• Lush vegetation on the top of Spectacle Island's North drumlin dominates the foreground. Boston's skyline can be seen in the distance. The park's logo with tag line minutes away, worlds apart empashises the stark contrast between the city and islands.

    Boston Harbor Islands

    National Recreation Area Massachusetts

Boston Harbor Islands Advisory Council: Governance

The Council elects their leadership annually. The chair and vice-chair manage and preside over the Advisory Council in coordination with the designated federal officer. In addition, the chairperson acts as official spokesperson for the Council.

The Council operates under the provisions of a charter issued by Secretary of the Interior. Operating procedures are further defined in bylaws adopted by the Boston Harbor Islands Advisory Council.

» Advisory Council Charter (PDF)

» Advisory Council Bylaws (PDF)

The Advisory Council was established by the Boston Harbor Islands' enabling legislation. The Council is subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 USC App.), which includes the designation of a federal officer to oversee the management of the Council. The Designated Federal Officer is the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Service Superintendent. The Council reports to the Northeast Regional Director of the National Park Service.

Did You Know?

Vintage Aerial View of Boston Light

Boston Light Station, part of Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, is visited every year by the Flying Santa, a long-time New England tradition started by William Wincapaw in 1929. The Flying Santa delivers food, toys, and other necessities to lighthouses across New England. More...