National Park

Data will be collected using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly referred to as drones. The collected data will contribute to several research projects.

On Feb. 22, Scott Simmons began a six-month assignment as deputy superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the next phase of environmental assessments at Caneel Bay being conducted by the National Park Service.

The assessment will identify the nature and extent of possible environmental contamination on the property, which is an important next step in determining the future of the resort.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett are working with the National Park Service to make available additional resources to ensure the safety of visitors to the Buck Island Reef National Monument in light of recent incidents on the island located just off St. Croix.

The National Park Service makes a statement about Buck Island Reef National Monument incident when rangers responded to a brawl and gunfire.

In 2021, the park will continue with hurricane Irma and Maria recovery efforts throughout the park on St. John as well as at Red Hook, St. Thomas.

The U.S. Department of the Interior and EHI Acquisitions LLC (EHI is an affiliate of CBI Acquisitions LLC, which is the current operator of Caneel Bay Resort), announced Wednesday that they have  reached an  understanding  to move forward with negotiations toward a long-term lease for  Caneel  Bay Resort

Beginning on Friday, Oct. 23, Virgin Islands National Park will reopen access to the Cruz Bay Visitor Center.

All boaters should begin to make necessary preparations as the remainder of the 2020 Hurricane Season begins to intensify. In the event of a tropical system, boaters are advised to plan or relocate to the following havens.

In preparation for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone 9, Christiansted National Historical Monument (CHRI), Buck Island Reef National Monument (BUIS), and Salt River Bay NHP&EP (SARI) are securing all park buildings and facilities on July29 prior to the storm’s arrival.

Weddings may be held at Peace Hill and Annaberg (40 persons maximum) and at Trunk Bay and other park beaches and pavilions (50 persons maximum). Picnics, BBQs and other gatherings may also be held at these beach locations.

The National Park Service is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Local nurse Kathleen Arnold Lewis mobilized a beautification initiative accompanied by a group of volunteers, including her daughter, son and family friends.

Virgin Islands National Park on St. John has expanded its water quality testing program to assess fecal coliform bacteria within key boat mooring areas of the park and within Hurricane Hole in V.I. Coral Reef National Monument.

Virgin Islands National Park is expanding a water quality testing program to assess fecal coliform bacteria within key boat mooring areas.

On Friday, April 18, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced plans to reopen the territory’s beaches on Monday, April 20, and the park is making similar steps in opening some of its recreational services beginning Tuesday, April 21.

The Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, territorial and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Beginning April 10, the park will resume mooring fee collection in order to help boaters during the territorial stay-at-home order. The V.I. Government requires all boaters to complete the one-page health screening form.

According to the park superintendent, the safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, neighbors and partners is the number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, territorial and local authorities to closely monitor COVID-19.