The beaches and shorelines of Martha's Vineyard serve as constant reminders of the realities of living on an island. Of approximately sixty-three miles of coastal property, the public owns approximately sixteen miles. Issues include storm damage prevention, access and coastal structures. The gradual sea level rise of the last several thousand years is accelerating in response to climate change, indicating a need for more aggressive planning for landward retreat of the shoreline.
Commission staff has compiled data on shoreline erosion and flood hazards, and new Lidar and other GIS data on the forefront of coastal planning, and provides technical assistance the County, towns, and the general public with assistance regarding use of the data and for beach management planning
The Coastal District, the Gay Head Cliffs District, the Moshup Trail District, and the Wild and Scenic North Shore District are DCPCs that serve to protect the vistas and other critical resources associated with beaches and shorelines of Martha's Vineyard.