News Release

Buck Island Reef National Monument Anchoring Reopened

Date: July 23, 2020
Contact: Gregory Camacho, 340-773-1460 ext. 222

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – Buck Island Reef National Monument: Beginning Thursday July 23, 2020 the temporary restriction for anchoring will be lifted and the public will once again be allowed to anchor by approved permit issued from the Superintendent under the authority provided in 36 CFR §1.5 and as per 36 CFR §7.73 Special Regulations. 

This temporary restriction was in response to the park having scheduled maintenance repairs around both the anchoring and moorings areas. This temporary closure helped mitigate the risks of park employees and/or contractors from potential hazards and provided a safe working area while divers and staff were mapping, marking GPS points and installing new marker buoys for the anchoring area. 

We encourage people who choose to visit Buck Island Reef National Monument during this pandemic to continue to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Territorial and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. #RecreateResponsibly.

More information regarding anchoring being prohibited, with the exception for emergency or authorized administrative purposes or if a valid park permit is issued, can be found in Presidential Proclamations 3443, 4346, and 7392. 

We thank everyone for their understanding and patience during these repairs, and we appreciate your cooperation. For questions please contact Supervisory Park Ranger Gabriel Laurencin, [phone], x 234 or 247 or Park Superintendent Gregory Camacho at [phone], x 222.

Please visit Buck Island Reef’s webpage for current conditions and updates.