1. Impact of Fragmentation and Roads on Albany Pine Bush Dr. James Danoff-Burg Dept. Ecology, Evolution, & Environmental Biology Columbia University NY, NY 10027 Jd363@columbia.edu

2. Value of Albany Pine Bush (APB) A “Significant Habitat” of the New York Bight Watershed - US Fish & Wildlife Service Largest worldwide intact inland barrens pitch pine – scrub oak community Globally unique ecosystem Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) a state & federally listed endangered species NWF, Nature Conservancy, and other global conservation groups interested First described from Albany Pine Bush Populations are declining precipitously Feeds on Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) Recreation and Nature Enjoyment

3. Threats to APB Biodiversity Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Smaller area = smaller populations = decreased species persistence Habitat Degradation Edge effects cause effects to percolate into remaining habitat and make some of it unusable E.g., 200 m Australian rainforest bird avoidance of edge Invasive Species Threats to natives b/c competition, predation, parasitism, etc. Brought in via human movement along roads All are potential outcomes of the proposed development of this parcel

4. Remaining Viable APB -Currently

5. Fragmentation & Degradation APB Unique Area Siver Rd. Old State Rd. Lupe DiCaprio Farm Habitat Loss Habitat Degradation (Edge Effects)

6. Remaining Viable APB - After Lupe

7. Invasive Species Unknown potential impact – probably significant Competitors, predators on Karner Blue butterfly Competitors, herbivores, pests of wild lupines Activities that will lead to introductions: Construction (e.g., Asian Longhorn Beetle in wood & packing) Driving and other transportation (e.g., seeds, insects, etc.) Residences (e.g., escaped plantings, pets, and pests)

8. Conclusion Proposed project would have significant negative impact Impact would involve at least twice the land area of the project Invasive species could significantly increase this affected area Lupe

9. Recommendation Recommend against project Recommend for listing this area (and surrounding localities) as part of the Pine Bush Unique State Area Significant Size Contiguous Unique ecosystem Highly endangered Slow to recover disturbance