Historians Say Woolly Mammoth Was Probably Not Found On Plum Island

[hrmjustin]

By Shaye Weaver

The discovery of the remains of a woolly mammoth on Plum Island, which was described in a late-19th-century article, most likely happened in Massachusetts, according to the Southold Historical Society.

This month the possibility of such a find on Plum Island in New York stirred up much excitement among environmentalists and lawmakers. The discovery was further reason, they said, to stop the federal government’s planned sale of the island, or at least spur deeper research. But officials from the Southold Historical Society said last week that the find probably took place on an island by the same name in Massachusetts.

Despite the doubt cast on the discovery, environmentalists are still pushing for more in-depth study. The General Services Administration, the government agency that prepared an environmental impact statement over two years in preparation for a sale of the island, said this week that it has addressed environmental concerns and that the sale is still slated to proceed, although not in the immediate future.

In 2009 Congress voted to eventually close the island’s aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center, where scientists research animal diseases and develop methods to stop the spread of disease and build a new $1 billion facility in Kansas, with plans to sell 840-acre Plum Island to the highest private bidder. In preparation, the federal government commissioned the GSA to conduct the environmental impact statement.

Read more at http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/East-End/30782/Historians-Say-Woolly-Mammoth-Was-Probably-Not-Found-On-Plum-Island-New-York

[grasswire]

1. oh, interesting

Two generations of my ancestors were lighthouse keepers on Plum Island in the 19th century. I have a special feeling for that place and hope very much that it isn't sold to developers. It should be a wildlife refuge, and preserved.

[hrmjustin]

2. I agree it would be a shame if it got into the hands of developers.

That is a wonderful history your family has.

Edit: Spelling

[Enthusiast]

3. There is no reason to suppose there were no Woolly Mammoths on Plum Island.

Woolly Mammoths fossils are often found on islands. As a matter of fact, Mammoths survived more recently on islands than anywhere else, most notably Wrangel Island and St. Paul island.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolly_mammoth