Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank commissioners decided not to allow camping its conservation land at a meeting this week, determining the risks of allowing such activity outweighed potential benefits.
The discussion, said land bank executive director James Lengyel, originated with a public proposal to allow camping at the Southern Woodlands property off Barnes Road, the old location of Webb’s campground.
“There was some thought that the land bank staff should examine the larger question, on a policy basis, whether campgrounds are an appropriate use of public conservation land,” said Mr. Lengyel.
According to a memo from land bank ecologist Julie Russell and land supervisor Harrison Kisiel, allowing camping might cost up to $125,000 to install necessary infrastructure, as well as increasing fire risk, ecological disruption and negative impact on abutters. The memo recommended not to allow camping, with the exception of scout and school groups.
Tisbury commissioner Nancy Weaver expressed some regret that camping couldn’t be provided as an accessible, affordable option for Vineyard visitors.
“I know so many people first came to the Island camping out, so it’s an entry level way to get here.”
Still, Mrs. Weaver emphasized that “the costs were hard,” and agreed that it shouldn’t be allowed. Others cautioned against broadening the group of allowed parties any further.
The group voted unanimously to codify a no-camping policy, however the commission will solicit feedback from the town advisory boards, and plans to revisit the issue at a later date.
In other business, the commission voted to allow land bank staff to begin drafting a plan for the sale of their building on 167 Main street in Edgartown, as the organization prepares to move to its new headquarters at Quenomica Preserve North. The provisional process, proposed by Mr. Lengyel and approved by the commissioners, will give a first look at the Main street property to another nonprofit or municipal entity, before opening it up the wider market.
