Recently Chairman Bishop has been hard at work with a bill that proposes the transfer of up to 3,100 acres of protected land to private developers.
The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was voted the 4th best national wildlife refuge in the national Refuge System. It is the second largest conservation area in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. This area has been managed by the US Fish and Wildlife where scientific research and documentation has been ongoing. This refuge is home to a plethora of species. From turtle nesting beaches, extensive mangrove forrest, and the only Neotropical forrest of its kind, to 11 species of bats, over 21 lagoons and the stop for migratory birds; Vieques’ natural value is irreplaceable.
We cannot allow the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources to take away this biological wonder that is so necessary for the stability of the biodiversity of the region. Recently the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund listed the Vieques NWR as one of the “Wholly Irreplaceable Sites in the Caribbean Island Hopper”.
The Vieques NWR receives around 250,000 visitors a year. We have to send a clear message to congress to tell them we will not allow them to sneak this bill and allow them to usurp this valuable gem from Vieques.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
May 11, 2016
81 Comments
I oppose the transfer of protected land on Vieques to private developers. The Puerto Rican government has several hundred acres of "grazing land" on Vieques that are no longer in use that could be transfered or sold.
I am displeased with the way our U.S Government can even consider taking land BACK that has been designated for conservation, this is a smack in the face if the local community whom live in poverty and you want to give it to private investors so they may become richer and Puerto Rico can shorten the deficit and Viequesens are still left behind...
i have lived and worked on Vieques 6 years. i am a PADI divemaster and know these efforts to develop this refuge will be detrimental to the varied fragile ecosystems that have survived the US navy exercises and military abuses. i oppose any efforts to deny the people of Vieques the land that belongs to them and their children.
Vieques is not only a paradise, it is the house of many families and children. The National Wildlife Refuge it is one of the most spectacular places in Vieques, in where the nature is taking back all the things the Navy destroy. Protect Vieques, the families and the nature!
I was born and raised in Vieques and always had the dream of conserving our natural treasures. The US Congress designated the USFWS to conserve Vieques natural resources in perpetuity in 2001. This was the best decision ever taken. Thank you for it. PLEASE, allow us to do conservation for actual and future generations.
Leaves this land alone.
Parkland should stay parkland...forever!
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Recently Chairman Bishop has been hard at work with a bill that proposes the transfer of up to 3,100 acres of protected land to private developers.
The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was voted the 4th best national wildlife refuge in the national Refuge System. It is the second largest conservation area in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. This area has been managed by the US Fish and Wildlife where scientific research and documentation has been ongoing. This refuge is home to a plethora of species. From turtle nesting beaches, extensive mangrove forrest, and the only Neotropical forrest of its kind, to 11 species of bats, over 21 lagoons and the stop for migratory birds; Vieques’ natural value is irreplaceable.
We cannot allow the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources to take away this biological wonder that is so necessary for the stability of the biodiversity of the region. Recently the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund listed the Vieques NWR as one of the “Wholly Irreplaceable Sites in the Caribbean Island Hopper”.
The Vieques NWR receives around 250,000 visitors a year. We have to send a clear message to congress to tell them we will not allow them to sneak this bill and allow them to usurp this valuable gem from Vieques.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
May 11, 2016
81 Comments
Selling irreplaceable natural resources and destroying habitat that supports endangered species is not a solution to PR s economic woes . If anything it is counterproductive, ecotourism is a sustainable way to boost the economy. Please be forward thinking .
I oppose the transfer of protected land on Vieques to private developers. The Puerto Rican government has several hundred acres of "grazing land" on Vieques that are no longer in use that could be transfered or sold.
I am displeased with the way our U.S Government can even consider taking land BACK that has been designated for conservation, this is a smack in the face if the local community whom live in poverty and you want to give it to private investors so they may become richer and Puerto Rico can shorten the deficit and Viequesens are still left behind...
i have lived and worked on Vieques 6 years. i am a PADI divemaster and know these efforts to develop this refuge will be detrimental to the varied fragile ecosystems that have survived the US navy exercises and military abuses. i oppose any efforts to deny the people of Vieques the land that belongs to them and their children.
Vieques is not only a paradise, it is the house of many families and children. The National Wildlife Refuge it is one of the most spectacular places in Vieques, in where the nature is taking back all the things the Navy destroy. Protect Vieques, the families and the nature!
I was born and raised in Vieques and always had the dream of conserving our natural treasures. The US Congress designated the USFWS to conserve Vieques natural resources in perpetuity in 2001. This was the best decision ever taken. Thank you for it. PLEASE, allow us to do conservation for actual and future generations.
Leaves this land alone.
Parkland should stay parkland...forever!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Selling irreplaceable natural resources and destroying habitat that supports endangered species is not a solution to PR s economic woes . If anything it is counterproductive, ecotourism is a sustainable way to boost the economy. Please be forward thinking .