Plenty of people in the Great River and Oakdale area are wondering exactly what happened to West Brook Pond.

State Parks officials say a dam on the pond broke June 11 and flooded nearby Montauk Highway.

The result is a muddy mess to which wildlife appears to be struggling to adapt. That has fishermen and hikers worried, but the state assures all will be well.

"Out intent is to make the necessary repairs, and then the pond will again be back," says George Gorman, of New York State Parks.

Officials say they'll also try to remove invasive species in the water.

Residents say some children have found themselves stuck in the mud, but the parks department says it will be installing warning signs and patrol the area more frequently.

It's tentative, but officials say the repairs should be completed by the end of the summer.

West Brook Pond is fed from streams coming from the Connetquot Preserve.