the 1959 survey were plotted during the overflights and ground observations. Acreages destroyed were subsequently measured.

Insofar as possible, causes of destruction and current vulnerability to destruction were based on information provided by represetnatives of the New York Division of Fish and Game. This information was supplemented by data from aerial and ground observations. Vulnerability was interpreted and projected in terms of trends indicated by the original survey and the 1959 and 1961 resurveys.

Each of the three New York surveys covered the Long Island wetlands, both fresh and salt, in entirety. There were, however, variations in both the extent and the intensity of coverage. For example, Richmond County was inventoried in 1954 but not in 1964. Its status in 1959 is questionable. Six wetland complexes have been added to the Long Island inventory between 1954 and 1964. Thus, the data presented in the different reports are not entirely comparable.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

The 12,635 acres of wetlands lost between 1954 and 1964 (table 1) represent 29 percent of such wetlands existent in 1954. There are, of course, no complete records of destruction prior to 1953. Acreages destroyed during each of the two five-year periods covered by the inventories were appalling: 5,711 acres during 1954-1959 and 6,924 acres during 1959–1964.

TABLE 1.-Acreage of coastal wetlands lost, Long Island, N.Y., 1954–64

The rate of destruction increased significantly if each of the five-year periods is considered separately. About 13 percent of the marshes existent at the beginning of the period were destroyed during 1954-59. In contrast, 18 percent of the marshes existent at the beginning of the period were lost during 1959-64. The extensive type survey used in both 1959 and in 1964 was not designed to reveal with exactitude any destruction or damage other than the physical loss of marshes. There was substantial direct destruction of wetland other than marsh. This was largely within the saline sounds and bays or coastal open fresh water (Wetland types 19, 19p, and 14, as defined in Fish and Wildlife Circular 39).

Mudflats and other areas exposed at mean low tide, the open water seaward from mean low tide, and open fresh coastal waters are integral parts of the wetland complex and are vital to a variety of wildlife and fish. None of the surveys undertook any systematic measurement of losses attributable to dredging or filling in these types of wetlands. Because of this fact, no data on wetland types 19, 19p, and 14 are included in this report.

In addition, the quality of many of the remaining marshes declined. Siltation from adjacent fill, deliberate or incidental diking, drainage, and mosquitocontrol resulted in marsh deterioration due to loss of basic productivity or interference with the tidal interchange of nutrients. Such deterioration may be marked only by slow changes in plant zonation: i.e., almost imperceptible shifts from one cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) to another (S. patens) or from the latter species to other plants adapted to dryer conditions. It can, however, be very rapid. A highly productive S. alterniflora marsh may be changed in a single growing season to an almost valueless stand of reeds (Phragmites communis) as the result of a shallow layer of hydraulically deposited spoil. Damages caused by pollutants were not measured.

Finally, there was a further reduction in the value of relatively undamaged wetland to wildlife, particularly to waterfowl. It was measurable in decreasing use and was attributable to added disturbance and stress. The basic causes were the intensified use of areas adjoining the marshes by increasing numbers of people and the dwindling sizes of many of the larger marshes.

Based on wetlands existent in 1954, losses during the past 10 years by counties were: Bronx, 1,810 acres (97 percent); Kings, 1,260 acres (52 percent); Queens, 1,348 acres (32 percent); Nassau, 4,635 acres (33 percent); and Suffolk, 3,582 acres (17 percent).

There was a correlation between wetlands losses in the individual counties and their proximity to the New York metropolitan complex. The rate of loss generally decreased from the city counties (Bronx, Kings, Queens) eastward through Nassau County and into Suffolk County over the past decade. Acreage losses in Nassau and Suffolk exceeded those in the counties nearer the city during the past ten years partially because the bulk of the wetlands in the latter counties were lost prior to 1954. The total losses of marshes in and near New York City is a matter of conjecture, Man's activities have been eroding these wetlands for nearly 300 years. In contrast, most of the wetland losses in Suffolk County have occurred during the past decade.

Marshes of low and negligible value to waterfowl were destroyed at a slightly faster rate than those of high and moderate value. About 36 percent (1,802 acres) of the Long Island marshes originally designated as of low-moderate value were lost over the past decade; 28 percent (10,833 acres) of those originally in the high-moderate category were destroyed during the same period. The less valuable marshes are generally higher and dryer and less costly to fill and to develop for housing and industrial sites and similar uses.

The major causes of wetland losses were, as could be expected in the Northeast, associated with population growth and industrialization (table 2). Housing accounted for more wetland losses than any other cause. About 4,357 acres of wetlands, or 34 percent of the destruction during the period 1954-64, were obliterated by housing developments.

Miscellaneous fill, a term indicating that ultimate use of the filled area was not known, was the second most important cause of wetlands losses. Such fill was largely spoil from hydraulic dredging for channel or harbor maintenance or improvement or from marina and dock construction. It accounted for 2,505 acres of wetland losses, or 20 percent of the destruction. The greater part of this miscellaneous fill will eventually be utilized for housing, industry, or similar purposes.

