Hello!

As summer hits its stride, we hope you’re finding plenty of time to soak it in–here’s to barefoot walks, breezy days, and moments of calm along our coast. At CCOM, we’re in full summer swing with our water quality work—from Fort Pond to Accabonac and everywhere in between. Our team, including a fantastic group of summer interns, is out every week sampling and monitoring to keep an eye on the health of our waterways.

We’re especially excited about the year-long Fort Pond study we’re conducting in partnership with Dr. Chris Gobler of Stony Brook University. This is the most in-depth scientific assessment of Fort Pond to date, and it’s already helping us understand how to better protect this vital waterbody at the heart of Montauk.

Science gives us the roadmap we need, but only action moves us forward—and we urgently need both! That’s why this August, we’re inviting you to join us. Whether it’s learning how to upgrade your septic system, attending our upcoming water quality webinars, or helping seed oysters into our local bays, there are so many ways to get involved. And if the septic upgrade process seems confusing, don’t worry—we’re here to help. From August 13 through August 22, we’ll be hosting open house-style office hours from 11AM-2PM every weekday to walk you through it, step by step.

Thank you for being part of this work. Clean water is something we can only protect together—and every action you take makes a difference.

Warmly,

Rebecca Holloway

Rebecca Holloway | Manager of Environmental Advocacy

On July 21, CCOM joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and East End leaders to oppose an $8 million cut to the National Estuary Program (NEP). These cuts would endanger the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound—both vital to our region’s environment and economy.

The press conference drew significant attention across New York and beyond, and CCOM was quoted in Senator Gillibrand’s official press release. Read more: Senator Gillibrand’s Press Release

CCOM is proud to launch the Clean Water Stewards program as part of our Save Montauk’s Waters campaign. It’s simple: you pledge to take one or more easy, impactful steps to reduce 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:

✅Using organic fertilizers

✅Upgrading or pumping your septic system

✅Planting native flowers, trees, and shrubs

✅picking up pet waste

✅getting a rain barrel - redirecting downspouts into 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.

This July, CCOM joined Oceana’s federal lobbying effort to oppose new offshore oil and gas drilling leases. Our presence elevated the East End’s voice on this national issue—and helped raise awareness among key members of Congress.

Kay Tyler joined Oceana’s New York delegation to meet with elected officials and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), explaining the real risk to our coast: a single spill could devastate Long Island’s $7.5 billion tourism economy, destroy local fisheries, and set back coastal innovation.

Many lawmakers were surprised to learn that protections added in 2023 are now under threat. And two offices even had employees with ties to East Hampton—they thanked CCOM personally for our work.

We’ll keep watching and pushing for permanent protections.

CCOM was invited to join the NY State Environmental Bond Act Roundtable Forum on Thursday, July 31st at the Northport Yacht Club.



The roundtable was hosted by Citizens Campaign for the Environment and CCOM’s Rebecca Holloway attended and collaborated with fellow local government leaders like Suffolk County Executive Romaine, Assemblyman Schiavoni and environmental nonprofit organizations such as Nature Conservancy, Peconic Land Trust, and others. Roundtable participants engaged with the NYS DEC's Chief Resiliency Officer Suzanna Randall to review eligible projects for Environmental Bond Act funds, and newly available funding categories for 2025. Our collective goal was to unite Long Island’s voice and push for urgent Bond Act funding for our communities!

📋Read the 2023-2024 Annual Report to the Governor and Legislature here.

On Thursday, July 17th, Gurney's Montauk hosted CCOM's Summer Soirée! Nearly 300 guests attended, and a good time was had by all! Gurney’s graciously donated this entire event, so all proceeds directly benefit CCOM’s environmental programming.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year's event. It’s your support that makes our work possible.



GO TO CCOM PHOTO ALBUM

When: Weekdays Starting August 13 - August 22 | 11AM–2PM

Upgrading your septic system is one of the most impactful things you can do for clean water—and we’re here to help make it easy.

Starting Wednesday, August 13, drop by our office for open house-style assistance with your application. We'll guide you through each step and help you access new 2025 funding available for homeowners.

Location: CCOM Office, 6 S. Elmwood Ave.

Hours: Weekdays from 11AM–2PM, from August 13 through August 22.

No appointments needed. Just bring your questions—we’ll help with the rest.

🌿 Wednesday, August 6 | 2–5PM



Help our community maintain one of Montauk’s most important stormwater filters. With Surfrider Eastern Long Island and ReWild LI, participants will weed, prune, and tend this vital bioswale, which protects 750 acres of land from flooding and runoff.

Meet across from the Montauk Post Office. Bring gloves and pruners if you have them. 🔗 Register here

🧪 Thursday, August 14 | 12:30–1:30PM

What’s threatening Fort Pond—and what can we do to restore it? Join our live webinar with Dr. Chris Gobler for the first look at a new CCOM-comissioned scientific study in the pond and what comes next.

As part of our Save Montauk’s Waters campaign, CCOM commissioned a year-long scientific study of Fort Pond by Dr. Chris Gobler (Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Science). This waterbody, long documented as impaired, now faces increasing threats from degraded water quality and harmful algal blooms. The study offers comprehensive information on the pond’s health, sources of contaminants, and a path toward effective, lasting solutions.

Can we help Fort Pond thrive again—restoring a former Significant Coastal Fish & Wildlife Habitat at the heart of Montauk?

Join us for this exclusive webinar unveiling the 2025 study and what it means for Fort Pond’s future. 🔗 Register here Questions? 📩Email: info@preservemontauk.org

Adults/Teens/Children 6+

🦪 Thursday, August 28 | Time to be announced on social media and email (Rain date: Wednesday, Sep. 3)

Ever wonder how oysters grow—and why they’re so important for our environment and water quality? Join CCOM, EHSEED, and SOFO for a boat tour of East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery’s oyster farm in Napeague Harbor and a hands-on seeding experience! Open to adults, teens, and kids 6+. Learn more about the East Hampton Town Shellfish Hatchery here.

A fun, family-friendly adventure for adults, teens, and kids age 6 and up. Join us on the water to learn how oyster farming supports clean bays—and help seed our local shellfish population! Space is limited. 🔗 Register here

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