County Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat from Merrick, said he has worked with other officials to repair the preserve and deter teenagers from partying there. 

Denenberg said he has written to the county Parks Department and the Department of Public Works several times in recent years, advocating the removal of graffiti from a former Brooklyn Waterworks pump house, the repair of the northern fence to keep trespassers out and the cleanup of debris.

“Open space on the South Shore is a treasure, and the Faith Laursen Preserve has a lot of natural beauty,” Denenberg said. “My concern now is the current administration allocating enough resources to keep the preserve clean and safe.”

He said he has also helped to coordinate cleanups at the preserve with local civic and scout groups in recent years. Toscano said that at least one teenager has completed an Eagle Scout project in the preserve each year, marking trails or cleaning up. Casazza added that the Bellmore Preservation Group would be available to lend a hand at the preserve.

“I would just like to see people go in there, enjoy it, and leave it the way they found it,” Wood said. “If you bring anything in, you can carry it out.”