Dear Source:
It is reasonable that many St. Croix residents would invite more coastal resort development on St. Croix in light of present economic circumstances. However, reef communities off Sunset and Rainbow beaches will be impossible to protect from terrestrial sediment arising from this inland-based marina. While I am not convinced that a marina is necessary, a marina that is based along the shoreline would have the advantage of avoiding daily tidal flushing of terrestrial sediment into the nearshore marine communities. According to plans I have seen from the developer, the positioning of the inland marina construction will sacrifice most of a magnificent grove of rain trees, which are among the largest in the Territory. I have not seen the Permit conditions, but it is my hope that some of these damages can be mitigated.
Gary Ray, Ph.D.
St. John
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