The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank's plan to fence off a large sandplain grassland field at the Trade Wind Fields Preserve in Oak Bluffs has caused devoted users to gather in opposition.
A simmering dispute between the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank and devoted users of one of its properties has come to a head this fall with the land bank’s plan to fence off a large field at the Trade Wind Fields Preserve in Oak Bluffs.
The fence is the latest step in what the land bank said is an effort to protect a sandplain grassland at the field, which has been trampled by too many walkers. The goal is to protect the land and the plants and insects that live there, land bank ecologist Julie Russell said.
But a group of Trade Wind regulars said the plan has pitted the land bank’s ecological goals against property users. They said the fence would change the aesthetics of the open field and prevent older or mobility-impaired walkers from reaching far parts of the property.
“It’s a really big gathering spot. People are so willing to accommodate whatever the land bank wants,” said Rose Cecil, a longtime regular visitor of the property who walks there with her Scottish terriers, Igor and Bunny. “I’m really afraid of losing it and losing the companionship that people get from being there,” she said, adding: “I don’t think it’s just ecology versus people. To me it seems like they really just want us out of there.”
Land bank plan calls for building a four-foot-high, 1.4-mile fence made of wire and wooden posts to protect trampled sandplain field.
Land bank plan calls for building a four-foot-high, 1.4-mile fence made of wire and wooden posts to protect trampled sandplain field.
The land bank plan calls for building a four-foot-high, 1.4-mile fence made of wire and wooden posts around the perimeter of an open field at the 72-acre preserve. The land is also a seldom-used airfield. People will not be allowed to walk inside the fence.
The fence proposal was approved late last spring by the land bank commission, a Trade Winds Field Preserve aviation committee, and the Oak Bluffs land bank advisory board.
Minutes from the June 6 town advisory board meeting show the vote was 3-0, with one member abstaining. Three members were absent. During discussion, board members said they were disappointed at the need to build the fence but also were discouraged by what was characterized as misuse and misbehavior at the property.
Meeting minutes also indicated that land bank staff would remove stacks of portable chairs at the property, and wooden benches would be installed.
“We’ve been trying for years to be creative and come up with ways to protect the grasslands and plants living there, especially ones that are rare,” Ms. Russell told the Gazette this week.
Signs, closing off paths and discussion have not worked, she said. Meanwhile, repeated use has led to devegetation. Rare species found at the field include purple tiger beetles, and rare plants include blue-eyed grass, purple needlegrass and New England blazing star, Ms. Russell said. “It’s been years of trying different things and now we’re at the point where we’ve run out of things to try,” she said.
Idalyn Gilstad and Rose Cecil are regulars at the preserve and up in arms about the fencing plan.
Idalyn Gilstad and Rose Cecil are regulars at the preserve and up in arms about the fencing plan.
The fence is still pending approval by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program. Ms. Russell said the land bank hopes to install it by the end of the year.
She said the fence would be minimally invasive and compared it to fences at the Katama Airfield in Edgartown.
“It’s just hard for people to really get their heads around grasslands and sandplain grasslands,” Ms. Russell said. “I really wish that they were staying on the trail. The habitat is pretty because of all the things in there . . . and that’s what we are trying to protect.”
Land bank executive director James Lengyel said the fence aligns with the land bank’s top goal: environmental protection. “Environmental protection leads the list of land bank goals with public use encouraged where and when possible,” he said, quoting the mission statement that appears on the land bank map.
“That says it all,” he added. “That’s three decades worth of philosophy.”
Mr. Lengyel said about $25,000 is set aside in the land bank budget for the fencing project.
Meanwhile, Trade Wind regulars are dug in with their opposition to the fence. As of early Thursday afternoon, 279 people had signed a “Fight the Fence” petition posted online on Oct. 24. A notice about the petition was also posted at the entrance to the preserve this week.
And while many know Trade Wind as a dog park — it is a popular spot for dog walkers — others said human companionship is the driving force behind their fondness for the area. Visitors include older and mobility-challenged people, in addition to joggers, walkers and others. Stations that allow people to clean up after their dogs have been added and largely complied with, regulars said, and the paths across the field are largely used by people who cannot walk the entire perimeter of the property.
Philip Cordella enjoys a walk with his dog.
Philip Cordella enjoys a walk with his dog.
