Outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture are big business. The county's historic buildings and sites are important tourism attractions. Many of these historic features are linked to natural and scenic settings that are relatively unprotected. Conserving these landscapes would help to sustain the appeal of the cultural sites, thereby protecting both their historic integrity and their economic contribution. Nantucket Land Council, Inc. 1989.
Tourism is the economic foundation of the island.
In the past, tourists and second home owners have been attracted to the island because of its open spaces and uncrowded streets and beaches. The townspeople witness daily heavy traffic choking Nantucket's streets. Research studies demonstrate that traffic congestion eventually makes a desirable tourist spot less attractive to visitors. Brabrec, Elizabeth. 1992. The Value of Nature and Scenery.