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Community Participation

Mastic and Shirley residents in cooperation with their community organizations played a prominent role in the efforts to restore the Forge River and its tributaries. Save the Forge River, a non-profit environmental advocacy organization, was established specifically to address the condition of the River, its tributaries and the greater watershed. They have been instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of the Forge River. Environmental organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Peconic Baykeeper, and others have also contributed to the dialog. The Poospatuck Indian Nation borders the estuary and has a strong interest in the health of the waters.

Birds on the River

The Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Organization Waterways Homeowners Association, Mastic-Shirley Chamber of Commerce, Manor Park Civic Association, and the William Floyd Community Summit have all been involved in the efforts to address Forge River problems and find solutions.

Watershed Advisory Committee

The Forge River Task Force, formed in 2005 by the Town of Brookhaven developed a strategy to restore Forge River health. It worked with the NYS DEC to place the estuary on the State's Impaired Waters List and, along with Save the Forge River, played an advocacy role in securing federal funding for the river.

The Forge River Task Force provided oversight for watershed research and was crucial to the development of the Forge River Watershed Management Plan.

Forge River Task Force Members

Forge River Technical Advisory Committee

  • Michael Jensen, Suffolk County Department of Health Services
  • Jeffrey Kassner, Town of Brookhaven, Division of Environmental Protection
  • Veronica King, Town of Brookhaven, Division of Environmental Protection
  • Tony Leung, NYSDEC
  • Ronald Lupski, Save the Forge River
  • Kevin McAllister, Peconic Baykeeper
  • Caroline McCabe, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven, Council District 6
  • Larry Swanson, SoMAS, SUNY Stony Brook