Sept. 25, 2007 — A non-profit organization has purchased a quarter mile of major beachfront property that will become part of the biggest expansion of V.I. National park since its creation half a century ago.
The Trust for Public Land bought Estate Maho Bay, which rises to almost 1,000 feet from the beach, according to a news release from the organization issued Tuesday. The site has significant ruins from the Danish colonial era, 1700-1860, and may have pre-Columbian cultural resources from the Taino Indians.
"This is one of the finest beaches in the world, and it is right in the middle of one of our nation's most popular parks," said Greg Chelius, director of TPL's Florida and Caribbean program. "We are excited that it will now be protected for all visitors and locals to enjoy."
The land acquisition has been in the works for years. (See "Deal to Purchase Maho Bay Land Finally Finalized.")
The overall cost of the acquisition is $19 million, Chelius said, according to the release. TPL has a fundraising goal of $35 million for this acquisition, as well as several additional properties within the Maho Bay watershed identified by the national park as priority acquisitions. The total will include an expected $9 million in federal funds and $26 million to be raised from private sources. One anonymous donor has already given $5 million.
The property will be added to the national park as soon as funds become available, Chelius said.
"Protection of this property has been a priority of the National Park Service for many years," said Mark Hardgrove, the park's superintendent. "We couldn't be more excited that it is finally coming to fruition. Many thanks to TPL for this partnership, which is helping to preserve one of the crown jewels of America's park system."
TPL signed a contract in September 2006 to purchase the majority of the 419-acre property, which was owned by 11 heirs of Harvey Monroe Marsh, the release said. The acquisition became final Monday. While the property has not yet been subdivided, TPL now owns a total of seven interests, with the National Park Service owning an additional three. The 11th is being retained by one of the heirs. As part of the agreement, the heirs are also each retaining a six-acre lot, with the ability to build up to two homes.
TPL will retain 18 acres of the property, located away from the beach, and will sell the property for limited development unless funds can be raised privately to help repay a loan covering the cost of the purchase.
"Our goal is to develop as little of the property as possible, so we will be looking to those who love St. John and Maho Bay to help ensure its protection by contributing financially to our effort," Chelius said.
TPL is a national non-profit land-conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and natural areas, "ensuring livable communities for generations to come," the release said. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than two million acres of land in 45 states. Working in Florida since 1975, TPL has protected more than 300 sites — more than 200,000 acres at a market value of more than $500 million.
For more information, contact TPL at (850) 222-7911 or visit its website, tpl.org.
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