The fact that about 43% of the Island is permanently protected open space is a remarkable testament to generations of effort by conservation groups, towns, individual property owners, and the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank. However, much of the 15% of the Island which is still available for development is environmentally important and should be protected as open space.

DRI Review

The MVC considers open space preservation concerns when it reviews a project as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and has adopted an Open Space Policy that outlines these concerns.

Open Space Guideline Map

This map was first established in 2006 and updated in 2024. Based on 23 factors such as soil type, flooding potential, and habitat designation, it delineates areas of the Island according to their open space significance (exceptional, important, advisable, or suitable). The Open Space Policy above relies on the map for evaluating certain DRIs. 

Useful Links

• Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank
• Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Sheriffs Meadow Foundation
• Trustees of Reservations
• Vineyard Conservation Society
• Vineyard Open Land Foundation

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