Hello!

Summer is officially here! Our water-quality monitoring programs (both bacteria and harmful algal bloom) have started weekly testing and our calendar is packed with many wonderful opportunities to interact with us. With family and kid-friendly events, there’s something for everyone. Come join us for cocktails, amazing hors d’oeuvres and panoramic ocean views at our Summer Soirée. Learn about our environmental programs under the CCOM tent at the Farmer’s Markets, Rell Sunn Surf Contest, or the Otis Lot at Ditch Plains. Bring your kids to the CCOM office for a nature scavenger hunt and beach cleanup, or join us for the CCOM Family Picnic at Fort Pond House.  

We look forward to seeing you all this summer!

We are celebrating ten years of water quality monitoring this month. Out of concern for declining water quality, we joined Surfrider Foundation’s nationwide Blue Water Task Force in 2013 to start testing enterococcus bacteria levels in Montauk’s waters. Our first sample taken was from West Creek in Lake Montauk on June 6th, 2013. Since then, the program has expanded immensely, and we now work year-round in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation Eastern Long Island Chapter and Peconic Baykeeper to monitor over 70 water bodies on the East End.

Enterococcus is bacteria that exists in the intestines of warm-blooded animals (birds, humans, and other mammals). Excess amounts are dangerous for humans and the environment. Our ongoing water testing is critical to water quality improvement efforts; it provides the data needed to assess current conditions, and to monitor and track the impacts and effectiveness of new projects.

This work is made possible by several dedicated volunteers. We would like to give a special shout-out to our long-term volunteers Christine Ganitsch and Pauline Rosen. As of this June, Christine and Pauline have collected approximately 250 and 400 samples, respectively. We would also like to give a warm welcome to our new water quality interns Mimi Fowkes and Sarah Matos, who will be assisting with sample collection and lab work this summer.

Since 1970, CCOM has led the effort to protect Montauk’s precious environment, successfully preserving over 70% of Montauk’s land. An example of this work was the successful preservation in 1999 of the 40-acre Benson Reservation property on Hither Plain.

In 1984, following the then-owner’s sudden restriction of public access to the trails and beaches on this 1,200 yard stretch of open space and ocean vistas, CCOM supported adjoining property owners including Atlantic Bluffs Club, The Breakers Motel (Marge Schneiderman), Twin Ponds Motel and George and Margaret Potts in their fight against this injustice. After a decade of delays and legal maneuvering, in 1994 a decision by the State Supreme Court affirmed the right of common use of the reservation to benefit the Montauk community at large. The owner’s appeal was denied in 1997 and they signed over the land to East Hampton town, which designated it part of the East Hampton Park system in 1999, thereby preserving the land for public use in perpetuity. CCOM’s help was pivotal in preserving the land for all and is commemorated in a plaque that recognizes those “who fought diligently to preserve this property as it was originally intended.”

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November, and each year we must ask ourselves, are we prepared for the next big storm? With the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) beach renourishment project on the cusp of being implemented this year (bringing 500,000 cubic yards of sand to Montauk’s downtown beaches) and the adoption of the Town’s Coastal Assessment and Resiliency Plan, we, as a community, are taking steps in the right direction.

To find out more about CCOM’s efforts to make Montauk a more resilient community, please visit our Coastal Resiliency webpage.

Virtually every aspect of Jaime’s life revolves around the water and protecting our natural resources. Before coming to CCOM she served 14 years as an Aquatic Ecologist for the National Park Service in Northern Minnesota. She was the lab manager and specialized in water quality, climate change, invasive species, and harmful algal blooms. Jaime also started the Surfrider Foundation’s MN North Shore Chapter to combat plastic pollution on Lake Superior. She served as Chair until she moved to Long Island.

“The first time I came to visit, I fell in love with Montauk. I felt at home, and I didn’t want to leave,” LeDuc said when asked why she took the job at CCOM. “I have dedicated my whole life to protecting our natural resources. I joined CCOM because they are leaders for environmental protection, and I want to help make a difference for the future of Montauk.”

Jaime is passionate about surfing and several other water-related activities. She learned to surf alongside ice chunks on Lake Superior and is therefore no stranger to the cold. She surfs year-round in Montauk. If you don’t see her out collecting water samples, you’ll probably find her out in the waves.

Please join us for our 3rd Annual Summer Soirée event on Wednesday, July 12th from 6-8 pm on the Spa Terrace at Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, 290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk NY.

This fundraiser, which is open to the public, has been donated by Gurney’s; all proceeds will directly benefit CCOM’s environmental programming. Guests are invited to enjoy a rooftop ocean vista with open bar, lobster & shrimp raw bar, and hors d’oeuvres (click image for full menu).

Have kids? We’ve got you covered! Kids ages 5-12 are welcome to a free Movie Night @ Gurney’s Kids Club! (adult ticket purchase necessary)

Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $125 per person, or at the door for $150, with all proceeds supporting CCOM. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

July 20th & August 24th | 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!

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

Check out our website's SHOP PAGE!