Let me be one of the first to welcome you to Virgin Islands National Park and Biosphere Reserve. During your visit, we hope you will learn more about what makes this park one of America's "crown jewels" a real showcase for some of the nation's finest historical, cultural and natural wonders. As is the case throughout the National Park System, we face the increasing challenge of properly balancing the task of preserving park resources while still providing public access to them. Increasing visitation and its effect on the park's aging infrastructure has required us to seek "partner-ship" assistance where available in order to upgrade facilities such as those at Trunk Bay and elsewhere. With your support, understanding, and sensitivity to the park's extreme fragility, we can keep it a treasured place for many generations to come.
As a Biosphere Reserve, Virgin Islands National Park provides a model for protected areas throughout the Caribbean. This area is becoming valuable internationally for long-term research on tropical reserves. The park also helps preserve the vestiges of the island's rich cultural heritage, from the sugar mill ruins to the traditional stories and crafts of native St. Johnians.
The VI National Park News is designed to orient you to
the park and its programs. It also describes some of the projects we're involved with to help
preserve the area for future generations. While we know that there is a lot to do and see on
St. John, we encourage you to extend your visit to the park's St. Croix locations Christiansted
National Historic Site, Buck Is-land National Monument, and our latest addition, Salt River
Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve.We know you will find the Virgin Islands National Park sites to rank highly among the most beautiful spots on the.cgianet But, before you step out to enjoy the park,.cgiease take time to learn how to visit it "lightly" so it remains unspoiled for those who follow you.
And of course, our park rangers and other staff members can provide invaluable information.
Be careful and ENJOY
Francis A Peltier
Park Superintendent