The region contains a remnant of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion, whose forests might once have covered a quarter million acres (1,000 km2) on Long Island.

The Central Pine Barrens overlays and recharges a portion of a federally designated sole source aquifer for Long Island's drinking water.

[3] In late August-early September 1995, a series of major brush fires swept through the pine barrens region.

A larger, more catastrophic fire erupted in the Westhampton area just shortly after the Rocky Point blaze was brought to an end.

The fire, aided by high winds and dry conditions, quickly spread, threatening area homes and businesses.

[citation needed] By early September, the Sunrise Wildfire was extinguished, but the results of that fire, in addition to the Rocky Point fire, were disastrous: Approximately 7,000 acres (28 km2) had burned, numerous homes and small businesses suffered damage, and 400 people were forced to evacuate their homes.

[citation needed] On April 9, 2012, several brushfires joined to ignite over 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) of woodland around Manorville, Ridge and Brookhaven.