This suitability layer indicates areas most suitable (or less suitable) for Open Space preservation. This Guideline map is presented here in DRAFT format (Oct. 2023). If approved by the Martha's Vineyard Commission, this data layer will replace the map referred to in the MVC's "Policy for DRI Review - Open Space Preservation". In that policy manual, the Guideline map is referred to as the "Open Space and Natural Resource Significance Map."

Link to Map 2005 Version: http://www.mvcommission.org/sites/default/files/docs/os_guide_suit02_11x17.jpg

Link to Policy: http://mvcommission.org/sites/default/files/docs/openspacepolicy.pdf

Version C differs from Version B in that all data is clipped to the 2021 Coastline (per the LiDAR survey of 2021) and the water bodies greater than 10 acres in size (per the MassDEP 1:25,000 Dec. 2019 hydrography dataset) have been removed.

Version B differs from the previous 2023 Draft version with the representation of contiguous woodlands (> 50 acres and >10 to 50 acres). See the dataset's full metadata for details.

The original Guideline layer of 2005 was derived from the Open Space Suitability model results produced in 2004 thru the Community Development Plan - one for each MV town. The input data layers for the Guideline layer, and their respective input weight, are as follows:

(Note: Data layers with higher rating values were regarded as more valuable to open space.)

Agricultural Lands - Working Farm = 20 and Prime Ag Soils = 8

Water Resources (Coastal & Surface Waters) - Wetlands = 20, Within 200' of wetlands = 6, Flood Hazard Area = 10, Coastal DCPC = 8, Surface Water = 20, Within 200' of surface water = 6

Water Resources (Areas of Protection) - Public Well Zone I = 20, Public Well Operational Zone of Influence = 6, Public Well Zone II = 4,Watershed of Coastal Pond at or beyond nitrogen limit = 4, Watershed of Coastal Pond projected to pass nitrogen limit = 2

Habitat and Woodlands - Core Habitat = 20, Supporting Habitat = 6, Unfragmented Woodlands over 50 acres = 20, Unfragmented Woodlands 10-50 acres = 4, Frost Bottoms = 20

Scenic/Cultural - Primary Vistas/Viewsheds = 20, Secondary Vistas/Viewsheds = 4, Cultural Landscape = 20, 1000' from Coast and Navigable Ponds = 6

Recreation & Access - Beach = 20

************* In 2023, the analysis was redone using updated datasets for all of the input layers. The weighting remained the same as that used in the original version (2005). The 2023 version has not yet been adopted by the MVC. It is provided here of informational purposes.