Hello!

What a busy summer it is proving to be! Our event at Gurney’s was a huge success – just look at these photos. The rest of the summer is chock-full of activity as well. CCOM staff and interns have immersed themselves in our environmental programming. There are so many opportunities to engage with our team, so please be sure to check out our upcoming events! Read on to find out more.

In 1970 CCOM began leading the fight to protect Montauk’s unique and beautiful open spaces. Since 2000 alone, over 500 acres of woodlands, wetlands and beaches have been preserved in Montauk through the East Hampton Town Community

Preservation Fund (CPF). CCOM fought hard for the creation of the CPF and continues to be a strong advocate in the purchase of Montauk’s land parcels for the environment and our community.

We are pleased to report that the Town of East Hampton, through the CPF, has now acquired a combined 27.38 acres of land in the Lake Montauk watershed. 8.58 waterfront acres, at 21 and 35 Star Island Road, was purchased for $4.5 million, and 18.8 acres at 66 East Lake Drive, also known as “Highland Meadows,” was purchased for $4.2 million.

When land is preserved and protected in perpetuity, it no longer can be developed. This is the best way to help prevent pollutants from entering the Lake Montauk watershed. For more information on CPF acquired properties in Montauk, click here.

Elevated nitrogen levels from outdated and ineffective septic systems have led to nitrogen loading and a proliferation of harmful algal blooms in our waters in recent years. On July 7th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that there is more than $255 million in state grants available for water infrastructure projects, including $20 million set aside for septic upgrades in Suffolk County. The $20 million, which will be administered through Suffolk County’s “Reclaim Our Water” Septic Improvement Plan, will help fund approximately 2,000 new systems.

CCOM has been working with the Montauk and East Hampton community to help encourage septic upgrades, especially in the highly sensitive Fort Pond and Lake Montauk watersheds. With the existing Town Community Preservation Fund, county funds, and now an additional influx of state funds, property owners may be eligible for enough financial assistance to cover the entire cost of upgrading their septic system. This grant is instrumental to improving water quality for the entire county.

To learn more about the various septic Improvement grant programs, click here.

Since 2013 CCOM has been leading the effort to address the impact of climate change on our coastline and community and we have played a key role in the development of the long-awaited Coastal Assessment and Resiliency Plan (CARP) for Montauk and East Hampton. On Thursday August 4th at 2pm a public hearing has been scheduled to hear from the public on this plan. Your support is needed, so please join us by participating in this public hearing or by writing to the East Hampton Town Clerk, 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, New York 11937 in support of adopting this critical roadmap to making Montauk more resilient to sea level rise and climate change. Comments may also be submitted to the Town Clerk by email to: CBrennan@ehamptonny.gov.

The adoption of the CARP is an important first step toward implementing projects and policies aimed to reduce our vulnerability and facilitate sustainable adaptation to our changing coastal environment.

The full CARP report can be found here.

This comprehensive, must-see panel discussion, which took place on July 11th, is geared toward first-time EV buyers and thoroughly addresses a long list of questions, thanks to a stellar panel of experts and a wide range of EV owners who offer their insights and experiences. Watch the replay here: EV Panel Discussion – Town of East Hampton Natural Resources Department.

The discussion was organized by East Hampton’s Natural Resources Department and EnergizeEH.org, the latter’s website offering multiple resources for individuals to take actions in reducing energy consumption and generating savings.

Thursday, August 25th | 9AM - 2PM |Montauk Village Green

Visit the CCOM Tent at the Montauk Farmer’s Market. Learn about our programming and pick up some of our new merch!

Join CCOM for our annual family picnic at Fort Pond House! Pack your own picnic or enjoy some old-fashioned barbeque favorites and soft drinks! This event is free & open to the public. Please register for this event by email: Info@PreserveMontauk.org

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

Check out our website's SHOP PAGE!