Boy Scouts Save the Pine Barrens at Camp Wauwepex, Schiff Scout Reservation

Historically known as Camp Wauwepex, the Schiff Scout Reservation is located within the Long Island (NY) Pine Barrens, and is privately owned by the Theodore Roosevelt Council, which is the Nassau County Council of the Boy Scouts of America. "Saving Camp Wauwepex has long been a priority objective of Riverhead Town," he said, paraphrasing Town Supervisor and Pine Barrens Commission Member, Phil Cardinale's press quote. "Phil Cardinale also applauded the preservation of this unique parcel, its extraordinary 30 acre glacial kettlehole known as Deep Pond with its abundance of yellow perch and pickerel, its dense woods, its wide variety of trees, shrubs and wildflowers, and its habitat for fox, rabbits and other animals."

Why Did The Schiff Scout Reservation Need Saving By The Pine Barrens Credit Program?

The Schiff Scout Reservation is a camp today, but without formalized protection of its natural resources. "The Pine Barrens Credit Program protected Camp Wauwepex without actually buying it," explained my partner. Later at home, I went online to review the press release. "But, I can't go there. It's still private property, right?" I frowned. Apparently, most conservation easements do not automatically provide for public access. It's not required. But what the Pine Barrens Credit Program did was to give property owners rights to transfer the land's potential value elsewhere. According to the press release, these rights become Pine Barrens Credits which can then be used off site by the owner or sold to developers. The Boy Scouts received nearly 100 credits, valued at $75,000 or more each per credit in the current market, and have already sold 1.64 credits. They sold the credits to a Riverhead commercial business owner who used them to satisfy County sanitary permit requirements. Besides the financial benefits, Scott Christiansen, Board Chairman of the Board for the Nassau County BSA, explained the Scouts other purpose. "Since its beginning in 1910," the Boy Scouts of America have been involved with preserving the environment and the Scouts believe this is a great opportunity to partner with the Pine Barrens Commission and the people of Suffolk County for the future of our community."

Local Officials Agree

A prime sponsor of the Pine Barrens Act, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle noted, "I believe the protection of Camp Wauwepex in Wading River, is a wonderful New Year's present for the people of Suffolk County. It is pleasing to know that this valuable land will be preserved in perpetuity." Assemblyman Marc Alessi (D-Wading River) also said, "I am excited that the Boy Scouts have taken an active role in preserving this Boy Scout Camp through the Pine Barren Credit Program. Preserving this Camp not only preserves the long history of the camp for future scouts, but it is another step closer to preserving the character of the North Fork which makes it a special little corner of this State."

Still Why Not Just Purchase The Land Outright for Public Open Space?

"Some property owners don't want to sell, which is their right, and with a downturn in the economy, there is less money available to purchase open space," clarified my partner. I read on to learn more about the finer details of the Pine Barrens Credit Program from James T.B. Tripp, Esq., Chair of the Pine Barrens Credit Clearinghouse. "This project demonstrates the vital role that the Pine Barrens Credit Program can play in assuring this preservation goal that we all cherish." To which Peter A. Scully, Pine Barrens Commission Chair, said, "At 403.1 acres, this is the largest parcel of land ever preserved under the Pine Barrens Credit Program. The Boy Scouts deserve our thanks. This cooperative effort to preserve the Core Preservation Area of the Central Pine Barrens will protect our future drinking water supply, while fostering the true spirit of Scouting."

Where's The Press?

Richard Amper, Executive Director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, who is also a public relations and media expert, was quoted as saying, "This is one of the nicest parcels in the Pine Barrens. It has given joy to thousands and now will continue to do so." I stood up and yawned. It was well after midnight and time to shut down my computer. Despite their best efforts to get the word out to the public, the press didn't report this story as news. "The public has a right to know and be better informed," I mumbled stumbling off to the shower. That night I dreamt that I was hiking under a brilliantly blue sky in the hollow of a sheltered freshwater pond. Perhaps someday, the Boy Scouts will offer such an open house to the public so that they too can celebrate the more than four hundred acres saved at the Schiff Scout Reservation.

Appendum

Prior to publishing this article, I sent it out for review and comment. A brief email directed me to call the main office for the Schiff Scout Reservation. To my surprise I learned that it is possible for the general public to visit the Schiff Scout Reservation! Your best option is to coordinate with a local group that has insurance. Then, obtain a day hike pass for the group. There is a modest $2/person fee and please make your request at least 30 days in advance. Groups can range between five and twenty guests. Contact Terry Amabile at 516-797-7600 extension 108 - or email her at progsecr@trcbsa.org for more details.

Reference: http://pb.state.ny.us/press_releases/commission/pr_20090127_camp_wauwepex.pdf