NEWSLETTER | MAR 2024
Hello!

Welcome to our March newsletter! In this edition, we're so proud to report that Montauk's first round of FIMP is completed! We also have very exciting news to share about our focus on an innovative real-time project to monitor and predict our waters, but we'll need your help to move this project forward.

Signs of spring are all around us, including the annual herring and eel migration and in this issue we share tips on what we all can do to every spring to keep our environment clean. Spring is a time of renewal so please join us outdoors in our Great Montauk Clean up on April 20 as we work together to keep our beloved Montauk beautiful.

We’re grateful for your ongoing support and hope you’ll continue by donating, because the actions that CCOM takes, directly impacts your business, home, quality of life and your future memories in Montauk. Your generosity continues to be critical to protecting and preserving Montauk’s environment.
Thank you for joining us in our mission to ensure a sustainable future for Montauk.

Warm regards,
Kay Tyler | Executive Director
CCOM IN THE NEWS
Recent press coverage of CCOM’s role in helping advance several key environmental milestones has included completion of the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in the USA (South Fork Wind) both in Governor Hochul’s press release and in Dan’s Papers. And our work in coastal resiliency was featured in both the East Hampton Star report on US Army Corps of Engineers presentation at Montauk School and in Newsday’s feature on coastal erosion.
ENHANCING COASTAL RESILIENCY
USACE'S FIRE ISLAND TO MONTAUK POINT PROJECT
With almost 500,000 cubic yards of ocean-dredged sand now placed on Montauk’s downtown beaches to provide a more resilient beach profile and with a 30-year commitment from USACE for continued replenishment, CCOM continues to advocate for comprehensive generational solutions to address climate change and its impacts on sea level rise and coastal erosion. These include our 5-point call to action, which includes a review of current codes and funding, community education, and managed retreat planning. Also included is our work with state and local officials to address the urgent need for remediation of the beach at Ditch Plains (CCOM's letter to the governor). As highlighted in the recent EH Press editorial now is the time for collaboration and proactive planning with our community to ensure the resilience and sustainability of Montauk for generations to come.
Before the FIMP Project started (1/24/24)
After (2/27/24)
WATER QUALITY
NEW CCOM WATER QUALITY PROJECT:
ENHANCING WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN FORT POND
We’re excited to announce an upcoming project aimed at revolutionizing water quality monitoring in Fort Pond. As a hub for recreational activities and a vital aquatic environment, Fort Pond plays a pivotal role in the local ecosystem. However, challenges such as harmful algal blooms and bacterial contamination threaten its health and safety. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we’re introducing a pilot program by installing advanced predictive sensors to track water quality in real-time. These sensors will not only expand the range of variables being tested but also provide invaluable data for protecting both human health and the ecosystem.
 
At the heart of this initiative lies sophisticated software with predictive capabilities. By forecasting the occurrence of harmful algal blooms in Fort Pond, we’ll have the opportunity to intervene proactively, mitigating risks and safeguarding the pond’s well-being. Stay tuned for updates as we try to find funding to continue and expand this transformative journey to protect and enhance Fort Pond’s water quality.

We are asking for your financial support to help us move ahead with this $65,000 initiative.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILTY
SIGNS OF SPRING: RIVER HERRING & EEL MIGRATIONS
CCOM is participating in the annual River Herring & Eel Survey. Every spring, migratory fish species travel from the ocean upriver to spawn (called "anadromous," like alewives) or grow up ("catadromous," like eels) in the safer confines of freshwater. American Eels travel all the way from the Sargasso Sea to make it to Montauk’s protective estuarine systems! Sadly, however, they are often restricted by dams or habitat loss.
 
Through regular participation in the Peconic Estuary Partnership, CCOM has advocated for migratory fish habitat restoration in Montauk. Click here to learn about our efforts to help these important fish.
SPRING ENVIRONMENTAL TIPS TO CONSIDER
When was the last time you had your septic tank pumped? If you can't remember, it's probably due. Depending on use, every 3-5 years is recommended. Even better? Replace it with a new Innovative Alternative (IA) nitrogen-reducing system. Local and state grants are available! Learn more
 
Stop using fertilizers and pesticides. They pollute the surface and groundwater and threaten our wildlife and ecosystems. How you manage your yard could make more of a difference for the future of Montauk than you think! Visit our friends at Perfect Earth Project to learn more.

Consider rooftop solar. You can do your part to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Learn about EH Town's, "Solarize East Hampton" program, or check out our solar webinar for more information. Helping the environment this way may not be as expensive as you think.
COMMUNITY
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
CELEBRATING EARTH DAY
Please mark your calendars for the following events scheduled for April:

  • THE GREAT MONTAUK CLEANUP Saturday April 20th 10am-1pm (Rain Date 4/21). Please stop by the CCOM office anytime between 10am and 1pm to grab some gloves, hand sanitizer and a reusable sack.

  • CLEANUP STATIONS For the past 12 months CCOM has sponsored the Relic Sustainability Cleanup Station at Ditch Plains. The goal of sponsoring the Relic Stations is to facilitate voluntary trash pickup at some of our greatest local resources – our beautiful beaches. So next time you are at the beach, grab a basket and help us combat trash pollution!

  • EH PRESS SESSIONS EVENT GURNEYS APRIL 4TH 12noon-2pm The EH Press is sponsoring a public discussion at Gurney’s Montauk Resort 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk titled “Shifting Sands: Is Beach Nourishment the Best Option To Protect the Oceanfront?" Tickets are limited $40 for EH Press subscribers / $45 for nonsubscribers to purchase tickets here.
SUPPORT OUR WORK | DONATE TODAY

Do you love Montauk? Be part of an organization fighting to protect and restore Montauk’s precious environment!
 
CCOM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit environmental organization. Thanks to our donors, we have been protecting Montauk's unique environment since 1970. Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible donation today.