By Scott Brinton
The brief signing ceremony took place two days after Earth Day. On hand for the event were a number of environmental activists who lobbied for creation of the preserve, including lifelong Merrick resident Jay Pitti, who originally developed the concept for the preserve. Also present were Hempstead Town Parks Commissioner Dick Ronan, Scott Oglesby of the Audubon Society and Gabrielle Fehling of Empire Kayaks, which launches its boats at the preserve.
The town park was created in 1998 out of a former landfill. It opened to the public in 2000, but was never perpetually preserved. Designating it as "forever wild" ensures that no future generations will build on it or develop it in any way.
Murray said, "Protecting this nature preserve from development and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy it is an important environmental victory."
The supervisor added, "In an age of increasing development, it is critical to preserve open space."
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