The Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) is the regional planning agency for Martha’s Vineyard Island and the Elizabeth Islands (together, comprising the County of Dukes County). The mission of the MVC is twofold: (1.) To assist our region’s 7 towns (Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Gosnold, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, & West Tisbury) with planning expertise; and (2.) Protect and enhance the islands’ environment, economy, character, and social fabric. To support that mission, the MVC engages in a number of projects related to climate change and it’s impact on the island. We’re rounded up our list of the MVC’s 2024 Accomplishments and 2025 Goals to continue to pursue the actions in the Climate Action Plan.
MVC 2024 Climate Change Accomplishments
- Updated Vineyard vegetation maps
- Developed a Plant Local MV booklet to encourage residents to plant native species to address climate stresses on the land (heat, drought, heavier precipitation, erosion, etc.)
- Guided development of Tisbury Master Plan, including downtown area, flood risk area
- Secured a grant to establish a food forest in Aquinnah and locate sites for food forests in each Island town (Food Security)
- Assisted in organizing the 2024 MV Coastal Conference – Topics included Oak Bluffs emergency access to hospital project and Edgartown South Beach erosion/beach nourishment project
- Planned and facilitated the 2024 Annual Climate Action Fair
- Identified and mapped potential aquaculture sites in Sengekontacket Pond, Lagoon Pond, and Lake Tashmoo
- Updated Edgartown Harbor Plan
- Began working with Planning Boards and Conservation Commission to update Floodplain Bylaw and Wetlands Bylaws to address current and future climate conditions
- Continued implementing and guiding implementation of 2022 Vineyard Climate Action Plan including:
- Wildfire protection
- Solid waste
- Begin developing maximum disturbance limits for new development
- Sustainable farming practices
- Address underutilization of local seafood
- Grant to address emerging green jobs
- Completed and published “Building a Clean Energy Future Report – Getting to 100% Renewable” which outlines strategies for transitioning away from fossil fuel use
- Developed MV Solid Waste Report and Task Force – outlines current solid waste situation and discusses how to prepare for state mandates on waste reduction and composting
- Explored federal technical assistance grant to develop strategies for down-Island water departments during prolonged power failure
- Continued advocacy for clean energy transformation on a regional level – Eversource, Steamship Authority, solar array, battery storage, microgrids, electric vehicles
MVC 2025 Climate Change Goals
- Begin a dialogue and establish a framework for communication with Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and MassDOT on plans to address flooding and sea level rise on Beach Road (key access to MV Hospital and year-round Steamship Authority port)
- MVP 2.0 – if grant is awarded, MVC will guide the six towns through the MVP 2.0 program to update town climate change priorities. Towns will receive $50,000 in seed money for a climate change-related priority project and will remain eligible to apply for MVP Action Grants
- Continued guidance to Planning Boards and Conservation Commissions on updates to Town Floodplain and Wetlands Bylaws to address changing conditions due to climate change; work with Town Climate Committees and MVC/Vision Fellow climate communications specialist, educate public on bylaw updates in preparation for 2026 Annual Town Meeting
- Continued collaboration with Town Climate Committees on developing a slate of climate change-related warrant articles for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting
- Seek funding for a report entitled Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Martha’s Vineyard to guide town and regional decision-making on climate adaptation and understand the many ways climate change is and will affect the local economy
Keep your eyes on this site and our social media channels for updates on our progress!
