Chapter Il: Overview of the Community
1. The Natural Resources of Brookhaven/South Haven
by Dennis Puleston
Brookhaven Hamlet is unusually blessed with natural resources
within its boundaries. The three most important reasons for this
condition are as follows:
1. The diversity of habitats, including the lower Carmans River
and its banks, and several other bodies of salt, brackish and fresh
water. A portion of the southern limits of the Hamlet form a front
to the Great South Bay, with its salt marshes. Habitats also include
extensive areas of deciduous woodlands, old fields and abandoned
farmlands.
2. The Hamlets boundaries enclose several wildlife preserves,
including the 2,400 acres of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge.
There are several other smaller but important protected lands.
3. The determination and dedication of most of the residents of
the Hamlet to retain the rural atmosphere of their surroundings. The
retention of open space has been a major factor in the preservation
of the natural resources. Many landowners have resisted the monetary
temptations of developers to make property available for housing,
commerce, etc. The preservation of open space is also due to the
activities of such organizations as the Brookhaven Village
Association, the Open Space Council and, formerly, the Brookhaven
Town Natural Resources Committee.
These three factors are described in more detail below.
Habitat Diversity
The Carmans River which runs roughly north from the Great South
Bay, is navigable for small boats as far north as Route 27, It
supports much wildlife both breeding and wintering waterfowl and
migrating shorebirds. It also supports many species of fish, several
species of aquatic turtles, blueclaw crabs and smaller mammals of
several species.
At its lower reaches, the river is bounded by extensive salt
marshes, spawning grounds and nurseries for many fish and other
marine organisms. Many diamondback turtles nest in these marshes.
Crabbing from the eastern end of Beaver Dam Road and the southern
end of Bellhaven Road are major sources of recreation during late
spring, all summer and early fall. Fishing is also practiced there.
Menhaden (mossbunker), perch, carp and sea-run trout are also
resources, providing much recreational activity.
In addition to those within the Wertheim Refuge, many strands of
deciduous woodlands lie within the Hamlet, as do extensive old
fields. White-tailed deer are abundant and require occasional
controlled culling, since their natural predators (wolf, panther,
etc.) no longer occur locally. Blueberry, beach plum, wild Concord
grapes and other wild fruits are abundant. Edible mushrooms of
several species can be gathered, usually in late summer.
Throughout this site this icon indicates a note. Clicking it will take you to or return you from the note. Your browser will have to be JavaScript enabled -- most are. 
