Hello!

We at CCOM join our community in deep sadness for the untimely death of our colleague George Filopoulos. More on George’s leadership in Montauk is below, he will be deeply missed. As we approach the final days of summer, we’re looking ahead to a September of opportunities for environmental stewardship. Don’t miss the chance to connect, give back, and celebrate Montauk’s precious natural resources with us. Mark your calendars for September 16th, National Cleanup Day, as we prepare to make a positive impact by cleaning Montauk’s beaches and surrounding areas. And save the date for the CCOM Family Picnic at the Fort Pond House on September 23rd. It’s a wonderful occasion to learn more about our environmental initiatives and strengthen the bonds that define our CCOM family.

Continue reading to find more information about our Benson Reserve restoration project, our plans as we transition into fall, and ways to help keep yourself and the environment safe. 

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have plagued Fort Pond for years. Our efforts, in collaboration with the Gobler Lab, are crucial in monitoring and mitigating their impact. As our results from Fort Pond approach the threshold considered a bloom by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), it’s vital to understand why these blooms are dangerous and how you can protect yourself.

HABs are rapid accumulations of microscopic blue-green algae in water bodies. These algae (more technically referred to as cyanobacteria) can release toxins harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife. When HABs occur, it’s essential to avoid contact with affected water. Exposure to freshwater cyanotoxins occurs most frequently through the ingestion of water, either by drinking or inadvertently during recreational activities. Symptoms can range from skin irritation to more severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Dogs and wildlife are particularly susceptible to ingesting cyanotoxins when they lick their fur to clean themselves after exiting a bloom.

Decreasing HABs requires a multifaceted approach. You can visit our website to learn more about what we are doing to reduce the influx of nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, as these nutrients fuel algal growth. By implementing these strategies and fostering a shared commitment to protecting Montauk’s waters, we can make significant strides in reducing the frequency and impact of HABs.

In collaboration with the Town of East Hampton and a leading landscape ecologist, we are proposing a 10-year habitat restoration project at Benson Reserve. This initiative aims to combat invasive species, restore native plant life, and fortify the area against climate-related challenges. It will provide critical habitat for local wildlife and restore historic ocean views on Old Montauk Highway, a designated scenic highway. For more information and FAQ’s, visit our website and stay tuned for further updates as we move forward on this exciting project.

In our pursuit of a thoughtful and evidence-based approach to wastewater management in Montauk, we have been working with Dr. Christopher Gobler, Director of the NYS Center for Clean Water Technology at Stony Brook University, who has analyzed currently available data to understand how the proposed treatment plant would impact our surface and ground water. While we prepare to share his results, our collaboration with Dr. Gobler continues to consider wastewater management alternatives that align with Montauk’s unique needs and the preservation of our natural resources.

As part of our ongoing leadership in coastal resiliency planning we were delighted to recently support a $600,000 NYS CFA coastal resiliency grant application filed by East Hampton Town last month. Titled Sustainable Planning in Coastal Communities: Risk Reduction, Revitalization, and Restoration this grant application is focused on Montauk’s coastal resiliency as reported in the East Hampton Press. The EHT grant application advances a key CCOM policy priority of ensuring a sustainable future for Montauk’s low-lying town center in the face of sea-level rise and climate change. A decision by NYS on the grant application is expected later this year.

CCOM Water Quality Interns Return to School

We send our best wishes to all the students, especially our fabulous interns, as they return to the classroom. Their commitment to improving and protecting Montauk’s natural resources has had a lasting impact on our organization and community.

CCOM mourns the passing of George Filopoulos, who died August 18th. George was a true civic leader, environmentalist, and philanthropist who worked tirelessly to improve Montauk. In his five years on our board of directors, he was a critical partner to CCOM. His participation as a board member brought new perspective and skills to our organization. Beyond his extraordinary financial generosity, he was deeply committed to CCOM work on water quality, coastal resiliency, and environmental sustainability. George possessed a deep love for Montauk. No matter how busy, George was always unpretentiously swift to action when hands were needed and was consistently giving of himself, and our work has been strengthened by his contributions and engagement. His impact on our community will be long remembered and Montauk will sorely miss him. George can be honored through Project Purple.

Just in time for the busy summer season, our new merch is ready for purchase!

Check out our website's SHOP PAGE!