National Park

Buck Island Reef National Monument on St. Croix has announced that the least terns have left West Beach. All of the beach is open to the public again.

"Many local and visiting boaters are unaware that all of Buck Island Reef National Monument is managed according to national park standards, and it is the responsibility of the National Park Service to do its part to protect life, property and park resources within the monument, which is a Marine Protected Area,” said Park Superintendent Greg Camacho.

Local nurse Kathleen Arnold Lewis mobilized a beautification initiative accompanied by a group of volunteers, including her daughter, son and family friends.

As the National Park Service continues to prepare the parks for the next phase of making them accessible to the public, it reminds everyone about the rules and levels of awareness that will make visits to the parks, whether on the land or in the water, safe and fun.

They are easily disturbed by people walking nearby and will leave the eggs and fly toward the invader. Every time a tern flies off the nest during the day, the eggs or chicks are exposed to excessive heat from direct sunlight and to possible predation.

On Friday, April 18, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced plans to reopen the territory’s beaches on Monday, April 20, and the park is making similar steps in opening some of its recreational services beginning Tuesday, April 21.

Beginning April 10, the park will resume mooring fee collection in order to help boaters during the territorial stay-at-home order. The V.I. Government requires all boaters to complete the one-page health screening form.

The National Park Service (NPS) at Christiansted National Historic Site, Buck Island Reef National Monument, and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve on St. Croix is implementing an immediate public use limitation, area closures and cancellations for all permitted events and demonstrations covered by park regulations.

Park closures have been implemented and are in effect from March 17 to April 12 -- or until rescinded. Updates will be posted to both park social media channels and local media outlets.

Last week, Project Promise kicked off its 2020 Salt River Bay-Open Outdoors for Kids Program, which gives local fourth- graders the opportunity to visit and learn about the history of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.