Global News - November 2007

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Last private island in New York left to the birds

Thu 22 November 2007 14:00 UK — North America,Birds

The last privately-owned island in New York has been saved from development and will instead be turned into a protected nesting ground for egrets and herons.

Located in the city's East River, the uninhabited South Brother Island had become a haven for egrets, herons and a variety of other birds including cormorants and ibises, attracted by the area's thick vegetation and lack of predators, the New York Times reports.

With the help of federal government funding, the New York Trust for Public Land secured the island for $2 million (£1 million) and it will now be administered as a reserve by the city's Park's Department.

Congressman Jose E Serrano, who was heavily involved in securing the land purchase, said: "Today is a historic day for the Bronx, for New York City, and for conservation."

Adrian Benepe, New York City Parks Commissioner, added: "Home to a large nesting colony of herons and egrets, South Brother Island is one of the most important natural areas in the Bronx."

According to the parks authority, New York now has 29,000 areas of public parkland, with the island set to create a group of wildlife refuges in the Bronx area alongside the nearby North Brother Island.

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