Protecting & Restoring Long Island's Peconic Bays
Best practices we should follow to enjoy and protect our natural spaces when visiting the Peconic Estuary.
Help clean dirty waterways and shores– Is there litter to clean up or problems which need the attention of others? Invite others to help you clean up a shore or beach. Not only is it a great way to help keep the outdoors beautiful, but it also protects wildlife that might eat or get tangled in the garbage.
Keep a respectful distance from wildlife– Never feed wildlife, for any reason. Feeding animals makes them habituated to and reliant on humans, which often harms the animal. If you’re close enough to attract an animal’s attention, you’re too close!
Leave only footprints– Stick to marked trails to avoid harming native flora, and consider taking a bag to pick up trash along your journey. Bring back what you take out. Recycle as much as possible.
Pick up animal waste to protect the health of the community and the environment!
Buy local– Supporting local businesses, restaurants and stores gives back to the local economy and people.
Be a traveler, not a tourist– Take time to immerse yourself in the local music, art and cuisine. Embrace the cultural differences that make it unique. Get to know the locals and how they view life. You might be surprised at the things you learn when you open your mind to new ideas!
Know Your Environment and Follow the Rules– Read about and observe the diversity of nature around you. Become familiar with environmental regulations, where you live and travel. Check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website for fishing regulations and closures.
Report an Environmental Violation by calling the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Law Enforcement hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267) or report online.
Become environmentally active– Understand how clean water and a healthy environment help us all to enjoy better boating, swimming and fishing. Be part of the solution not the problem.
Use low-impact transportation whenever possible– Bike, walk, paddle, sail. Traveling via bus, train, or ship generally has less environmental impact. If you’re traveling with family or friends and the destination is within driving distance, consider taking a road trip. If you drive and your car isn’t eco-friendly, rent a hybrid or electric vehicle, which use less fuel and produce less carbon emissions than gas-guzzlers.
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