The last in a series of Maho Bay land sales from the Trust for Public Land to the National Park Service wrapped up last week, the Trust announced Wednesday in a press release. The 74 acres turned over to the park for $2.5 million includes the popular Maho Bay Beach, which sits within V.I. National Park.
“The beach and hillside at Maho may well be paradise and can now be enjoyed by everyone who comes to this wonderful American park,” Trust President Will Rogers said.
Park Superintendent Brion FitzGerald called Maho one of the best beaches on St. John and a significant piece of the island’s natural and cultural history.
“It is wonderful that it will be available for park visitors,” FitzGerald said.
The trust bought 225 acres of land at Maho Bay in 2006, selling it in stages starting in 2009 to the Park Service. The trust acted as a middleman until Park Service funding became available. The money came from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“I am glad that this very beautiful beach and the surrounding natural resources will be preserved for Virgin Islanders and visitors alike,” Delegate Donna M. Christensen said in the press release.
The 225 acres bought by the trust does not include the land where Maho Bay Camps sat. The campground closed in May after owner Stanley Selengut’s lease with the Giri-Giri Corp. ran out.