Long Island's East End, comprised of 40 communities, stretches from Riverhead to Montauk Point in Suffolk County. The region encompasses everything from the well-heeled Hamptons to rapidly developing "exurban" communities, and from pristine natural areas to old family farms.

The East End is ecologically rich and home to diverse wildlife, including numerous rare and endangered plants and animals. To address the strain of population growth and development on the region's natural resources, NYLCVEF is working with our partners in the local environmental community on our 2009 East End Agenda, which will be released later this winter.The agenda will focus on four related policy areas: smart growth, sustainable agriculture, preservation of the quality of Long Island's aquifers and protection of the Peconic Bay.

Smart growth involves the creation of low-impact development linked by mass transit, while sustainable agriculture initiatives blend farmland preservation incentives with outreach efforts. To preserve the Long Island aquifer system, the East End Agenda will call on local governments to raise awareness and offer incentives to reduce pollution while working cooperatively to increase open space. The Peconic Bay can be protected through enforceable town and village codes, increased funding for conservation management and the creation of sustainable aquaculture.

When taken together, the recommendations create a framework for developing a sustainable future for the East End that will protect the environment while allowing for economic growth.  "The ecologically unique features of Long Island's East End are the key to the region's economic viability and cherished quality of life," says Brian Muellers, chair of our Long Island Chapter. "We are committed to working with the many dedicated public officials on the East End to preserve this precious environmental heritage for generations to come."

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- April 2007