Conservation Commission

Funded by town taxes, local conservation commissions regulate and advise town policy on environmental matters. They may accept gifts of land and money for the acquisition of land for their towns with the approval of the selectmen.

Members are appointed by the selectmen. Their functions include the following:

• planning of open spaces for recreation;
• acquisition of land for protection of water recharge areas;
• regulation of flood plains;
• regulation of wetlands;
• protection of agriculture, forestry, and fishing that affect the economic health of the town; and
• coordination of all town bodies whose activities have an effect on the environment.

Be sure to check with your town's conservation commission if you have plans that involve waterfront, a pier, a groin, a beach house, etc. Swamps are also protected. It is necessary to follow the procedure that includes a written notice of intent, followed by a public hearing and an "order of conditions" from the conservation commission.

Several privately funded organizations work closely with the commissions on matters of mutual concern. These include: Martha's Vineyard Garden Club, Sheriff's Meadow Foundation, Trustees of Reservations, Vineyard Conservation Society, Vineyard Open Land Foundation, and Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

Personnel Board

All personnel boards consist of five appointed members. They act in cooperation with town officials and the finance committee on all matters relating to non-elected employees—except those under the jurisdiction of the school committee. The job of the personnel board is to administer, review, and amend salary schedules and to establish personnel policies, vacations, and fringe benefits. In addition, the board functions as a personnel relations review board and is empowered to adjust grievances of town employees.

Town Government Information

See also specific town government information for useful telephone numbers and contact information for various boards and public offices, both elected and appointed.