A Fab Forum

by Jorie Latham

“Accabonac: What Have We Lost? What Can We Save?”, APC’s second public forum on the state of the Creek, was held at the Firehouse on April 13. A showing of the beautiful video “Accabonac Harbor” by Alec Hirschfeld, was followed by a panel of experts who covered a range of topics.

Arnold Leo, longtime secretary of the Baymen’s Association and current EH Town consultant on commercial fisheries, described the moving of the channel back in the 1950’s. Kevin McAllister, the Peconic Baykeeper, spoke about runoff and vector control. Larry Penny, Director of EH Dept. of Natural Resources, discussed the value of restoring the Barbara Hale Refuge to a meadow. Mike Bottini, author and environmental consultant, addressed ground water and public water issues. Marian Lindberg, of The Nature Conservancy, explained the process and value of Accabonac being listed as a Scenic Area of Statewide Significance.

It was gratifying to be able to put together such a stellar group of experts, even more that they were so willing to give time and attention to Accabonac, and they gave such impressive presentations! LTV taped and played it frequently so that all East Hampton viewers could see it, see it again, or find out about us for first time.

We were also thrilled at the event to unveil our new poster, by Ralph Carpentier (as reported in Joy Anne Dixon’s article).

Very well attended, the forum was further augmented with spectacular surprise refreshments thanks to Bob Davis and Fred Overton of the Springs Fire Department who harvested, opened and chowdered (two ways!) a bounty of delicious Accabonac clams.