The collapse of Stony Brook’s Harbor Road dam and the draining of the centuries-old Mill Pond may have uncovered a previously unknown amphibian species, a discovery that has sent ripples of excitement through the environmental community.
A volunteer rescuing fish left high and dry by the sudden flood noticed what was at first thought to be a fishing lure. Upon further examination, it turned out to be a Northern Dusky Salamander, a creature not seen on Long Island for more than a century. Given its isolation at the Mill Pond, it may have developed into its own species.
“These salamanders were thought not to exist here anymore, and then they turned up right under our nose,” said John Turner of the Seatuck Environmental Association. “It’s a remarkable find.” Three were discovered near a freshwater stream at the southern end of the pond, which now resembles a mudflat after the dam let loose during an epic rainfall in August. “They have variations that lead us to believe they may be a new species,” Turner said.
He’s reached out to the state herpetologist and scientists at the American Museum and the Smithsonian, who want to collect a sample to analyze the creature’s DNA. If confirmed, it would be the ninth type of salamander found on Long Island.
The Dusky’s relatives in the region include the Tiger Salamander, a rare pine barrens dweller that’s on the Endangered Species List. While the Southern Dusky is considered a creature of concern, the Northern variety is not, except in Canada, where variations of it are considered endangered.
“Those individuals in Stony Brook have been reproductively isolated from other Northern Dusky Salamanders since at least 12,000 years ago when Long Island was formed,” Turner pointed out. We may be looking at something extraordinary.”
Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, which owns the pond property, said the salamanders are common along its banks. “A block away, there is a resident who is a trustee, and she said she has them galore in her backyard. So it's not rare,” Rocchio said.
“That’s news to almost every naturalist on Long Island,” replied Turner, who advocates for letting waterways that had been dammed to flow free. He said he is unsure of how the discovery will affect the rebuilding of the Harbor Road dam. “We certainly want to see the stream intact and maybe even increase its length for the benefit of the species. So perhaps that means maybe the pond could be slightly reduced in size to accommodate a larger stream.”
“We’re highly enthusiastic about the possibility of having a new species on Long Island,” said Steve Brown of East Setauket, a member of the Brookhaven Town Open Space Committee. “This shows that our environment is a healthy one and we need to protect it. With their very sensitive skin, amphibians are among the first to perish when an area is contaminated.”
Turner estimated a lower dam height may be in order, and perhaps a ladder to allow passage of eels, alewives, and other fish from West Meadow Creek into the upland waters. “So much habitat has been eliminated over the years,” Turner said. “Our ecological friends have been severed.”
Rocchio characterized the pond restoration as a complex undertaking since the Town of Brookhaven is rebuilding the Harbor Road dam and various entities, such as Suffolk County and the state Department of Environmental Conservation, are involved. The pond served as a catch basin for the natural spring and runoff from state and town roads and Stony Brook University. It was a serene landmark enjoyed by generations, and many residents want it restored to its original splendor.
“The pond was always here, a place of peace, and now it’s gone,” said Pam Rizzo of St. James. We were walking here just the day before the storm, enjoying the swans and the tranquility. I hope they can return it to its natural beauty.”