Issue Post 4:

Photo Credit: Ariella Kornreich, From Rockaway Blvd. Father driving.

“The [Hook Creek] Wildlife Sanctuary definitely plays an important role for migrating birds, as it is part of one of the largest green spaces in that part of Queens, but  there is definitely conflict between these birds and the operations at nearby JFK Airport. The Port Authority has killed thousands of birds and other animals as part of their mission to protect JFK and LGA, including Snowy Owls, Coyotes, and other species. Bird culling has taken place in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on the other side of the airport.

“The remoteness of the park and the openness of the space around it are one contributing factor to why it has been used as a dumping area over the years. Many New York City Parks are used as dumping areas, or have been used as dumping areas in the past, especially in areas that are less populated along the waterfront. The park around Hook Creek, like other parks in the city, has had some cleanup efforts over the years, but because it is so large, it must be difficult to control everything that happens there….

“It’s an area at the center of several of the most pressing issues in NYC, including sea level rise, climate change, air pollution, and the difficult balance between humans and the “natural” world.” —Nathan Kensinger, photographer and filmmaker.