Protecting Wildlife with Infrastructure

The Town of Brookhaven is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its wildlife, particularly frogs, during their vital breeding season. A newly constructed 25-foot tunnel now allows various small animals, including raccoons and chipmunks, to cross safely beneath a heavily trafficked road in Middle Island.

Project Details and Implementation

Brookhaven officials recognized the urgent need for this tunnel after observing a significant number of animals being killed as they attempted to cross the road. John Turner, a land management specialist for the town, noted, “It’s breeding season, they have reproduction on their minds and they’re moving back-and-forth. There were scores of them dead.”

Following the tunnel’s completion, Luke Ormand, a senior environmental analyst, noted that “once we installed the tunnel, all the animals figured out this was the place to go,” indicating a swift adaptation by the local fauna to the new crossing.

Financial Overview

The tunnel project was executed at a cost of approximately $40,000. According to Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro, the project was a worthy investment, particularly given the broader context of Brookhaven’s total budget, which exceeds $360 million.

Benefits Beyond Wildlife Safety

This initiative not only aims to reduce wildlife casualties but also serves as a model for municipalities looking to support local ecosystems with minimal infrastructure disruption. The success of this tunnel may inspire similar environmental projects throughout Long Island, encouraging communities to find innovative solutions to balance development and conservation.