Natural Resource Managment Plan

Brookhaven National Laboratory is located within Long Island's Central Pine Barrens, a region of oak and pine forests, wetlands, and coastal plain ponds. The Lab's 5,300-acre site includes a variety of habitats that support more than 400 plant species and a diverse range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The site also provides important habitat for migratory birds and protected species, including the New York State-endangered eastern tiger salamander. Brookhaven monitors and manages these natural resources to help protect native plants, wildlife, and their habitats

Brookhaven National Laboratory manages the local ecosystems using the Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) as a basis. The NRMP establishes "adaptive management" as the method for continual improvement within the Natural Resources program. Key features of the plan focus on the use of prescribed fire with an associated Fire Management Plan; protection and management of endangered species, most notably the eastern tiger salamander (a New York endangered species); and gaining a better understanding of the local ecosystems through research and monitoring. The plan is updated every 5 years (next update scheduled for 2026).