Big Plans Ahead: Revitalizing the Connetquot River for Recreation, Wildlife Water

A River Revival: Big Plans Brewing for Long Island’s Connetquot River

Get ready, Long Island — one of our most beloved waterways is about to get some major TLC. The Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC), in partnership with Suffolk County, just dropped an exciting Request for Proposals (RFP), and the mission is crystal clear: revitalize the Connetquot River watershed — all 18 glorious miles of it.

But what does that actually mean for the river (and for you)? Let’s dive in.

What’s So Special About the Connetquot River?

If you’ve ever kayaked under a glowing sunset in Connetquot River State Park or strolled the serene paths at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, you know this river isn’t just pretty — it’s iconic.

Flowing from just south of the Long Island Expressway all the way down to the Great South Bay, the Connetquot is the largest contiguous area of undeveloped land in Suffolk County. That’s a big deal — not just for the ecosystem, but for the people, parks, wildlife, and waterfront businesses that call this area home.

From peaceful paddleboarding to shell-fishing weekends, the Connetquot is a local treasure. But like many coastal gems, it’s under threat.

The Problem: A River in Trouble

Despite strong protections from New York State and Suffolk County, the river isn’t exactly flowing easy these days. According to the LIRPC, it’s facing some serious challenges:

• Hypoxia (not enough oxygen in the water — yikes)

• Eutrophication (nutrient overload = bad news for fish)

• Harmful algal blooms

• High levels of coliform bacteria

Translation? The water quality is hurting, and so are the recreational and economic opportunities that come with it. Local restaurants, marinas, and waterfront homeowners — this impacts you too.

The Plan: Clean Water, Thriving Wildlife, Happy Humans

This isn’t just a quick fix or a temporary facelift. The Connetquot River Watershed Action Plan will be a deep, data-driven, community-guided strategy to protect and enhance the river for the long haul.

Here’s what’s in the works:

• Creating a Watershed Advisory Committee (local voices welcome!)

• Conducting a full study on:

  • Land use and stormwater management

  • Wastewater infrastructure

  • Wetlands restoration

  • Community education and stewardship programs

• Bringing in your ideas to help shape the vision

As John Cameron, chairman of the LIRPC, puts it:

“This is an investment in both the environmental and economic health of the waterway.”

We love to hear it.

Community First: Local Leaders Are All In

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine praised the collaboration, calling Suffolk “one of the most desirable places to live” — and protecting its waterways is key to keeping it that way.

And Legis. Anthony Piccirillo, whose district covers much of the Connetquot watershed, couldn’t be more excited:

“This essential waterway plays a crucial role in protecting our environment and ensuring that both current and future generations have access to clean water.”

From the government to the grassroots, everyone’s on board.

Want In? Here’s How You Can Get Involved

The RFP is live and accepting submissions through September 22, so if you’re a planner, scientist, engineer, or community advocate with a vision — now’s your moment. You can check out the full RFP and details at lirpc.org.

And for the rest of us? Keep an eye out for upcoming public input sessions. Whether you fish the river, live nearby, or just love a good canoe trip, this is your river too.

A Cleaner Connetquot Starts Here

The Connetquot River is more than a body of water — it’s part of the lifeblood of Long Island’s South Shore. And with this action plan underway, we’ve got a real chance to ensure it stays vibrant, swimmable, fishable, and full of life for generations to come.

So, Long Island — are you ready to help write the next chapter for this historic waterway?

Tags: Connetquot River, Long Island watershed, Suffolk County water quality, Great South Bay restoration, recreational waterways, LIRPC, environmental planning, stormwater management, ecosystem revitalization, kayaking Long Island, harmful algal blooms