East Hampton Town
Property Owners.

Protect this vital and stable dune system in Montauk. Help us hit our survey goal.

Take the Community
Benson Reserve Survey below.

In contrast to CCOM's petition, which individuals outside our immediate area could sign, we have chosen to conduct a balanced survey. We believe involving the entire community in this significant decision-making process is crucial, as it affects some more than others. There are links in the above navigation that provide background information or click here to learn more before filling out the survey.

View a video walkthrough of the Beautiful Benson Reserve here

We encourage you to participate in this brief survey and share it with your friends. We ask that only East Hampton/Montauk residents or renters participate to ensure a relevant response. As a community, we can bring positive change backed by sound, evidence-based science.

The public hearing is scheduled for next Thursday, November 16, at 11 am at Town Hall. See below the survey below for how you can help.

You must be a property owner or renter in the Town of East Hampton to complete the survey.

Name

First Name

Last Name

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Designation

Choose One

I am a Property Owner

I am a Renter

Select Area of Montauk you are a property owner or renter

By selecting one you are casting your vote on the Benson Reserve

I am NOT in favor

Just trim the growth its cheaper and less invasive

The Town should hire an independent consulting firm for a second opinion and one that specializes in Ocean dune restoration on the East Coast before accepting this proposal

Make it a Referendum Question on the ballot on November 7, its too important to be decided by a few people

I am in favor

I am undecided

Please use the below space to write any additional information

How did you hear about us?

Please select one

Town Board Public Hearing Scheduled for Thursday, November 16th, at 11 a.m. at East Hampton Town Hall.

Participating in Person 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton
Phone-in at 351-888-6331 at 11 am on November 16th.

Email Letters to the Town Board
Carol Brennan: CBrennan@ehamptonny.gov
Peter Van Scoyoc: PVanScoyoc@EHamptonNY.Gov
Kathee Burke-Gonzalez: KBurke-Gonzalez@ehamptonny.gov
David Lys: DLys@ehamptonny.gov
Silvia Overby: SOverby@EHamptonNY.Gov
Cate Rogers: CRogers@EHamptonNY.Gov

Sample Letter

The Benson Bathing Reserve, in its current state, boasts a stable dune system that has remarkably endured over the past 70 years with minimal erosion, even withstanding the challenges posed by numerous N'oreasters, including Super Storm Sandy.

Recent scientific findings, as published in a special issue of Restoration Ecology, shed light on the limitations of restoration efforts solely focused on plant removal. These findings underscore the significant influence of invasive species' legacy soil, which impedes the growth of native plants. Such an approach can hinder the successful re-establishment of native plants, potentially promoting the resurgence of invasive species or the introduction of new weeds better adapted to the existing soil conditions.

Moreover, the proposed plan calls for using seeds with hay and omits an irrigation system to re-establish native plant growth. This departure from the current management plan could transform the Benson Reserve from a robust, protective dune system into a barren wasteland without adequate natural protection. In addition, should any native plants take route, the deer population will surely devour them.

To ensure the adoption of a comprehensive and accurate management plan, it is common best practice for governmental agencies to obtain three proposals for projects in procurement and contracting for environmental projects for several essential reasons. (1) Different vendors may propose various approaches to the project, bringing forth innovative ideas and expertise that might not be apparent with a single proposal. (2) Having multiple proposals can help identify potential risks and challenges in a project. It allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the project's feasibility and potential pitfalls. (3) Receiving multiple proposals allows us to gauge the reasonableness of the proposed prices. It helps ensure that the government entity gets value for taxpayers' money.

In summary, with only one proposal provided and ample scientific evidence challenging the current management plan crafted by Nelson Pope Voorhees, it becomes clear that a more comprehensive assessment is needed. The primary objective of the Benson Reserve maintenance plan should be to benefit the public, and given the concerns raised, I am not in favor of the current plan as it stands. I strongly object to its approval by the East Hampton Town Board.

Our research highlights significant concerns about the project's environmental impact. Notably, this is the consultants' first project involving coastal dunes on the Atlantic Ocean. A review of aerial maps spanning 70 years indicates no evidence of erosion at the Benson Reserve, raising questions about the necessity of dune restoration and addressing water quality concerns.

Furthermore, we have concerns about removing invasive species, with lessons from Denmark and Port Reyes, California, showing the potential unintended consequences. The Benson Reserve houses a unique ecosystem that has thrived for decades, prompting doubts about replacing invasive plants with seeds and hay without irrigation.

We must also consider the broader impact on property owners along Old Montauk Highway, many of whom already face high insurance costs. The potential effects of clearing the Reserve on their property values are a significant concern.

East Hampton Town Property Owners.