Climate Advisory Committee

 

The Martha’s Vineyard Climate Action Plan, which can be found at https://www.thevineyardway.org/, is our guide to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing the impacts of climate change, and creating a healthier and more resilient community for everyone. 


West Tisbury Community Emergency Response Survey.

This is the link to the survey that you recieved with the census mailing recently.  You may fill out the paper copy and return it either by mail or in one of the two drop boxes at Town Hall, or fill it out online by clicking the above link.  Thank you for your response!


The West Tisbury Climate Advisory Committee helps the Town prepare for, adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
 

Charge to the West Tisbury Climate Advisory Committee

The Select Board, in view of the climate crisis which the Governor describes as affecting all aspects of human endeavor, hereby establishes a Climate Advisory Committee that:

  • Consists of 5-7 members appointed by the Select Board for three-year terms each dating from the Annual Town Meeting, in three classes, offset by one year, with no term limits;
  • Consists of representatives of Town Departments, Boards and Committees most impacted by Climate Change, e.g., Planning Board, Energy Committee, Conservation Commission, Emergency Management, plus up to two “at large” members;
  • Annually nominates and elects by majority vote a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and a Clerk at the next meeting after the annual town meeting.

Climate Committee CHARGE

Enable the Town to prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Climate Committee MISSION

Assist and advise the Town towards achieving State and Local Climate goals by:

  • Providing support to Town Departments, Boards and Committees in making decisions that will result in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and increased sustainability, including reviewing and updating Town by-laws and regulations at least annually such that all Town activities are viewed through a “Climate Lens”;
  • Communicating with and educating Town residents about adapting, mitigating, and preparing for Climate Change.

Key risks and actions recommended for the town are included in our draft 5 year plan: (Link coming)

Specific risks include Storm and Fire preparedness. We encourage you to review the storm and Fire Risk information to help individuals prepare for these events.


Storms: Storm Prep Card

Storm Prep Card -Portuguese

Fire: Fire Safety

Wildfire is the number 1 climate concern for West Tisbury.  Click below to read the report that was finished in September 2021 that assesses island wildfire risk.

Dukes County Community Wildfire Protection Plan


We also encourage you to watch the Climate Advisory and Emergency Management discussion with Old County Road neighborhood representatives, held in early June. Link to Zoom Video Passcode: ^G!u0&W. *please note you MUST type the passcode (including the period at the end) not copy and paste for it to work

Neighborhood and Road Association Emergency Preparedness Tips:

Staff Contacts

Committee Members

Name Title
Kate Warner Committee Member
Russell Hartenstine Emergency Manager
Virginia C. Jones Planning Board Rep.
Donna Paulnock Conservation Commission Rep.
Sue Hruby Committee Member
Nicola Blake Chair
Jeremie Rogers Police Department Rep.