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This is the official website of Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission
Progress report
The land bank continues to study its newest properties, the James Pond Preserve in West Tisbury and the Squibnocket Pond Reservation in Aquinnah (this latter property is co-owned with the Sheriff's Meadow Foundation). Species inventories are underway and will last into the autumn; both properties are closed to any public use at this time. The land bank’s goal is to open these lands for public enjoyment during the summer of 2022, provided that all permits — including a number of commonwealth permits — have been received. The land bank will work diligently to obtain these permits but it is possible that commonwealth review will take longer than planned. In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to visit the land bank’s many other preserves and reservations. The land bank goat program still has free manure available for pick-up. If you are interested in picking up some manure, please send an email and we will work on setting up a time when someone is available to help load manure. Direct all inquiries to zachary.jessee@vineyardlandbank.com.
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Home Page
Thirty-five years have now elapsed and nearly 3900 acres have been conserved. Although this sounds impressive , it is actually mighty small: just 7% 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.
The land bank welcomes public input on all subjects but especially on land acquisition priorities. The last item of business at all land bank commission meetings (which take place most every Monday at 3:00 pm) is public input; letters are also accepted. In addition, a public input session is scheduled biennially in the autumn. Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission 508-627-7141
Zachary Jessee Goatherd zachary.jessee@vineyardlandbank.com Harrison Kisiel Land Superintendent harrison.kisiel@vineyardlandbank.com Cynthia Magsam Krauss James Lengyel Julie S. Russell
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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.
Land bank properties are, except during the hunting season, open daily to the general public from sunrise to sundown (see “Hunting Policy and Forms”). Trails are marked throughout and boundary markers indicate where public land ends and private land begins.