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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesV.I. NEEDS A TERRITORIAL PARK SYSTEM

V.I. NEEDS A TERRITORIAL PARK SYSTEM

Dear Source,
The citizens of St. Thomas are fast becoming land locked with few options of beach recreation and open spaces. Out of our 44 beaches on this island, I can count on one hand the number of public accessible, hindrance-free locations. This points to how very little beach inventory and public access from the public roads to the beach is controlled by the government of the Virgin Islands.
I have learned that only 1 percent of our land is used as beachfront areas. We are in the top 10 most densely populated areas in the world, according to Senate testimony. Is it not past time to plan for development and conservation?
Magens Bay is run by a very capable board and overseen by the government. Magens, however, is over-saturated with beachgoers and must work exceedingly hard to keep up with the demand. They do a fantastic job, but why not ease the burden on one popular beach?
I ask our leaders for your commitment to implement a territorial park system and management plan. This once again points to a need to implement a comprehensive land and water use plan that is realistic for today’s demands. With a territorial park system and management plan in place as a first step, I can see areas of this great island protected and cherished for future generations.
Vessup beach should be part of this park system. I credit Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett and his capable staff for taking the lead on St. Croix in this regard. Recently, DPNR won the Walter B. Jones Memorial Award for excellence in local government from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA, which makes such awards annually, cited the territory's proposed marine park system as part of an overall commitment to conservation and coral reef management. The federal government in part funded this NOAA award by some $200,000.
By using this tool we can decide how we will protect coastal areas from public use and designate other areas for recreational use. Those protected areas include submerged lands, wetlands, salt ponds and coastal ecosystems. I can envision the remaining areas set aside for recreational use enhanced with boardwalks, showers and restrooms, signs and improved means of entry and exit for citizens and visitors alike.
The Magens Bay Authority has set the example of how this can be done and was in fact asked to create such a park for Lindquist Beach. However because of surrounding funding and legal issues this was put on hold, and it might be turned over to another agency instead.
But to do all of this we need the commitment from all our leaders and public input. That is why I thank the members of Senate Planning and Environmental Protection Committee for holding such a public hearing on March 15. Just by looking over the sheer number of civic and neighborhood organizations — over one hundred — gathered here that night shows that there is a genuine concern to protect our coastal resources.
There also is an urgent need for the community to take care of and respect our beaches. It should not be the government’s responsibility to clean up after us. If we truly believe that beaches are worth fighting for, let us be more respectful and responsible not only for the land but the coastal and marine life which sustains us physically and spiritually.
I go to the beach to refresh myself from the daily chores of living and to enjoy nature that God has provided us all. Please, let us respect this gift. When all the legal hurtles are cleared, I will ask the support of this community to help clean Vessup and other popular beaches.
In the past I have helped clean up Hull Bay with the Northside Civic Organization, and we will continue to do so. E.A.S.T. and other groups have also cleaned our precious coastlines. I hope this continued action will send a strong message to the world that we believe coastal areas are worth protecting, preserving and enjoying, not only for ourselves but also for our future generations. This is the same reason visitors come to the Virgin Islands, enjoy our beaches and spend their money. A balance is needed between conservation and development.
I would like to know what funding source would be used for the purchase of such coastal areas? I have been told that the interest earned on our debt service reserves might be earmarked for the purchase of Vessup. Can this be done without affecting our commitment to our bondholders? Eminent domain and condemnation also might be used. It would be reasonable to use the Land Bank Fund for such a venture if the opportunity exists.
Senators you have the power of the purse strings of government. Use that power. But do not abuse it. I found out that there is currently no funding in the Land Bank Fund for this acquisition because once again it has been over-appropriated.
Do you senators truly have accurate and factual balances from the Department of Finance for all the funds for the government of the Virgin Islands? If not, demand them and take legal action if necessary. I do not believe this request is considered a violation of the separation of powers doctrine. How are they supposed to make valid decisions without a true picture of our finances?
In conclusion, I hope that we can secure the funding for the purchase Vessup and that we cherish this and other beaches on this beautiful island. Provide the funding for government-owned access roads from the public highway to the beach so that the issue of property rights and ownership will not stop citizens from enjoying most, if not all 44, public beaches.
A setback of 500 feet should also be considered in exchange of taxes for current owners at fair market value for beachfront property. A piecemeal approach to development and conservation exists now and all the stakeholders must come to the table and decide on a true land and water use plan.
Jason Budsan
St. Thomas

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