Hello!

Welcome to the November edition of environmental news from CCOM.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and not just because of the holidays! Traditionally, during the winter months, we observe the lowest levels of bacteria in our local waters. Still, even off-season, CCOM provides the essential community service of continuing to monitor our water bodies. In our fight to improve water quality your support is essential! 

In this month’s newsletter, we’ll share updates on the work that East Hampton Town is doing on Ditch Dune Restoration as well as formalizing FIMP funding for the next 30 years. Explore our Save Montauk's Waters campaign and what you can do personally to protect our local environment, like how to sign up to be a Clean Water Steward. We also have tips for a sustainable holiday season, such as focusing on reducing food waste and gifting reusable items. And we invite you to get your hands wet by volunteering your time to help us collect samples for our year-round water quality monitoring program.

In the true spirit of giving this season, we hope you will keep CCOM in mind. Your donation DOES make a difference. Let’s tackle these environmental issues together and make a lasting positive impact on our shared community.

Wishing you and yours the happiest and healthiest of holidays.

With so much gratitude,

Kay Tyler | Executive Director

Work is underway on the reconstructed dune at Ditch Plains Beach, with construction beginning in early November and expected to be completed by mid-December. Major sections of the dune on the western end are now complete, and crews will continue working east in the coming weeks.

The new dune will stand approximately 16 feet in elevation and span approximately 1,800 linear feet of shoreline. Up to 20,000 cubic yards of sand, sourced from a local dredging project in East Hampton, is being placed to rebuild the dune that was severely eroded during the nor’easter events of winter 2023–24. Approximately 15,000 cubic yards, or about three quarters of the total sand, has already been placed to date.

The dune will be planted with native beach grass and reinforced with snow fencing, with planting work expected to be completed by the end of the year. Project managers are also considering placing a jute cover over the dune to reduce windblown sand loss until vegetation becomes established. These measures will help stabilize and strengthen the dune over time and improve its ability to absorb storm inundation. CCOM continues to advocate for timely planting and long-term vegetation maintenance to ensure the dune performs as designed.

This work is part of the Ditch Plains Coastal Resilience and Dune Restoration Project, designed to reduce storm damage, protect nearby homes and roads, and restore the natural coastal buffer that safeguards the community.  

In October 2024, the Town of East Hampton contracted Coastal Science and Engineering (CSE) to complete a survey of current conditions and develop the restoration design. Since then, the Town and NYSDEC have refined the plan, including moving the dune further landward from mean high tide and reducing it slightly in size from the original design. CSE’s presentation and slides are available [here] and [here]. (Note: updates have since been made from the initial design, as noted above.)

For questions on further project details, contact the Town of East Hampton Planning Department at (631) 324-2178.

The Town of East Hampton and New York State have signed the Project Partnership Agreement for the Montauk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, part of the larger Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) project. The agreement formalizes a 30-year partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New York State to strengthen Montauk’s dunes, reduce storm damage, and keep downtown beaches open and accessible.

The first nourishment, completed in early 2024, was fully federally funded; future replenishments about every four years will be funded 50% by the federal government and 50% by New York State, with the Town reimbursing the State for 30%. The total project cost is estimated at $27.6 million over 30 years.

CCOM commends the Town of East Hampton for this significant investment in shoreline protection. While the 30-year agreement represents meaningful near-term progress, lasting resilience will depend on sustained leadership and the implementation of the long-term adaptation measures detailed in the Coastal Assessment Resiliency Plan (CARP)—a priority CCOM remains dedicated to advancing.

Become a key part of our Save Montauk’s Waters campaign. It’s simple: you pledge to take one or more easy, impactful steps to reduce water pollution—and we support you every step of the way.

You’ll receive a Clean Water Steward sign for your yard and tools to help inspire neighbors. Actions include...

✅ Skip the fertilizer, or opt organic!

✅ Upgrade your septic system

✅ Plant native flowers, trees, and shrubs

✅ Pick up pet waste

✅ Get a rain barrel - redirecting downspouts to your garden beds or rain barrels

✅ Spread the word to a neighbor!

BECOME A CLEAN WATER STEWARD HERE

The pledge takes about a minute to fill out. Small changes, big impact.

1. Reduce food waste.

Plan your menu carefully and buy only what you need to minimize leftovers that go uneaten. If you do have extra food, share it with friends or donate it to a local food bank. If those aren’t possible, divert food from the landfill and compost, either at home, or at a local drop-off site.

Locally, check year-round composting drop-off information in East Hampton at: EastHamptonCompost.org and RewildLongIsland.org.

2. Choose local, seasonal foods.

Root veggies, winter greens, and other classic holiday staples are in abundance this time of year at East End farms. Buying locally grown produce supports our farmers and can reduce the emissions associated with long-distance transport. To make the most impact, focus on adding plant-based meals and easing up on meat and cheese.

3. Give thoughtfully.

Opt for gifts that last, can be reused, or are made from recycled materials. Consider making your own gifts or offering experiences such as tickets, classes, or local memberships that create memories instead of waste.

4. Reuse and go natural with décor.

Skip disposable decorations and bring in natural elements like evergreen cuttings, pinecones, and berries, which can be composted later.

5. Enjoy nature this season.

Take time outdoors to appreciate the winter landscape—walk a local trail, visit the beach, or join a community event like Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. However you celebrate, we hope you layer up and enjoy the outdoors this season!

We’re looking for new year-round volunteers to help test local Montauk waters through our Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) program. Check out our Montauk sampling locations on this map! Live in Montauk, Springs or Northwest Woods? We’re also looking for folks to help drop off water samples from sites in your backyard to CCOM's office in Montauk. 

Volunteer weekly in the summer and 1–2 Monday mornings a month in the off-season. Reach out to volunteer with BWTF today, or tell a friend who might be interested!

Explore our website's SHOP PAGE and use the coupon code: HOLIDAY50 to pick up a gift and support CCOM at the same time. All purchases receive a free tote bag.