Assessment of alternatives: William Floyd Estate, Fire Island National Seashore

National Park Service

This assessment of alternatives for the Floyd Estate considers issues of interpretation, development, and management of the William Floyd Estate. In 1965, the 612-acre William Floyd Estate- birthplace and residence of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence- was donated to the United States by the Floyd descendants, along with its outbuildings and furnishings. In authorizing acceptance of the donation, Congress designated that the estate become a detached unit of Fire Island National Seashore, but it provided a 25-year use and occupancy agreement to the Floyd descendants. In October 1976, the descendants relinquished their use and occupancy rights over 33.8 acres of the estate, including the major residence and outbuildings. Therefore, the National Park Service may begin to determine the direction for interpreting, developing, and managing the estate for use by visitors. This Assessment of Alternatives for the Floyd Estate considers issues of interpretation, development, and management of the site. The alternatives are based on public views about the future of the estate gathered during public meeting in October 1977 in Patchogue, New York, as well as on the General Management Plan. An opportunity will be provided for all the alternatives in this report to be analyzed, and public comment will be requested and incorporated where appropriate. An interpretive plan will be undertaken after the comprehensive plan is developed and approved. However, this assessment will guide the development of interpretive facilities, media, and programs.