Hello!

Yours truly,

Montauk’s coastline faces threats from rising sea levels, erosion, and severe storms, prompting concerted efforts to protect its ecological and economic assets. The East Hampton Town’s Coastal Assessment and Resiliency Plan (CARP) outlines key remediation options, including flood protection measures, infrastructure adaptation and beach nourishment projects.

Recent developments include the allocation of a $600,000 NYS grant for Sustainable Coastal Community Planning in Montauk and the commencement of the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Fire Island to Montauk Point project. This long-awaited project will replenish downtown beaches with ocean-dredged sand over 30 years. Sand replenishment is a critical medium-term step to allow all stakeholders time to implement a more comprehensive response as outlined in CARP.

However, urgent attention is needed for Ditch Plains, where immediate sand replenishment is crucial to prevent further degradation. CCOM is actively advocating for additional sand replenishment at Ditch Plains, engaging with local, county, and state officials to explore all viable solutions. While Governor Hochul’s support for coastal rehabilitation is encouraging, there’s a need to ensure Ditch Plains' inclusion in these efforts.

Collaboration with government partners is essential to address both immediate and long-term coastal resilience needs effectively. We are encouraged by the efforts of East Hampton Town in their request of additional support for Ditch Plains as seen last week’s press release and today’s hiring of a surveyor for the restoration of the beach profile at Ditch Plains. 

For more details, please refer to our full article that was sent out last week.

The Annual Montauk School Science Fair, held on January 26th, showcased an array of over 100 student projects. A panel of more than 20 judges, representing prominent science and environmental organizations like CCOM, Surfrider, Peconic Baykeeper, Peconic Estuary Partnership, The Nature Conservancy, and others, evaluated and scored the projects. As a proud sponsor and co-organizer of this event, CCOM is delighted by the exceptional work of the students.

Notably, our resident scientist, Jaime, had the opportunity to mentor eighth-grader Charlie Britton. Charlie teamed up with Oskar Merseburg for his science fair project and together they focused on water quality monitoring at popular surf spots. Through hands-on experience, they mastered the collection of samples, conducted lab analysis for enterococcus bacteria at CCOM's lab, and interpreted the results, addressing crucial concerns related to human health. At CCOM, we are proud to see students like Charlie and Oskar shine, recognizing their fantastic efforts and inspiring a commitment to Montauk’s environment.

In the era of rising sea levels and heightened climate events, the importance of coastal ecosystems in protecting our shores has never been more evident. Long-rooted native grasses, often overlooked, are integral to reinforcing these natural defenses.

Embedded deep in coastal soil, these grasses play a vital role in preventing erosion and minimizing the impact of storm surges. Their extensive root systems, adapted over centuries to coastal challenges, create a barrier against erosive forces, protecting habitats and serving as a first line of defense for communities.

These grasses not only stabilize the soil but also contribute to overall ecosystem health by enhancing soil fertility and promoting biodiversity. Conservation efforts, like the Benson Reserve Habitat Restoration Project, aimed at preserving and restoring these grasses are essential for sustaining coastal resilience in the face of climate change.

Shallow-rooted invasive plants pose a threat as their limited root systems fail to provide effective soil stabilization, contributing to increased erosion and a destabilized ecosystem.

Get ready for exciting developments at Montauk’s South Lake Park! The Town is gearing up for the installation of an innovative alternative septic system, a restored permeable parking lot, and a dry stream bed to manage stormwater runoff. CCOM has been a strong advocate for this initiative. You can catch up on the details in our June 2022 and Oct 2023 newsletters.

We’re thrilled to share that the ground thawed enough for the town to install the new educational sign about the project on January 24th which highlights details of the upcoming work.

The South Fork Offshore Wind Farm, developed through a collaboration between Orsted and Eversource, marked a significant milestone by delivering its inaugural power to the New York state grid. During an exclusive tour on December 7th, 2023, CCOM captured this pivotal moment, underscoring its commitment to comprehensive renewable energy solutions in addressing the climate crisis.

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

The $1,000 scholarship honors Peter Lowenstein, a long-term and much-beloved CCOM Board Member. This scholarship will continue Peter’s legacy by investing in Montauk’s next generation of environmentalists.

Requirements for student applicants:

East Hampton High School students must contact the EHHS Guidance Office for application instructions. Eligible students enrolled in other local schools may contact CCOM directly for instructions. The application deadline is March 11, 2024.

Help us combat balloon pollution! We will be kicking off February with a Balloons for Beach Bags Contest.

The rules are simple:

1. Find a trashed balloon

2. Send a picture of it either by tagging us on social media, sending us a direct message, or emailing us at Info@PreserveMontauk.org.

Whoever finds the most balloons will win a CCOM beach bag filled with some merch and other cool prizes! Be sure to throw the balloon in the trash or it doesn’t count. The contest will run from February 1st-29th and winners will be announced shortly after.

Our merch is 50% off with code CCOM50. Every order comes with a free tote bag too! Check out our website's SHOP PAGE.