This week a stack of green plastic chairs sat near where a wooded trail connects the parking lot to the grass field. The chairs were purchased a few years ago after a regular visitor had a heart attack and wanted a supportive seat so he could visit the field during his recovery, Ms. Cecil said as her dogs sniffed and played in the dirt. The walk from the parking lot would be hard to navigate while carrying a chair, she added, and wooden benches are not comfortable for older people. She said she found the effort to remove the chairs mean spirited.
She gestured to a short fir tree nearby. “This is our Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” she said, noting that every year the Trade Wind regulars have a party and decorate the tree.
Ms. Cecil said regular visitors care about the property and have largely succeeded at helping bring back the grass field by restricting themselves to certain paths. But she said park users were not included in the management plan process, and instead were treated like “vandals.”
“We just don’t know why they really want to get rid of us,” Ms. Cecil said. “They could figure something out that works for us and them.”
Idalyn Gilstad, another regular who was keeping an eye on her dog Lily, said the land bank is straddling two worlds: the property’s history as an airfield and status as conservation land. People have become the third part of the equation, she said.
“It’s the best view you can have,” Ms. Gilstad said. “Now you’ll just see wall. It will be monotonous and depressing.”
She said she plans to stop coming to the park.
Other regulars arrived, many with dogs, and gathered at the edge of the field near a well-worn cross path marked with a sign warning walkers to keep out. Dogs played while their owners chatted. Michael Chan arrived for his regular walk around the field to take pictures of mushrooms.
Oak Bluffs resident Mark Jenkins said concerns about the fence come from people who use the preserve in a variety of ways, not just dog walkers. “There’s a groundswell of support to oppose this,” he said. “It’s a shame that the land bank feels they need to move forward with this.”
Mr. Jenkins said he supports the land bank and its mission, but he said the fence goes against the property management plan, which partly calls for maintaining attractive views.
“This is to show that they basically can do whatever they want to do,” he said of the land bank’s approach. “Doing something that’s really aggressive . . . do we want one of the most beautiful parts of the Island, and certainly one of the most special parts of Oak Bluffs, inflicted with this 1.4-mile long steel-mesh fence, that’s the question.”
“It would be a disaster,” said Marsha Eldredge said as she stood at the edge of the large grass field this week. “Who would want to look at this and see wire and posts?”
Comments
The proposed fence is not the
Debbie Hills EdgartownThe proposed fence is not the solution. Education would go a long ways in resolving the issues. In the meantime, there is more environmental issues at stake besides the flora and Insecta species of the area. There is also the fauna which have used this vast plains as a corridor for more decades than any human beings. I’ve seen many, many deer plus their tracks in early morning hours and know where they habitually travel. If they are spooked with a fence in place, I am afraid we will be privy to the horrendous consequences. There are way too many fences already on this little island. This area is not in disarray. We respectfully ask you to honor it and the people than love and use it daily.
Please no metal - industrial
David Jordan Edgartown, Oak Bluffs & WorcesterPlease no metal - industrial fencing. If specific designated areas of the Preserve need protection then do it with shrubbery, stone, or other means which compliment the environment and not detract from it. Hire a landscape architect or a team of engineering students from MIT or UMASS to come up with another option which both protects sensitive areas of the Preserve AND meets the aesthetic desires of people who choose to live on the island for the beauty of the land and sea. I would expect a chain link fence solution from most mainland towns; but not on MV. Can we just take a breathe and come up with a more organic solution which meets both goals of protecting habitat and the needs of our residents.
If they allowed a cut through
Dan ObIf they allowed a cut through, I think there would be a lot less opposition. Some days I don't have the time or desire to walk the entire perimeter. Half the track is sufficient. A cut through would create a figure 8 type track, lending greater access to the entire property, and greater flexibility.
I agree with Dan from OB.
Jan DeLisle Oak BluffsI agree with Dan from OB. Isn’t a compromise acceptable to the Land Bank Board? The thought of wire mesh fences on that land is horrific; counter to everything this organization promotes.
There are very few places on
DK Braun EdgartownThere are very few places on the entire island that are relatively poison ivy free where dogs and their owners can run free. Most beaches are off limits except for limited hours. We were so happy to discover Trade Winds years ago and have appreciated its rustic beauty. A fence is not at all in keeping with this landscape and its gentle use by people who appreciate the outdoors with their canine companions. I have never seen trash there and a few plastic chairs are harmless. The land has been respected. Putting up a fence is not respecting the land.
