After 32 Years Living in and Running Montauk's Parks, Tom Dess Retires - 27 East
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East Hampton Press / News / Government / Neighborhood / 2249469

After 32 Years Living in and Running Montauk's Parks, Tom Dess Retires

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Tom Dess retired from the New York State Parks Department this week after 47 years, the last 32 in Montauk where he has been the manager of the state's eight parks, and one in Sag Harbor, since 1997. MICHAEL WRIGHT

Tom Dess retired from the New York State Parks Department this week after 47 years, the last 32 in Montauk where he has been the manager of the state's eight parks, and one in Sag Harbor, since 1997. MICHAEL WRIGHT

Dess had the model artist from the Museum of Natural History create the still life of a scene at a popular seal haulout spot in Montauk Point State Park that is now the centerpiece in the Hither Hills State Park visitors center. MICHAEL WRIGHT

Dess had the model artist from the Museum of Natural History create the still life of a scene at a popular seal haulout spot in Montauk Point State Park that is now the centerpiece in the Hither Hills State Park visitors center. MICHAEL WRIGHT

When staff have found dead owls on state land, Dess has had them mounted by taxidermists, giving visitors to Hither Hills a chance to see the beautiful wildlife up close. MICHAEL WRIGHT

When staff have found dead owls on state land, Dess has had them mounted by taxidermists, giving visitors to Hither Hills a chance to see the beautiful wildlife up close. MICHAEL WRIGHT

Photos of Hither Hills camp grounds in the 1940s were transposed onto the tiles of the new bath house built in the east lot of Hither Hills State Park. MICHAEL WRIGHT

Photos of Hither Hills camp grounds in the 1940s were transposed onto the tiles of the new bath house built in the east lot of Hither Hills State Park. MICHAEL WRIGHT

authorMichael Wright on May 1, 2024
Tom Dess first visited Montauk’s state parks as a kid, in tow with his parents, working-class Long Islanders who came to the beachfront campsites every summer. They toured many other... more

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