The Friends of the St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP) announces a benefit event featuring stand up paddle boarding. It will take place on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the St. Croix Yacht Club. All proceeds from the event will be put directly toward achieving the mission of the STXEEMP.
The east end of St. Croix has long been acknowledged as an ecologically and culturally important area. Beginning in 1960, the land and sea portions of its east end have been identified as a nature preserve area of particular concern, a significant natural area, a marine reserve and an early component of a territorial park system. In 2003, after decades of effort and public-private collaboration, the territory’s first multiple-use marine park was established. STXEEMP incorporates portions of four APCs, encompasses an area of approximately 60 nautical miles, two with 17 miles of shoreline, and hosts a diverse variety of unique marine habitats and marine organisms. Its mission is to manage these resources for current and future generations.
The STXEEMP is managed by DPNR’s Division of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Rules and regulations for the park were promulgated by Governor John P. deJongh in September of 2007. Park programs include biological monitoring of park resources as well as a robust public outreach program that includes classroom presentations, bayside walking and snorkel tours, and the mobile ECO-Van.
In order to assist the park in fulfilling its mission of resource protection, the Friends of the St. Croix East End Marine Park was formed. The Friends are a network of volunteers and supporters dedicated to the protection and preservation of the marine park. The Friends volunteer their time on park projects and/or donate funds to help support park programs and projects, promote the responsible enjoyment of this unique natural treasure, and provide a valuable link to our community.
Commonly known as “SUP,” stand up paddling is a relatively new, fun and safe water sport that combines a surf board look-a-like and a paddle. It challenges a person’s balance and endurance. SUP is an easy and fast-growing sport worldwide. With a growing USVI community of SUP-ers, the sports’ low environmental impact and ease of learning, this is an ideal event to introduce to the St. Croix community and a sport consistent with the management goals of the park.
The marine park and its resources benefit St. Croix and the USVI community, and they need public support. The community is linked to the water through recreation, tourism and fishing. All are invited to take part in the Stand Up Paddle for the St. Croix East End Marine Park. With elite, open and kid’s stand up paddle races, the event is suitable for everyone. There will be live music, raffle prizes, the ECO-Van, stand up paddle boarding and other fun activities. Event proceeds go to supporting and expanding existing park programs and ensuring the proper management of the resources within the park.
Visit www.friendsofstxeemp.org or contact Marija Micuda at 718-3367 for more information.