For $25,000 the land Bank
Greg EdgartownFor $25,000 the land Bank could hire a part time person (10:00am to 5:00pm)to act as a "warden" for this area, and make sure that people respect the signs about which areas should not be trampled. Once people know that someone is monitoring, they will be less inclined to disobey the signs. To close of this area because some people won't obey the posted signs seems punitive, not creative.
It seems odd that the
Frank Brunelle Vineyard HavenIt seems odd that the reporting on the TRADEWIND fence issue has not made any reference to the reason that the fence was proposed by the Aviation Committee.
It appears that the use of the airfield is a primary reason for the fence, and that the protection of “the species living within the sandplain” is a secondary concern.
If the fence is built then the Land Bank will allow planes to land and pilots may walk anywhere and will have keys to the gate so that they will be able to move about freely. The aviation committee voted unanimously to “encourage increased aviation use”, to “approve a perimeter fencing”, and to “streamline permission to land” as contained in the minutes of their meeting on the 15th of March, 2017.
This vote came about after “Father Nagle related a past experience he had had while landing in which a large great dane had left its owner and came running at his moving plane. He had to quickly shut the engine off and wait until the owner had regained control of his pet.” After this comment Mr. Brine followed up with “he felt it may be unsafe to have planes at the airstrip”. And so we can see that the primary reason for the fence is coming from the Aviation Committee, and that the species argument is being used in support of these goals by the Aviation Committee.
“Mr. Vincent (attorney Peter Vincent) talked about the need to improve the hangar to help encourage aviation use.” And then “Father Nagle said sometimes pilots would land and walk over to Farm Neck.” After which Mr. Brine suggested that “it made sense to have the ‘tie downs’ closer to Farm Neck.”
In other words, increase aviation use, invite pilots to land, facilitate better landing procedures, move the hangar, create an area on top of the protected species for aircraft ‘tie downs’ renovate the hangar, and encourage as much plane use as possible with access to Farm Neck for golfing. And in pursuit of these goals, the Land Bank is using an ecologist. Or so it would seem.
As a regular dog-walking user
Marina TisburyAs a regular dog-walking user of the property, I have always supported the Land Bank's efforts to square the circle and make it work for everyone. I welcomed their largely-successful efforts to keep people from walking up and down the center of the airfield, as the area had become denuded sand.
But to consider fencing in the grassland is completely contrary to one of the main values of the place: the dogs who get to range around and meet-and-greet each other. Asking dogs to forego being able to range around destroys the essential Tradewinds experience for them, which is to explore and socialize with other dogs. Dogs don't walk in the same track the way people do. With few exceptions, dogs are lighter-weight than their humans. Their paws do not cause the wear-and-tear that would need to be controlled. Stricter self-and-other guest policing by us dog-walkers would go a long way towards resolving any remaining issues about humans on the runway. But the runways have already significantly recovered from their sad state about 3 years ago. And yes, the chairs need to stay. They do not do any harm to the environment, and they benefit people who would not get nearly the same service from a picturesque wooden bench.
The social value of Tradewinds should not be underestimated! One more major Island-wide benefit located in Oak Bluffs... it works, it really does. Taking this away from people, and destroying a spontaneously-generated social network that supports so many people is not acceptable. I would also appeal to the Land Bank to allow the one path cross-over back to the chairs, because it creates many more options for friends to join each other, or busy dog-walkers on their way to work to choose a shorter loop.
The needs of the environment can be balanced with these enormously valuable social and health values to a significant number of residents on the Vineyard.
"e: the dogs who get to range
Down Islander"e: the dogs who get to range around and meet-and-greet each other. Asking dogs to forego being able to range around destroys the essential Tradewinds experience for them, which is to explore and socialize with other dogs. "
I agree that it is a big shame to mar this property with a fence.
But the problem is clearly from the above: In a nutshell: DOGS, and their owners' sense of entitlement regarding their dogs.
This issue has been highlighted in earlier newspaper stories.
The obvious solution for the larger community is to ban dogs from this park.
Obviously, dog owners have not taken on board the fact that their pets are destructive, also on beaches, and must be controlled more effectively.
Dogs do not have rights to roam everywhere.
Many dog owners privilege their dogs' needs dogs over those of other people, and the environment. They think that everyone is pleased to deal with the presence of dogs dominating the park---and other locations. They are not.
Dog owners often do not have good control over their animals.
