Other lands mostly under municipal or private ownership. This is a diverse region of barrier island beaches, salt marshes, dredge spoil islands, and surrounding bays and estuaries which includes five miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline along the southernmost part of Shinnecock Bay and large undeveloped tidal wetlands which are relatively rare in the state.
Diamondback terrapins use inaccessible salt marsh islands for nesting.
The site is one of the most important waterfowl wintering areas on Long Island, with average concentrations from 1975-1984 of 3500 birds and 7284 in the peak year. It is also important as a coastal hawk migration corridor. Several ecologically critical areas along the bayside of the barrier island are at risk due to potential development. Some residential and commercial developments have already occurred on ecologically important lands. Other potential threats include water quality degradation, unregulated dredge spoil disposal, dock construction, and increased recreational uses.