Martha’s Vineyard Island has witnessed unprecedented change in the most recent decades. Farming declined; centuries-old pastures and fields were left to knot into vines and shrubs. The "freedom to roam" was curtailed as fences were erected across trails, beaches were gated off and hunting was restricted.

Few of these problems could be solved by planning boards and conservation commissions only; the Vineyard needed a new type of land agency. In the midst of an upspiraling building boom, island voters created the land bank in 1986 and charged it with reversing their losses.

Over thirty years have elapsed and some 3100 acres have now been conserved. Although this sounds impressive, it is actually mighty small: just 5% of the land area on the island. The commission’s revenue – generated by a 2% public surcharge on most real estate transfers occurring in the six towns – is modest compared to need, ensuring that islanders can expect the land bank to protect only a fraction of their community. And this money must go far. Farmers, hikers, beachcombers, birders, hunters and many, many others are all constituents of the land bank and all deserve to have some land set aside for their special needs.

Contact Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission

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Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• Land Trusts

Contact Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission

167 Main Street
PO Box 2057
Edgartown, Massachusetts  02539-2057
Phone: (508) 627-7141
Fax: (508)-627-7415
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Service Area

Services provided in:

• Dukes County, Massachusetts

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