Outdoor Voices LI
Community Voices for Responsible Restoration.
Our mission is to passionately advocate for the rebuilding of the Stump Pond dam, that the historic lake—established in 1798—can be safely sustainably restored as a cherished community treasure! We wholeheartedly support responsible restoration that revitalizes habitats, protects downstream ecosystems, manages stormwater runoff, creates a vibrant space for recreation, connection, and community pride. Together, let's restore this safe and lively resource that will enrich our community life for generations to come!
​Mission
In August 2024, a major storm caused Blydenburgh County Park’s Stump Pond Dam to fail. For more than 225 years, Stump Pond had been the historic centerpiece of Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown—serving as a vital community hub for freshwater fishing, kayaking, hiking, and equestrian use.
It was a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, valued for its scenic setting, trail access along the water, and its role as a true “crown jewel” of the Suffolk County parks system.
Now Suffolk County faces a major decision: rebuild the dam and restore Stump Pond, or permanently change the park by leaving the river to run through the former lakebed. A responsible rebuild can restore this shared public resource while also helping manage storm water runoff, moderate peak flows, and reduce flood risk for downstream communities during future extreme weather events.
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Stump Pond wasn’t just water in the park—it was the feature that shaped the entire Blydenburgh experience:
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Recreation & Fishing: One of Long Island’s most accessible freshwater fisheries, supporting largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, trout, and catfish, alongside easy access for kayaking and paddling.
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Scenic Park Centerpiece: The pond created the views, calm atmosphere, and “destination feel” that made Blydenburgh a crown jewel for visitors.
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Trails, Nature & Equestrian Use: The shoreline and surrounding woods supported hiking, nature walks, trail use, and horseback riding—connecting people to the outdoors in the heart of Suffolk County.
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Greenbelt Trail Legacy: Blydenburgh is recognized as part of Long Island’s broader trail culture, and the Greenbelt community has long valued this park as an important outdoor resource.
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Community & Economic Value: A healthy, scenic park strengthens quality of life—supporting neighborhood pride and the value of living near a treasured county park.
A Responsible Rebuild Helps Protect People Downstream
Rebuilding the dam isn’t only about restoring recreation—it’s also about resilience. A properly designed, modern dam helps manage stormwater runoff, moderate peak flows, and reduce flood risk for downstream communities during future extreme rain events.
History Worth Preserving
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Stump Pond was created in 1798, when a dam formed the lake that became central to the park experience.
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Blydenburgh has been a public county park since 1969, serving generations of Long Islanders as a shared public resource.
