The Bayport Civic Association along with Town of Islip and Suffolk County park officials are hoping increased enforcement will eliminate the use of all-terrain vehicles in the San Souci preserve that runs north of Montauk Highway between Sayville and Bayport.
Increased activity by recreational ATV users has been reported by local residents. In addition to being a noise disturbance, ATVs can harm the ecological environment of the preserve, said officials. Bayport Civic President Bob Draffin recently toured the preserve with Town of Islip officials to assess what can be done to eliminate the illegal activity.
“It’s county parkland and the use is prohibited. People love to walk the trails in there and to hear the buzzing of a vehicle coming at some point isn’t very nice and it’s damaging to the ecology of the area,” said Draffin, who said the civic group asked for increased enforcement.
So Suffolk County Park police will be monitoring the area more closely and have the right to confiscate vehicles ridden illegally on the county land.
“There are plenty of places in the county where these vehicles can be ridden lawfully,” said Draffin.
Residents who observe illegal ATV activity can call 911 and ask to be connected to the Suffolk County Park Police to make a report, he said.
