Hello!

In the face of terrible antisemitic defacement, our community has come together with unwavering support and love. We draw inspiration from Naturally Good, who reminds us of our collective strength in times of adversity. Their call to denounce hatred and embrace diversity resonates with our shared values. In this edition of our newsletter, we celebrate the spirit of unity and resilience that defines our Montauk community. Together, we can build a safer and stronger future for our children and neighbors.

Warm regards,

Please join the many others who have voiced their support of the Benson Reserve Restoration Project by signing our petition. This is an important initiative that will positively impact Montauk’s environment and community.

Last May we placed more than 7,000 native plants in floating mats with the goal of minimizing the risk of harmful algal blooms in Fort Pond. Algae thrive when there is an excess of nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus). As the native plants mature their roots grow, which enables them to take up nutrients as food. As such, native plants reduce the amount of food that is available for harmful algae and can reduce blooms.

On October 19th, the wetlands were removed for the season. Many of the plants had roots exceeding a meter in length. We will be analyzing the data from the plants which were sent to the Gobler Lab and will share those results shortly.

Exciting developments are on the horizon for Montauk’s South Lake as the Town of East Hampton will be noticing bids this week for the upcoming South Lake Park Revitalization. The Town is looking to start installation in Spring 2024 of a new Innovative Alternative septic system, restored permeable parking lot and dry stream bed to control stormwater runoff. CCOM has been advocating for this approach and played an active role in last June’s outreach for the initiative, which you can read about in our June 2022 newsletter.

Also, we’re pleased to share the recent recommendations from the Water Quality Technical Advisory Committee (WQTAC), as featured in the East Hampton Star. These recommendations focus on another significant water quality initiative at South Lake. This initiative secures funding for the replacement of an existing septic system with three innovative alternative systems at a waterfront residence and eight cottages at 3 South Lake Drive and the Montauk community at large. We’re proud that Jaime, our Director of Environmental Advocacy, plays an active role on the WQTAC committee, supporting environmentally conscious decisions that directly impact our community.

For those wanting to learn more, a public hearing about these CPF Water Quality grants is scheduled for November 2nd at 2 PM. You can watch it live on LTV’s YouTube channel, their website, or on local television Channel 22.

The recent allocation of 450,000 cubic yards of ocean-dredged sand for Montauk’s downtown beaches, part of the FIMP plan, is a major achievement due to CCOM’s advocacy and collaboration with East Hampton Town. This $11 million federally funded project showcases our commitment to protecting Montauk’s beaches for the next 30 years. Although it is not a long-term solution to protecting our beaches, dunes, and community, it is a critical medium-term step to allow all stakeholders time to develop a more comprehensive response plan, as outlined in the Coastal Assessment Resiliency Plan (CARP) and by CCOM.

 

In addition, the Ditch Plains shoreline, including beaches and bluffs, is experiencing significant long-term erosion, indicating a High to Severe erosion hazard. The beaches and dune also experience storm and seasonal erosion, resulting in loss of land and increased vulnerability to building structures and roadways. As highlighted in CARP, this problem must be addressed through beach nourishment, beach and dune management, bluff restoration and flood regulation to reduce building damage. 

As the temperatures and leaves continue to drop there are several ways to be conscious of the environment. One way is to leave the leaves. Fallen leaves may seem like an additional chore as it is customary to rake them into piles to get rid of. However, did you know that dead leaves are an essential part of the natural cycles of soils and plants?

Leaves are packed with nutrients that trees draw up from deep in the soil. When leaves fall, they return the nutrients to the soil and encourage healthy microbial activity. Removing dead leaves from this cycle can decrease the soil’s health. Consider never removing the leaves and using your lawn mower to chop them up instead. Not only will doing so provide excellent nitrogen and organic matter, but it will also protect root systems and preserve soil moisture.

In a much-anticipated transformation, the renowned vista along Route 27 is now free of utility lines. The removal of these unsightly overhead lines has provided a clear, unobstructed view of Montauk’s captivating horizon. Moreover, by placing the utility lines underground, the Montauk gateway is more resilient to withstanding the challenges posed by climate change, as reported in 2021.

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Montauk Youth and the Montauk School, bringing a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program to our local tweens. In this initiative, our tweens will dive into the heart of CCOM’s environmental projects, capturing our story through their lenses using cutting-edge video equipment and technology.

The extensive array of equipment, generously provided by Montauk Youth, includes drones capable of flying in winds up to 30 mph, teleprompters, green screens, microphones, iPads, lighting setups, and more. Facilitating this four-month-long pilot program is Jody Kennedy, an award-winning STEAM teacher from White Plains, NY. We’re proud to support their educational journey and look forward to the exciting perspectives they will bring to our environmental initiatives.

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the daily management of CCOM, staff, and mission including the oversight of all daily operations pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors (BOD). Responsibilities include the oversight of all projects, programs, financial transactions and reports, litigation issues, public outreach to donors, stakeholders, and the general public; maintaining and strengthening relationships within the Montauk and broader environmental & civic communities; and representing CCOM as directed by the BOD. The ED shall be responsible for the development, management, and implementation of CCOM’s mission, strategic plan, and budget on behalf of the BOD. The ED position requires a clear organizational vision, excellent management communications, and interpersonal and organizational skills, with business/nonprofit experience and an educational background and practical experience in land use, environmental sciences, and environmental law, along with a detailed knowledge and understanding of local, regional, state, and federal regulatory structures. This is a full-time position.

Please submit a letter of intent, CV, three professional references, and two current writing samples to: Info@PreserveMontauk.org

Just in time for the Holiday Season, our merch is 40% off with code CCOM40. Every order comes with a free tote bag too! Check out our website's SHOP PAGE.