Other significant causes of wetland losses, with acreage and percent of loss, were recreational developments, 2,094 acres (17 percent); industry, 1,634 acres (13 percent); marinas, docks, and channels, 732 acres (6 percent); airports. 479 acres (4 percent); and bridges, roads, and parking, 414 acres (3 percent). Waste disposal (primarily dumps), schools, agricultural developments, and drainage projects each accounted for one percent or less of the losses. The vulnerability of the Long Island wetlands to destruction reached a new high in 1964 (table 3). Approximately 88 percent of the coastal wetlands were considered vulnerable and placed in Classes 1 and 2 in 1964. In 1959, these classes included 71 percent of the total; in 1954, 79 percent. Conversely, 12 percent were judged safe from destruction and placed in Class 3 in 1964. Approximately 29 percent were so classified in 1959; 21 percent in 1954.

TABLE 3.--Vulnerability of coastal wetlands, Long Island, N.Y., 1954-64

Despite the rapidly increasing interest in wetland preservation on Long Island, considerable optimism was a prerequisite in classifying 12 percent (3,569 acres) of the wetlands as safe from destruction in 1964. Less than one-third of this total was owned by the New York Division of Fish and Game, the Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or such other agencies as could reasonably assure preservation. About half of the wetlands considered safe were privately owned by wealthy sportsmen, gun clubs, or conservation-oriented individuals. Such holdings are increasingly unstable. Taxes and an active land acquisition program by public agencies using condemnation proceedings when owners are reluctant to sell are factors in this trend. Wetland preservation, unfortunately, has not been a primary objective in the majority of these acquisition programs. To date, dedication of these resources under the Long Island Wetlands Bill has not been extensive. Further, this dedication has not been an iron-clad guarantee of either preservation or wise use.

Various town and village sanctuaries and sectors of several State parks account for the bulk of the remaining wetlands considered safe from destruction. Such areas are subject to the tremendous economic and social pressures characteristic of Long Island.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

A second resurvey of the Long Island, New York, wetlands, completed in June of 1964, revealed that the rapid destruction of the State's marshes continued and accelerated. Measured physical losses of emergent marshes during 1959-64 totaled 6.924 acres. In comparison, 5,711 acres were destroyed during 1954–59. The 12,635 acres of marshes obliterated during the past decade represented 29 percent of the coastal wetlands existent in the State in 1954. There were additional and substantial unmeasured losses. These included physical losses caused by dredging and spoiling on tidal flats as well as depreciation resulting from siltation, pollution, diking, drainage, mosquito control, and increasing human activities adjacent to the dwindling marshes.

Major causes of losses, with acreages and percents of the total, were: housing, 4,357 acres (34 percent); miscellaneous fill, 2,505 acres (20 percent); recreation, 2,094 acres (17 percent); industry, 1,634 acres (13 percent); marinas, docks, and channels, 732 acres (6 percent); airports, 479 acres (4 percent); and bridges, roads, and parking, 414 acres (3 percent). Waste disposal (dumps), schools,

agricultural development, and drainage each accounted for one percent or less of the wetland losses.

The wetlands became increasingly vulnerable to destruction during the period 1954-1964. By 1964, 88 percent (27,011 acres) of the remaining Long Island wetlands were vulnerable to destruction while only 12 percent (3,569 acres) appeared to be safe for the foreseeable future. Despite the increasing interest in wetland preservation, only a small part of that 12 percent had any real assurance due to nature of ownership of those remaining in that category. The rate of destruction and trends in vulnerability during the past decade indicates that the coastal wetlands will be largely destroyed before any great percentage of the resource is preserved. The alternatives are either an accelerated acquisition program undertaken cooperatively by all the conservation agencies or early and massive dedication under the Long Island Wetland Bill with guarantee of perpetuity.

Mr. DOWNING. We have two witnesses who have to leave immediately, Mr. Frank Baer, chairman of the Nassau County Planning Commission, and Mr. Petito, supervisor of the town of Oyster Bay. Both you gentlemen come forward. I understand you have 2 minutes before leaving.

Identify yourself for the record, please.

STATEMENT OF MICHEL N. PETITO, SUPERVISOR, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, N.Y.

Mr. PETITO. My name is Michel N. Petito. I am the supervisor of the township of Oyster Bay.

Mr. DOWNING. It is a pleasure to have you.

Mr. PETITO. Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the committee, I thank you for the opportunity to appear before you.

It appears that today is my day for conservation. This afternoon I am meeting in Oyster Bay with a group of citizens very much concerned about the eel grass problem in the South Oyster Bay waters.

This deals with the very rapid growth of eel grass, which is interfering with the use of the area for boating, fishing, and which, of course, detracts from the natural beauty of the area.

I would hope that at some future date perhaps you gentlemen might look upon this problem sympathetically.

Those of us who have watched a flock of wild geese wheel over the tidal marshland, or raked sand for that illusive clam, or basked placidly in the sun with a drop line over the side of a skiff, do fully understand and appreciate the irreplaceable importance of our wetlands.

No technique has yet been devised to express the full value of this heritage in monetary terms to the picnicker, the hiker, the fisherman, the camper, the photographer, or the bird watcher.

Unfortunately, the importance of this interest is often underrated. I would like to express my concern today over the fact that our wetlands are being destroyed, and that this vital asset will be lost in future years.

I am one of the politicians, the local politicians referred to a few moments ago, and I appear here today in support of the Tenzer bill. We now have the opportunity to assure our future generations that the wetlands on the south shore of Long Island-thousands of acres of tidal flats, shallow pools, marshy island, interlaced with numerous inlets and streams, all which form a natural and unique ecological zone