Because of You: Sagg Pond Can Have a Healthier Future

In 2019, local residents contributed $224,000 to make Sagg Pond healthier.

Through the outreach efforts of the Peconic Land Trust and the Stony Brook Foundation, over a dozen donors contributed to the Foundation to support a research study by Dr. Christopher Gobler of Stony Brook University.

The 4-year study will provide guidance to the Southampton Town Trustees who are responsible for managing Sagg Pond and its cut to the ocean. The cut allows periodic flushing of the pond, which dilutes contaminants and improves conditions for crabs, fish, wetland vegetation, wildlife, and people.

Dr. Gobler’s study will provide scientific data as the basis for a water quality improvement project plan for Sagg Pond.

The funds raised by the community are being matched by $182,000 from the Town of Southampton. The Town is tapping its Community Preservation Fund, which in 2016 was extended to include water quality projects.

“To impact the crisis facing our coastal ponds and bays requires public and private funding to understand the sources of the problem and to implement the best course of action to address them. The Trust is proud to be part of this partnership that includes the Town, Trustees, SUNY Stony Brook, the Village of Sagaponack and of course, the neighbors and residents who have generously contributed to this effort,” said Trust President John v.H. Halsey.

Click here for the press release from the Town of Southampton on this important project.

Thank you for helping us make a difference. To learn more about the Sagg Pond study as well as other efforts the Trust is working on to improve the quality of our local ponds and bays, contact Director of Development, Amanda Abraham at 631.283.3195.

Click here to make a tax-deductible gift to the Peconic Land Trust in support of the study and conservation program. Thank You!