National Park

NPS has announced the award of seven cooperative agreements totaling $3.28 million to address the impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria on coral reefs, mangroves and shorelines at four park sites in V.I.

Angelita “Angie” Alvino has been chosen as the new superintendent for Christiansted National Historic Site, Buck Island Reef National Monument and the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

This article is as relevant today as when I wrote it a few years ago, stressing how important it is to establish open green spaces in the Virgin Islands if we want to grow a healthy economy.

Buck Island Reef National NM is implementing an immediate temporary public use limitation effective Thursday, Aug. 12. Such actions are deemed necessary for public health and safety.

Data will be collected using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly referred to as drones. The collected data will contribute to several research projects.

On March 1, contractors began the repair and replacement of the wharf bulkhead located between King Christian Hotel and Fort Christiansvaern.

Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the next phase of environmental assessments at Caneel Bay being conducted by the National Park Service.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett are working with the National Park Service to make available additional resources to ensure the safety of visitors to the Buck Island Reef National Monument in light of recent incidents on the island located just off St. Croix.

The National Park Service makes a statement about Buck Island Reef National Monument incident when rangers responded to a brawl and gunfire.

In 2021, the park will continue with hurricane Irma and Maria recovery efforts throughout the park on St. John as well as at Red Hook, St. Thomas.

Beginning on Friday, Oct. 23, Virgin Islands National Park will reopen access to the Cruz Bay Visitor Center.

All boaters should begin to make necessary preparations as the remainder of the 2020 Hurricane Season begins to intensify. In the event of a tropical system, boaters are advised to plan or relocate to the following havens.

Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Fort Christiansvaern parking lot in Christiansted will reopen to the public under a temporarily modified schedule.

The public will once again be allowed to anchor by approved permit issued from the superintendent under the authority provided by the special regulations in Virgin Islands law.

There are several key nesting areas on St. Croix, including Buck Island Reef National Monument, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, St. Croix’s East End Beaches (Jack’s, Issac’s, Southgate, Coakley Bay), and Ha’ Penny Beach on the south shore.

Christiansted National Historic Site has begun several projects related to the repair of damages to park buildings and trees resulting from hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017. Work may result in limited street closings in and around the Site.

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.