Local Teen Fundraising for Eagle Scout Project to Raise Bulkhead at Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Chris Gabrielsen, a Boy Scout with Troop 58 in Southampton, is working on an Eagle Scout project that aims to protect the Southampton environment and the area's precious waterways.

And he's raising donations with a GoFundMe, which has garnered $590 of it's $2,000 goal so far.

"The purpose of the project is to raise the bulkhead at the Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery parking lot to minimize runoff and erosion during high tides and extreme rainfall events," Chris wrote.

The bulkhead raising of the parking lot will minimize negative impacts from tidal surge and excessive runoff, he added.

The Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery, a registered nonprofit corporation in New York State, was founded in October 2014 with the mission to “advance Southampton Town’s rich maritime history with modern practices of sustainable aquaculture and ecological stewardship of town waters," Chris explained.

The Hatchery, according to its website, achieves its goals by cultivating shellfish, which are used to seed local bays, restore shellfish populations and improve water quality; and by promoting aquaculture through education and experiential opportunities.

However, Chris noted, the parking lot at Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery and boat ramp floods at high tides. Raising bulkheads around parking lot will decrease flooding, he said.

Peter Gabrielsen, Chris' dad and committee chairperson for Troop 58, said he's very proud of his son's hard work.

"Being able to manage, school, sports, work and his Eagle project have been a challenge," Gabrielsen said. "He has kept on track and is now in the final stages of fundraising to finish his project."

Not only has Chris worked to design the project, but he's also endeavored to obtain the appropriate permits to commence the work with the Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery in Southampton, Gabrielsen said.

To donate to Chris' Eagle Scout project, click here.

Patch photo courtesy of Peter Gabrielsen.