Volunteer and Community Organizations in our Area
Long Island Sound
Study (LISS) http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/lis/
LISS is a cooperative effort
involving researchers, regulators, user groups and other concerned
organizations and individuals. These
people are working together to protect and improve the health of the Sound by
implementing the Sound's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
completed in 1994. Supported by USEPA,
CT DEP, NYSDES
Connecticut Dept of
Environmental Protection www.dep.state.ct.us
The Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) conserves and protects the natural resources and
environment of the State of Connecticut.
Clean Sound, Inc. www.cleansound.org
An all volunteer,
not-for-profit, tax exempt corporation, established in 1990 to remove fixed and
floatable pollutants from Long Island Sound and all contributing watershed
areas, to work to restore degradated habitats, and to inform others about the
pollution problems facing the Long Island Sound. See Landing Craft: Lucas Jackson (Cool Hand Luke) web cam.
LIS Foundation www.lisfoundation.org
The Long Island Sound
Foundation facilitates the exchange of information and enhances the ability of
individuals and organizations to address issues impacting Long Island Sound.
Long Island
SoundKeeper www.soundkeeper.org
Soundkeeper is dedicated to
the protection and enhancement of the biological, physical, and chemical
integrity of Long Island Sound and its watershed. Terry Backer is the Soundkeeper and Executive Director. Pumpout advocate,
Darien Audubon Society
audubon.darien.org
The Darien Audubon Society
is committed to protecting the environment and preserving all wildlife with
particular interest in birds as well as promoting enjoyment of nature and
offering education and informational programs to the community. The Society's
meetings feature knowledgeable speakers and are open to the public.
Natural Resources
Defense Council www.nrdc.org/nrdcpro/lis/lisinx.html
The Natural Resources
Defense Council, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Save the Sound
examined and graded the policies and programs affecting water quality of the 78
coastal communities surrounding the Long Island Sound.
Save the Sound, Inc. www.savethesound.org
Save the Sound is a
bi-state, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the restoration,
protection, and appreciation of LIS and its watershed through education,
research, and advocacy. They are headquarted in Stamford, CT and there is an
office on Long Island at the Garvies Point Museum in Glen Cove. Activities include water sampling via the
Adopt-a-Harbor and Adopt-a-Watershed programs, with volunteers needed for
sampling and boating.
The Nature Conservancy (Middletown CT)
www.tnc.org
SoundWaters, Inc. www.soundwaters.org
SoundWaters is a nonprofit
environmental education organization with facilities at the Community Center
for Environmental Education at Cove Island (on Holly Pond) Stamford, and the
80’ replica of a Chesapeake Bay Sharpie, the Schooner SoundWaters.
The Maritime Aquarium www.maritimeaquarium.org
High Speed Ferry
Safety Task Force of LIS www.fastferryinfo.org
The Task Force is a forum to
discuss and resolve any high speed ferry safety and environmental issues as
well as to provide ferry and boating information.
The Yacht Racing Association
of Long Island Sound was organized in 1895 as the Yacht Racing Union of Long
Island Sound. Over 30 clubs’ activities
are listed by the YRA of LIS.
Darien Police Marine
Unit “911” –
Channel 16 and 9
The Police Department Marine
Unit is based at the Darien Boat Club, and
patrols Darien waters, from FiveMile River to Stamford, and is on call
for other emergencies and law enforcement issues
Noroton Fire
Department Marine Unit “911” –
Channels 16 and 9
The Norton Fire and Rescue
boat, based year round at Zieglers Cove, is dispatched through the Town’s
emergency services (“911”) is on call for emergency service, search & rescue.
United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary Stamford and Norwalk
Flotillas
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is
the civilian volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard, with members who
donate their time and expertise to support the Coast Guard and improve boating
safety.
Darien Harbor Master Robert
Price
The Harbor Master oversees
the placement of moorings in the harbor, and the general condition of the
waterways, working closely with the “Harbor Commission”
Advisory Commission on
Coastal Waters John
(Sandy) McDonald
The Advisory Commission on
Coastal Waters, also known as the Harbor Commission, provides advice to the
Selectmen on issues concerning the operation of the Harbor.
Darien Sail &
Power Squadron Gunnar Edelstein, Commander
The Squadron is a private,
non-profit, non-governmental and nonmilitary organization of individuals who
have a common love of recreational boating.
Activities revolve around the three objectives of the organization: the
education of members, participation in civic programs, and provision of an
atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie among members.