Envisioning the Future of Plum Island

Cover art for the “Envision Plum Island Report” by Scott Bluedorn

Plum Island, a natural wonder of Long Island steeped in history and intrigue, has been in the news recently as the federal government has decreed that the island is planned to be sold to the highest bidder following the transition of the existing animal disease laboratory from its current location on the island to Manhattan, Kansas by 2023. The placing of the island on the market has however been halted for another year by congressional action, and in the wake of this decision several stakeholder groups have stepped in to offer an alternative vision for the island, this time placing it squarely in the public interest as a preserved area with possibly ongoing scientific research and limited access for general visitors. This is exciting news for everyone! I have been honored to work with the Preserve Plum Island Coalition on creating a brochure and outlining this vision, which has been released to the public in the form of the Envision Plum Island Report, which you can see in its entirety here!

Please see preserveplumisland.org to learn more about ongoing efforts to save Plum Island from private sale and development, learn how to contact representatives and government about these issues, and spread the word!