TEAGUE BAY — Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Coastal Zone Management in collaboration with Friends of the St. Croix East End Marine Park will host an educational session of Astronomy by the Sea on Saturday, October 9th at Estate Great Pond Park (location of old Camp Arawak) […]
Tag: Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)
Commercial Fishermen, Senator Blindsided By End To 20-Year License Moratorium
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — In a surprise move, DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol suddenly lifted a 20-year-old moratorium on new commercial fishing licenses, leaving fishers stunned and concerned that federal regulators could cut seasons short or restrict fishing grounds altogether if annual catch limits are exceeded. “DPNR is excited about lifting the moratorium and creating more economic […]
2 Beaches To Avoid This Weekend, While 7 Beaches Were Not Tested: DPNR
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Two beaches on two islands failed water quality resting and should be avoided this weekend, Water Bay on St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on St. John exceeded “the established Enterococci Bacteria threshold and therefore are not considered to be safe for swimming or fishing,” DPNR said today. Seven beaches on three islands […]
DPNR St. Thomas Closes Today For Relocation; Will Re-Open Next Wednesday
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources alerts the community that DPNR offices on St. Thomas located at the Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library will be closed to the public next week from today to Wednesday, September 8th to facilitate the department’s relocation. “Staff are still expected to […]
DPNR, Friends Of East End Marine Park To Host Coral Nursery Tour @ Cramers Park
TEAGUE BAY — Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Coastal Zone Management in collaboration with Friends of the St. Croix East-End Marine Park will host an educational snorkel tour to the East End Marine Park’s Demonstration Coral Nursery Site at Cramer’s Park on Friday, […]
DPNR Interns Learn First-Hand The Effects Of Global Warming On St. Croix Corals
TEAGUE BAY — in addition to investing in our natural resources, DPNR also invests in the next generation of Virgin Islanders who will inherit and care for our resources. In 2021, the East End Marine Park had two undergraduate students collect information about restored corals at the Park’s demonstration restoration site at Cramer’s Park. The […]
Popular Beach Near Marriott Hotel On Turquoise Bay Fails Bacteria Testing
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The beach closest to one of the most popular hotels on St. Thomas has failed water quality testing this week, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said today. Bluebeard’s Beach, which is located in Turquoise Bay on the east end of St. Thomas, next to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at GPS coordinates […]
Town Hall Meeting On Long Point Watershed In St. Thomas Is Tonight
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — For the past several months a team of scientists, engineers, researchers and stormwater related experts have been surveying and collecting data as part of a USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) project to assess eight high priority watersheds of concern. On St. Thomas, the specific watersheds include the Bolongo, Charlotte […]
First Lady Yolanda Bryan Is Guest Reader For Story Time On Wheels Tomorrow
CHRISTIANSTED — Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said that the St. Croix Bookmobile will be parked in front of Government House on Thursday, June 24th at 10 a.m. for STORY TIME HOUR ON WHEELS with this weeks’ guest reader, First Lady Yolanda Bryan. The community is also reminded […]
Conch Season Might Be Over In The USVI, But Keeping It Sustainable Is A Daily Job
SAN JUAN — In the Caribbean Sea, queen conch farming is improving ocean health and supporting livelihoods. The iconic shellfish (Aliger gigas, formerly Strombus gigas), prized for its edible meat and glossy shell, is a vital part of the culture and economy of the Caribbean. But overfishing, habitat degradation and hurricane damage have led to declining […]