Edward J. Warner Jr, Eric Shultz, President, Jon Semlear,
William Pell IV , Fred Havemeyer, Secretary/Treasure 

- Preserve Public Access to the Water
- Uphold the Traditions of a Maritime Community
- Advise the Town Board on Coastal Related Issues
- Inform the Public of the Facts of Coastal Issues and Policy
- Represent the Best Interest of the Freeholders
- Maintain and Protect Surface Water Quality
- Regulate Dock and Bulkhead Construction and Impacts
- Promote Sustainable Harvest of Commercial Shellfish and Finfish
- Provide a Safe Marine Environment
- Inspect All Structures Built on Bay Bottom

The Dongan Patent established the Board of Trustees
of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the
Town of Southampton in 1686.

The Patent, a document which granted the Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of Southampton access and rights to common underwater land, Rights of Ways to the water, marshland and common areas, also created the Board of Trustees to act as stewards for these title lands. His Majesty King James II of England through his General Governor, Thomas Dongan, granted over 25,000 acres of land, instituting the first official government in the Town of Southampton. Local, State and even the Supreme Court of the United States have repeatedly ruled that the Dongan Patent is as valid today as it was in 1686. The Dongan Patent guarantees every Town Freeholder's right to access and use this land and it's resources. But with these rights comes responsibilities.