New York Acquires 750 Acres for Conservation

The state purchased land surrounding the decommissioned Shoreham plant to protect local environmental resources.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a dense pine barrens forest in New York, depicting conserved wilderness with warm autumnal tones. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has acquired 750 acres near the decommissioned Shoreham site to expand the Pine Barrens preservation area. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has purchased 750 acres of land from National Grid for $28.5 million. The property, which surrounds the decommissioned Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, will be preserved as part of the state's efforts to protect critical environmental habitats.

Why it matters

This acquisition supports the state's 30x30 initiative to protect 30% of its land and waters by 2030. By incorporating the property into the Long Island Central Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area, officials aim to safeguard key historical, cultural, and ecological resources.

The 750-acre site includes 40 acres of tidal marshes, shrub swamps, and wetlands alongside 100-foot high bluffs. The project was previously identified as a priority for state acquisition in the 2016 Open Space Conservation Plan.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

This state agency is responsible for protecting and managing the natural resources and environmental quality of New York.

National Grid

This multinational electricity and gas utility company was the former owner of the land surrounding the Shoreham facility.

The details

The site will eventually feature public access improvements, including marked hiking trails and a designated parking area for visitors. This land was formerly associated with the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, which was abandoned in 1989 and officially decommissioned in 1994.

1989: The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant was abandoned.
1994: The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned.
1996: The Clean Water, Clean Air Bond Act was passed.
2016: The purchase was listed as a priority in the Open Space Conservation Plan.
2030: The target year for the state's 30x30 land protection initiative.

Travel Outlook

This land acquisition aligns with New York's 30x30 land protection initiative, which seeks to conserve 30% of all state lands and waters by 2030. Expanding protected areas contributes to broader seasonal and year-round tourism cycles by providing new recreational space.

Visitors should anticipate future development of public parking and hiking trails on the property. These new amenities will eventually provide expanded recreational access to the bluffs and marshlands near the Long Island Sound.

The takeaway

Large-scale land conservation provides residents with protected spaces for recreation while meeting critical ecological goals. Residents can look forward to new hiking opportunities as the state works to finalize public trail systems on this newly acquired property.