Vineyarders are fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional natural bounty that makes a vital contribution to our environment, our culture, our economy, and our quality of life. Imagine how very different our lives would be without the views, the beaches and trails, the farms, or the variety of plants and animals that make up the non-human population. The Vineyard relies on its lands and waters for survival and comfort in many ways, such as providing clean air and water, pollinating of crops and vegetation, maintaining a livable climate, and fulfilling people's cultural, spiritual, and intellectual needs. The conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems sustain and fulfill human life are called Ecosystem Services.
However, almost half of the open space land area we take for granted on the Vineyard could, in fact, be developed. If recent rates of development and conservation are re-established, for every four acres that are developed only one will be protected as open space.
We can act not only to protect the natural lands that remain, but to repair some of what has been lost. We can restore habitat where it has been fragmented or destroyed, re-establish the natural character of rural roads where it has been lost, and put unused fields back into food production. We can keep large enough tracts of natural areas in good enough condition to not only serve to support biodiversity, but also to absorb a variety of other uses including recreation, agriculture, and in most cases, carefully managed development.
With the great gifts that nature has provided comes responsibility for stewardship. Vineyarders can enjoy the many benefits provided by nature, while respecting the needs for future generations to reap the same rewards. This sense of stewardship will be most widely shared if nature continues to be prominent in the Vineyard lifestyle: in view, physically accessible, or on the dinner table.
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