Many have no training (people and dogs).
It is ridiculous.
Dogs create a lot of environmental destruction and don't really "go" with protected conservation lands, unless, maybe, on a leash.
The solution is to ban dogs entirely from the park. [[Offstage: screams]]
Or, designate specific times when all dogs can be walked at the part, with staff on hand at those times.
Or, oblige dog walkers to keep their dogs on a leash, and on the path, and they pay a fine if they do not do so. Install a webcam to monitor the park, and send enforcement when a dog is spotted off the leash and in the field. The fine to be paid on the spot. If that doens't work
Maybe we can get Mexico to
Jim Pringle Vineyard HavenMaybe we can get Mexico to pay for the fence.
We should have the prisoners
Ken Rusczyk Oak BluffsWe should have the prisoners doing community service install a 18 foot high fence to keep the Big Dogs out.
Ms. Russell's comments are
Lisa Holley Oak BluffsMs. Russell's comments are disingenuous. To state that "Its been years of trying different things", signs, closing off paths, discussions, nothing has worked is absolutely false. We have been enjoying Tradewind for the past several years. The difference in human behavior there is quite stark. 4 years ago it was common to see people traversing the fields and runways without hesitation. Over the years, hardly a person is seen off the perimeter path. An occasional unknowing island visitor, elderly walker, or a dog owner retrieving a ball is all that is observed on the runway.
The thought of putting up a perimeter fence in this beautiful area is despicable. Furthermore, removing the green chairs that the group of older islanders have brought to Tradewind at their own expense is nothing more than mean spirited. It appears that the Land Bank is doing everything in their power to make people feel unwelcome.
Is there a reason a landing
Thea hansenIs there a reason a landing plane can't do a warning flyover first?
I have spent a couple of
Rich Vineyard HavenI have spent a couple of hours the last two nights at Tradewinds and saw nobody walking off the paths. An ugly fence seems like a significant overreaction on the part of the Land Bank.
I am appalled to read about
Sybille EdgartownI am appalled to read about the possibility to have yet “another fence proposal”; the “new system” seems to invade even Martha’s Vineyard . I am terribly disappointed to read about the reasons , and the necessity to build a fence. As regular walker, I follow the paths 99% of the time; for self protection, I might say. I do not need more ticks on my socks,neither does my dog. While walking, I also observe the majority of walkers using the paths. The only living beings are our four legged friends, who jump and play with each other and enjoy themselves, or fetch the tennis balls. It seems, as if the most “destruction” comes via our four legged friends....com’on, let’s think about a better, friendlier and more construction solution.
Yes this fence is another
Bob EdgartownYes this fence is another nail in the coffin for the island, NOT. Our 1 percent problems here are really funny. No one likes change and this proves it and if you do something long enough it is now your right. Build the fence and it will make good neighbors.
Many, many dog owners are
Sammy West TisburyMany, many dog owners are terrible, entitled people who think they can ignore signs, warnings and the laws! Due to their arrogance they have abused the privileges that we have enjoyed as kids growing up on the island here in the 50's - 60`s. They have been in the newspapers for years being taken to task, warned, etc etc about their violations concerning their pets off leashes, not picking up after them on and on over and over again. Now you got some entitled complaining about a dog chasing a airplane and states cant the pilot take a spin around first to make sure no loose dong are in a area where they are not suppose to be in.
I say if there has to be a hired officer walking around and listening to their bad mouthing $ FINE $ them immediately with a $500.00 fine and if they refuse to cooperate call 911 have them thrown in jail and their dog taken to the dog pound and charge $200.00 per day boarding charges.
Those dog owners continue to take their dogs on the beaches, let their dogs loose on the walking trails, and you see and steep in their crap all over the place! I am totally sick of them!
How many dogs do you have?
BC Oak BluffsHow many dogs do you have?
My three Siberian Huskies
Steve Parris Oak Bluffs & Medford, MAMy three Siberian Huskies have passed away a number of years ago, but we used this area daily to exhaust them. Also have used many of the island's Landbank preserves to walk my dogs. Back in the day, late 60's, it was a pretty active airfield and I did not know it had a name. Just the old OB air field.
Any way it's a shame to fence it in especially if the airport commission is behind the effort. Shame on the Airport and Landbank commishioners.
Totally Concur Sammy Good
gina nyc/MenemshaTotally Concur Sammy Good observation.. Hard balance to appeal to everyone..
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