Established in 1647 along the north bank of the Piscataqua River, this coastal community has long been home to prominent military sites, maritime industries and lovers of the sea. The town's two historic forts, located at the mouth of the Piscataqua have protected the coastline, and Kittery's lighthouse and lifesaving station have guided and rescued sailors and fishermen. The area's large supply of timber fostered an early shipbuilding industry that evolved into the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a 216-year old site that still operates today. And the town's windswept beaches, winding estuarine creeks and upland forests have inspired the work of well-known poets, writers and artists for centuries.

In an effort to retain this character, while at the same time allow for growth in housing and economic activity, Kittery commissioned a twenty-year comprehensive master plan. Throughout 2016, Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture, LLC collaborated with a team of consulting planners and the people of Kittery to craft this plan. MLLA inventoried, assessed and made recommendations for preserving the town's historic, cultural, natural, open space and recreation resources. Major plan recommendations included preserving both historic and natural resources through improved stewardship of historic properties, as well as through revisions to development regulations that will ensure landscape and view protection.