Environmentalists form coalition to protect open spaces on Long Island

A group of 100 environmentalists and community activists have formed a coalition aimed at preserving Long Island?s drinking water and wildlife.
"Long Island's Last Stand" is a 10-year program designed to preserve at least 15 rare properties on the Island. These properties include a rural colonial farm in Old Westbury, tidal wetlands in Hempstead, private wooded estates on the North Shore and sprawling farmlands in Southold and East Hampton.
The coalition is asking for a $300 million state bond to pay for the projects. In addition to the bond act, the state Legislature is considering doubling the Environmental Preservation Fund from $150 million to $300 million by the end of the year.