Public Invited To Save The Lake, Save The Pond

MONTAUK, NY — The public is invited to weigh in on how to save beloved local waterways.

Concerned Citizens of Montauk has invited the community for an event to be held on Friday, June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gosman’s Dock Restaurant to learn more about the group's "Save the Lake-Save the Pond" initiative and how to become clean water stewards.

The water quality of Lake Montauk and Fort Pond continue to decline as pollutants such as nitrogen, pathogens such as bacteria, and toxic chemicals enter the waters; the pollutants originate from septic systems, lawn fertilizers and chemicals, and animal waste, then enter the lake and pond through groundwater inflow and stormwater runoff, CCOM said in a release.

In recent years, harmful algal blooms have persisted, beaches have been closed, and shellfishing areas deemed unsafe, the group said.

Save the Lake-Save the Pond is a comprehensive, community-based program designed to help improve the water quality of Lake Montauk and Fort Pond, CCOM said.

"By joining the program, home and business owners in these respective watersheds can become clean water stewards by working with a CCOM Save the Lake-Save the Pond ambassador to identify and remediate possible sources of pollutants by inspecting and maintaining septic systems and installing rain gardens or buffers to help capture runoff. Save the Lake-Save the Pond is a free and confidential program," a release said.

Tickets to the June 16 cocktail party are limited and must be purchased by June 9. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets cost $35 each. All are welcome. For new friends, ticket purchase includes a CCOM membership.

For more information or to sign up for CCOM’s Save the Lake-Save the Pond initiative please click here or call the CCOM office at 631-238-5720.

Patch file photo.