Long Island's East End stretches from Riverhead to Montauk Point in Suffolk County and is comprised of 5 towns and 40 incorporated villages and hamlets. Click here to read our entire agenda for the East End This large area encompasses both rapidly developing "exurban" communities, as well as pristine natural areas, rich agricultural regions and the wealthy resort areas of the South Fork.

This region is also ecologically rich and contains tidal wetlands, pine barrens, estuaries, ponds, grasslands, swamps, streams, bogs and beaches. It is home to a diverse population of wildlife, including numerous rare and endangered plants and animals.

The East End's distinct coastal environment features fresh, salt and brackish water aquatic life, including scallops, sea stars, crabs, skates, whales and dolphins. Suffolk County continues to produce the highest annual gross receipts from its agricultural production than any other County in New York State.

The agricultural areas represent an important source of regional food for Long Island and the New York Metropolitan area. The North Fork boasts 30 vineyards, and the South Fork continues its long agricultural history while being home to several beach towns, including the Hamptons.

While Suffolk County and the East End remain less densely populated than neighboring Nassau County, the County's population grew at twice the rate of New York State's from 2000 to 2006. Increased population has spurred new development, which places added pressure on the area's land, water and wildlife. The natural resources which have supported the region's economy by drawing generations of farmers and vacationers to the East End are endangered by uncontrolled growth that follows discredited automobile and energy dependent development patterns.

Despite these threats, the East End continues to be home to an array of rare and endangered plants and animals, a place of stunning natural beauty, and productive working farms.

Learn more about:

• Energy Efficeny
• Natural Resource Protection: Peconic Bay
• Smart Growth
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Quality and Aquifer Protection

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