, the Carmans River has been seriously threatened by two invasive plant species, Variable Leaf Milfoil and Cabomba. These are highly invasive species that have been increasing in population steadily since their introduction to the lakes a few years ago. The Variable Leaf Milfoil is the major problem in the lower lake, and the Cabomba is the major problem in the upper lake. These invasive species have become so concentrated that they have choked out native plants and marine life, inhibiting life in the river.

Image of Carmans River invasive species.

Click here for more information on aquatic invasive species.

The Carmans River Task Force
In December of 2007, a Carmans River Task Force was created to address the serious invasive plant problem. CCE teamed up with Yaphank residents, elected officials, and other organizations to address the problems in these lakes. CCE’s Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito, oversees the seventeen diverse members that make up the working group.

Committee members include environmental organizations, civic associations, elected officials, and members of the community. Members include NYS Senator Kenneth LaValle, NYS Assemblyman Marc Alessi, NYS Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington, Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert, Suffolk County, Legislator Kate Browning, South Yaphank Civic , Trout Unlimited, Open Space Council , Yaphank Taxpayers and Civic Association, and The Nature Conservancy. Also on the committee are representatives from the Town of Brookhaven, the Suffolk County Department of Environment and Energy, New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation, and the Suffolk County Department of Health.

The main goal of the Task Force is to review and evaluate all options of management and eradication of the invasive species of the upper and lower lakes. The Task Force will then recommend a plan to the Town of Brookhaven for addressing these invasive species, in a way that will cause the least possible harm to the native plants and marine life in the lakes.

The working committee meets at Brookhaven Town Hall to discuss progress and possibilities. At each meeting there is at least one guest speaker who provides additional education to the group on topics such as the history and marine life of the lakes, chemical processes, and treatment possibilities. Recent guest speakers have included Mr. Tim Green, Director of Natural Resources at Brookhaven National Laboratory; Mr. Chris Doyl, Allied Biological; and Ms. Karen Mouzakes, Yaphank Historical Society.

View the he Request for Proposal, which became public on October 2, 2008.

Click here for more details about the Task Force and the Coalition to Save the Yaphank Lakes.

Follow the working group meetings:

Minutes from meeting: September 22, 2008

Minutes from meeting: April 9, 2008

Minutes from meeting: March 6, 2008

Minutes from meeting: February 13, 2008

Meeting January 26, 2008: minutes unavailable

Minutes from meeting: January 10, 2008

Updated by mmurphy 11/14/08