Dear Danielle,

As February comes to a close, the first signs of spring remind us that change is ahead. The CCOM team would like to remind everyone that, even amid broader uncertainties, local action can create real impact right here in Montauk. 

Now is a great time to plan how you can take action for our local environment– whether it’s making sustainable choices in your yard or kitchen, using your voice to advocate for positive town-level change, or getting involved in our community initiatives.

In this issue, you’ll find our latest water quality report, a chance to volunteer for water quality monitoring, and ways to advocate for environmental progress—whether by speaking up on March 6th in support of environmentally friendly zoning updates or joining the 1,000 Healthy Yards movement in East Hampton. 

We also share tips on eating local, an opportunity to help support the next generation of Montauk environmentalists through our scholarship program, and a look at CCOM Honorary Board Member Bill Akin’s recent lecture at Columbia University, where he shared insights on Montauk’s recent environmental history and changes.

With gratitude,

Rebecca Holloway | Manager of Environmental Advocacy

This month’s water quality test resulted in another month of clean results across our sites.

See detailed results and data from sites across the East End of Long Island on Surfrider's Blue Water Task Force dashboard. Sites marked grey represent locations that could not be sampled due to frozen conditions in and around the site.

Love Montauk and care about clean water? Join our clean water team! CCOM is looking for off-season (September–May) water quality volunteers!

If you're local to East Hampton and free Monday mornings, join us in collecting samples to support better water policies. It's easy—email our office to learn more!

Your voice is needed at East Hampton Town Board’s public hearing on March 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM at 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton. The Board will gather community input on proposed Gross Floor Area (GFA) amendments designed to address overdevelopment concerns. This is a valuable opportunity to share your thoughts and help ensure that environmental protection remains a priority in our zoning code. You can attend in person or call in to provide your input. 

CCOM supports the proposed updates and encourages Town Board members to vote in favor. It's essential for the Board to hear your reasons for why curbing overdevelopment, reducing material and energy use, and protecting our groundwater and green spaces are important to you.

Review the proposed changes here, detailed here, and learn more about environmental implications of zoning here.

On February 27th, CCOM attended the annual Environmental Roundtable in Riverhead, hosted by Senator Anthony Palumbo. The event brought together environmental advocacy groups from Suffolk County, and state, town and county elected officials to discuss key priorities and engage with lawmakers. CCOM raised concerns including support for coastal resilience and the implementation of Clean Water Act funding, among other critical issues.

Many thanks to Senator Palumbo for creating this platform for us to be heard, and to our elected officials, Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, County Executive Ed Romaine, County Legislator Ann Welker and East Hampton Town Deputy Supervisor Cate Rogers who met with all of us.

Why Is Eating Local and Growing a Garden Sustainable?



Eating local reduces the carbon footprint from transporting food and supports local economies and sustainability efforts.

Local produce is fresher and contains fewer preservatives and chemicals, making healthier meals. Growing your own garden gives you control over your food, reducing reliance on packaged goods and minimizing exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, choosing local helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions, supporting efforts to combat climate change while promoting sustainable food systems and agricultural practices.

One of the best parts? It’s fun to eat with the seasons! Try new flavors throughout the year, get creative with recipes, and enjoy the variety.

Consider purchasing a CSA this year! CSAs typically start in late spring, and you can sign up now to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce throughout the season. Supporting a CSA not only provides you with delicious, seasonal food but also helps sustain local farms and promotes environmental health.

If you're able, you can also consider buying seeds to start a small at-home garden. If you haven’t gardened before, start small and think about what vegetables you love to eat. Learn more about beginner gardening here for tips and resources to get started.

Local CSA options include Balsam Farms, Peconic Land Trust's Quail Hill Farm, Ocean To Earth Gardens, and Amber Waves Farm. There are many more East End farms to consider! Happy CSA-ing!

Plan for a sustainable spring by joining CCOM and our partner ChangeHampton in their 1000 Healthy Yards initiative! This community effort promotes vibrant, eco-friendly landscapes through a few simple actions: Reduce Lawns, Avoid Pesticides (and other harmful chemicals), Plant Natives and Invite Pollinators.

See the 1000 Healthy Yards story and concept here! Visit the ChangeHampton website to learn about all kinds of healthy actions you can take right now, like adding clover to your current lawn. Hint: clover is a great carbon sink!

A healthy yard means cleaner drinking water and saving marine life in our bays! Native plants mean thriving pollinators like butterflies and bees, and a more resilient environment for all.

Enjoy a lush, colorful yard that supports nature!

Stay tuned for a future CCOM newsletter on the benefits of native plantings. In the meantime, sign up for informative ChangeHampton newsletters and stay tuned for CH’s new podcast (Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time) and consider getting a 1000 Healthy Yard sign (email: info@changehampton.org) to show your support!

This month, CCOM Honorary Board Member Bill Akin shared his deep knowledge of Montauk’s evolving land and seascapes with students at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. 

Speaking as part of a seminar focused on changes impacting Montauk in recent history, Akin traced Montauk’s transformation from a small fishing village to today, highlighting major shifts in economy, ecology, and development. His insights pave the way for ongoing dialogue and informed action on Montauk’s future challenges.

CCOM is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the annual Peter Lowenstein Memorial Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship honors Peter Lowenstein, a beloved CCOM board member who cherished Montauk’s environment and worked for many years to ensure it was protected. The Peter Lowenstein Memorial Scholarship continues Peter’s legacy by investing in Montauk’s next generation of environmentalists.

Requirements for student applicants:

• Full-time Montauk resident and a senior in high school
• Planning to pursue Earth and environmental science or other relevant science discipline in college or trade school
• Demonstrate a commitment to improving the environment

Applications are due March 10th, 2025 to the East Hampton High School Counseling Department. 

• "The Golden Age of Montauk Sportfishing" | Bill Akin
• "If Food Could Talk: Stories from 13 Precious Foods Endangered by Climate Change" | Theodore Dumas
• "Braiding Sweetgrass" | Robin Wall Kimmerer
• "Project Drawdown" | Paul Hawkin
• The US retreat on climate comes with steep costs
• A new paper stresses the Arctic’s future—and its global consequences—are in human hands 

Consider showing your support with a purchase from our gift shop! Every order comes with a free CCOM tote. Check out our website's SHOP PAGE.