The federal government owns Plum Island. It’s where a research lab existed for 60 years off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork.
The plan is to sell the island in the near future, but that could be stopped by a proposed federal funding directive.
U.S Representatives from Connecticut and Long Island added new language to conserve Plum Island in this year’s Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.
Representative Lee Zeldin of Long Island says Plum Island is an ecological and historical treasure that the public should be allowed to access.
“Visit Plum Island and see the seals on the rocks. As you look out in front of you, water is hitting the bluffs. You think you’re thousands of miles away from home, but you’re right off of the east coast of Long Island.”
The majority of the island is in its natural state, and conservationists point to a large biodiversity in its marine ecosystem.
The laboratory on the island will be moved to Kansas by 2023. And Plum Island will be sold to the highest bidder if the measure doesn’t pass.
