A year-long project has been initiated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources to develop management plans and restoration designs for six east end watersheds on St Croix, including: Great Pond Bay, Southgate, Solitude, Madam Carty, Teague Bay and Turner Hole.
The purpose is to identify opportunities to reduce pollutant loads from storm-water runoff and other discharges that contribute to impaired, water-quality conditions. Management strategies will be developed based on previous planning efforts; field observations; and input from local residents, businesses and agency staff. Engineering designs will be developed for priority projects.
The first of a number of public meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation’s Multi-Purpose Center at D.C. Canegata Ball Park. Residents and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the project, the schedule and various opportunities for public input. Additional public meetings will be scheduled early in 2011.
More information can be found at horsleywitten.com/stx-east-end-watersheds/index.html, or by contacting Paige Rothenberger at 718-EEMP (3367) or Anne Kitchell at (508) 833-6600.