There are very few occurrences of pine barrens shrub swamps statewide. This natural community only occurs on the coastal plain of Long Island in ice-contact (glacial) shallow depressions in the landscape. They occur as thin, string swamps adjacent to wetlands. A few documented occurrences have good viability and are protected on public land or private conservation land. Pine barrens shrub swamps also tend to be embedded within pine barrens, which depend on fire to maintain an open habitat. The current trend of this community is probably stable for occurrences on public land, or declining slightly elsewhere due to moderate threats related to development pressure, alteration to the natural hydrology, reduced protection regulations for isolated wetlands, and perhaps fire suppression. This community has declined from historical numbers likely correlated with settlement of the area and development.

The numbers and acreage of pine barrens shrub swamps have probably declined in recent decades as a result of displacement by residential and commercial development and by a change in the natural hydrology and water quality.

The numbers and acreage of pine barrens shrub swamps have probably declined from historical numbers most likely correlated with settlement of the area and agricultural, residential, and commercial development. Development not only caused the displacement of the natural community but also alterations to the natural hydrology and water quality of the swamps.