NORTH FORK VIEWS takes on a new look for quick updates

There’s a lot going on all around the North Fork. So instead of only touching upon a few concerns each issue, Snapshots will be a periodic look at all of these happenings in a brief and concise few paragraphs. The goal is to give you a better picture of local issues, what we’re doing and what you can do.

Have any thoughts about this new approach? Let us know. And if you have issues you want to hear more about, let us know that, too.

You’ll also find in the NFEC Calendar Corner our current slate of events through December.

Click the following link for the inaugural edition of North Fork Views — Snapshots.

Snapshots: November 2013

The Problems that Exist in the World Today,
Cannot be Solved by the Level of Thinking that Created Them

We have growing water problems on Long Island, along with a population of 3 million, which is also growing.
While residents, environmental groups and politicians are speaking out, they are speaking out of turn. Before effective solutions can be proposed, we need scientists to research and define the problems and then, help develop appropriate steps. We can’t rush the process.

The groups of The Community Planning Center, North Fork Environmental Council, Peconic Baykeeper and Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition have come together to ask the public, environmental groups and politicians to understand the need for a better approach to problem solving. We ask you to take a moment to read this article and ask, no demand, that tackle this problem with conversation, cooperation and consensus, starting with scientific research, not rhetoric.

To read this article, please click the following link.

New Thinking Required to Address Our Water Issues

An Open Letter From John Rooney, member NFEC Board of Directors

As we’ve been enjoying the outdoors this time of year, how many of us have put out a serious effort to preserve the beauty that we have here on the North Fork? It doesn’t come free or easy.

Have we done more than pay our annual NFEC dues? How about attending a monthly NFEC Board of Directors’ meeting? Have you considered volunteering to keep the organization thriving or even joining the Board to help plan actions to better ensure that wisdom prevails regarding decisions about our environment? We could and need to do more.

Why not attend NFEC events to meet and stay in touch with others equally concerned about our conduct toward the fragile planet on which we live? Have you thought about looking at how environmental efforts converge with the values and activities of our local historical societies, cultural organizations, houses of worship and civic associations with which we may also be involved? Want to help foster meaningful action? The NFEC can help.

When dining out or shopping do we ask about local produce, seafood and wines? We can speak with our wallets and help support our local merchants, farmers and fishermen, rather than enriching some far away corporate interests. Although we haven’t used the phrase in a while, several years ago the NFEC coined the slogan “Eat Local! Sip Local! Buy Local!” Those are word to live by for those who love the North Fork.

When those of us with white hair, like me, pass around photos of our grandchildren do we ever also reflect upon the type of environment we are leaving for them? Wouldn’t that be a more effective expression of our love than simply gushing with pride? Couldn’t we work for our grandchildren’s healthier futures in ways we may never have considered? And while we work for our grandchildren’s can’t we find ways to work with them, set and example of living and working in more environmentally sound ways?

As we read about, and even experience, the increasing ferocity and frequency of drought, wildfires, tornadoes, rising sea levels and hurricanes, do we think about the refusal of so many politicians to heed the warnings of our scientists? And do we then call to account for their irresponsibility those individuals and groups that wallow in such willful ignorance? Better yet, do we call them to account in the name of our children and grandchildren? What type of place are we going to leave them?

And if we already do these things, and many other such things too numerous to mention, do we reach out to our loved ones, friends, and colleagues to encourage them to get into the action with us? The clock is ticking. We don’t have forever.

Submitted by: John Rooney, NFEC Director, Board Secretary and Southold Resident