MCSF Plantation Removal & Restoration Cutting Plan - June 2025
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We think of Martha's Vineyard as a green Island. The efforts of the Martha's Vineyard Commission, the Island towns, the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank, and a variety of non-profit organizations have been quite successful in preserving the Island's open spaces and character, despite the Vineyard's enormous growth over the past generation
However, more than 40% of the open space we take for granted on the Vineyard could be developed. Favorite vistas could be blocked, wild stretches of tree-canopied rural roads could become rows of houses with front lawns, and farm fields could become subdivisions. Over time, areas of open land still large enough to support a rich population of plants and animals could become so fragmented – with a road here, a house and lawn there – as to threaten their biodiversity, and especially the survival of rare species. We need to better protect the remaining open spaces, vistas, farms, and habitat; we can also go a long way towards restoring areas that have been compromised.
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Open Space Protection: protecting open space and strengthening the culture of stewardship on the Island.
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Biodiversity and Habitat: conserving the viable populations of native species within the Island’s ecosystems, crucial for the health of the system.
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Recreation in Nature: providing for enjoyment of nature in a manner that refreshes the mind, body and spirit.
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Natural Character: preserving landscapes and scenic vistas provided by nature.
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