As the first designated wilderness area in 1968, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness Area is currently under the protection of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In the preceding years to its designation, a torrent of activity and passion involving thousands of people and millions of dollars resulted in 3,000 acres (1,214 ha) being purchased and donated in a successful attempt to block the construction of a fourth major regional airport by the New York Port Authority. Over time, most of the roads in the wilderness area were dismantled or abandoned, and all of the old farms and residences were razed. Additionally, landfills and industrial sites were reclaimed. Now only hiking trails and paths, which once were old roadbeds, remain.
