Long Island is blessed with an extensive and varied coastline. These coastal resources are crucial for the Island's economy, from a recreational, fishing nd tourism perspective. Protecting these important natural resources should be a vital goal of every Long Island elected official.

Equally important are the Island's freshwater aquifers, which provide drinking water for the Island's large population. Managing and protecting these resources will require a comprehensive effort whose success will be largely dependent on the ability of local governments to coordinate the upgrading and maintenance of infrastructure projects. Long Island's local leadership must work collectively to protect the Island's natural resources.

NYLCV urges policymakers to:

• Develop effective stormwater and runoff management programs including "greening" parking lots and encouraging the use of rain barrels.
• Planting street trees and increasing vegetative cover in paved areas.
• Work to rebuild outdated infrastructure in order to protect coastal resources.
• Consolidate, where appropriate, environmental facilities, when significant economies or environmental resources can be realized.
• Develop local land use regulations that will control agricultural runoff.
• Preserve the East Hampton aquifer by purchasing sufficient property to protect this vital natural resource.
• Develop a countywide sustainable agriculture policy for Suffolk County that will promote and preserve the county's rich agricultural economy and heritage.