There are many threats to Montauks Beaches .
The environmental group Concerned Citizens of Montauk
is hosting a free expert panel discussion on the threats of storms and erosion to
the survival of Montauks beaches. The panel features David Byer of Clean
Ocean Action, Sara Newkirk of The Nature Conservancy, and Thomas Muse of
the Surfrider Foundation.
CCOMs newly elected president, Bob Stern, feels it is important to bring various
local constituencies together with experts and local elected officials to
understand this critical situation and, hopefully, move toward sustainable, cost-
effective solutions.
Rising sea levels and natural erosion are stealing coastline at an alarming rate.
Montauks downtown and many homes and businesses are more vulnerable to
storm damage as a result.
Federal, state, and local governments are beginning to pay attention:
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing a study and recommendations
for the entire coast, from Fire Island to Montauk
• A New York State task force is working on long term sustainability of our
oceans with the implementation of ecosystem-based management
• The East End Town Supervisors have been meeting to devise a common
approach to the threats to our beaches and communities.
Should hard structures be allowed? What about dune restoration and beach
replenishment? Should coastal homes and commercial properties be
condemned and moved from the shoreline?
CCOM believes that its time to add Montauks voice to this discussion. Our
forum is intended to involve the various constituencies in Montauk for a
discussion of possible solutions that make sense for us, says Bob Stern, newly
elected President of CCOM. Bob went on to ask, What should a small
community like Montauk do in the face of erosion that threatens homes,
businesses and our beaches?
Thomas Muse Environmental Director, Eastern L.I. Chapter, Surfrider Foundation. The Eastern L.I. Chapter has been at the forefront of numerous
environmental initiatives designed to preserve our beaches and coastline.
Local elected officials will also be on hand to comment and answer questions,
including E.H. Town Natural Resources Director Larry Penny, State
Assemblyman Fred Thiele, and County Legislator Jay Schneiderman.
We encourage all of Montauk fishermen, business owners, shore dwellers,
beach lovers to come and make your concerns and opinions known. Lets
listen to the experts, talk among ourselves, and plan the next steps, Stern says.
The world is beginning to wake up to the global threat to oceans and beaches.
All of us in Montauk need to be part of the discussion to come up with a clear
plan on what the best approach should be for Montauk.
Duration : 0:8:41