In May 2001, the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning issued a report to the Suffolk County Legislature that recognized the potential for protecting and restoring habitats in the watershed of Mud Creek that had been degraded by duck farming activities at the former Gallo Duck Farm in East Patchogue. Since that time, the Department has been working towards preservation and restoration in the watershed. The County now owns over 100 acres in the Mud Creek Watershed area north of Montauk Highway (27A).

The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Mud Creek Watershed Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study on July 28th, 2011. Subsequent to completing the RFP process a three year contact was awarded to Land Use Ecological Services, Inc. (Land Use) on October 24, 2012. Land Use will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive site inventory; assessing and determining restoration opportunities and developing a recommended habitat restoration plan that will include all final designs, constructions cost estimates, and regulatory permits required for plan implementation and construction of recommended restoration actions.

Given the scope of the work and the time frame being given to Land Use to complete the study, the services and work products specified in the contract have been broken into 14 Tasks. As these tasks are completed additional information pertaining to the study will be made available on this website.

It is the goal of the County that this study will result in a shovel ready plan of action to improve wetland and stream habitat conditions at the former duck farm, which ceased operation in the 1980’s, and the surrounding area. The restoration of the site will greatly improve ecosystem function as well as create new opportunities for County residents to enjoy a unique freshwater wetland environment.