About

This blog was created to bring attention to the deplorable conditions at and mismanagement of the Marine Park Saltmarsh Preserve, an urban park owned and run by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. According to the parks department website and this downloadable PDF file, the preserve's 519 acres is a "Forever Wild" parcel. Bill Tai, the Director of the department's Natural Resources Group, lists the following reasons for the park's status:

Significant Fish & Wildlife Habitat
Bird, Herpetile, Invertebrate, Fish

Significant Ecosystem
Grassland/Shrubland, Salt Marsh, Aquatic/Marine, Beach/Dune

Rare, Threatened & Endangered Species
Federal/State, Local

Special Regulatory Designation
Yes

Unfortunately, the parks department doesn't do anything to protect the habitat that they recognize as important to the NYC environment. They allow illegal ATV and motorcycle usage on a regular basis within the area east of Gerritsen Avenue and west of Gerritsen Creek. This represents the vast majority of the preserve's landmass. In addition, dog owners illegally run their pets offleash here any time of day, never cleaning up after them. On a much more serious criminal level, car thieves have had unchecked use of this park for dumping stolen vehicles. This satellite image shows all the damage caused by the ATVs and motorcycles, plus, torched cars are seen circled in red.

(Click to enlarge)

Larry Major is the District Manager of this park. He should be fired for allowing the Marine Park Nature Preserve to become the worst park in New York City.