MUTTONTOWN PRESERVE MASTER PLAN

 

LOCATION: TOWNSHIP OF OYSTER BAY, NY

CLIENT: COUNTY OF NASSAU

MARKET SECTOR: PUBLIC

SIZE: 550 ACRES

THE OPPORTUNITY

PS&S led a team commissioned by Nassau County to prepare a Master Plan for Muttontown Preserve, and a Guidance Document to be used for the future planning of all of Nassau County parkland and preserves.

Assembled from estates and properties acquired by Nassau County over many years, Muttontown Preserve consists of 550 acres of diverse ecological communities, including early and late successional fields, wetlands, and mixed deciduous forest. PS&S created a new plan that enabled the effective utilization of this unique and precious natural resource.

 

THE CHALLENGE

The park serves a variety of users including equestrians, hikers, birdwatchers, and stargazers. Challenges included minimizing conflict among these groups, fostering public support for the plan, and providing access to all members of the public while maintaining the essence of the preserve.

 

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S assembled a team of scientists, planners, landscape designers, and engineers to undertake a comprehensive study of the preserve, register requirements of various user groups, gather public input on evolving iterations of the plan, and compile the park plan and guiding principles document. PS&S services included evaluation of natural communities in the Preserve, preparation of maps and documents that present both existing conditions and potential solutions for new park trails, farm fields, and “natural fields” that will recreate vegetation attractive to bird and butterfly species, as well as a written habitat enhancement and management plan, all in keeping with the requirements of the park users.

PS&S’ extensive natural resource and GIS mapping efforts made possible a comprehensive understanding of the natural resources of the site, and provided a particularly effective means of conveying this information to the public.