News Release

National Park Service Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Anchoring Permit Fee

Date: August 24, 2023
Contact: Gabriel Laurencin, Chief Ranger, [phone]

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – The National Park Service (NPS) is extending the public comment period by two weeks for the proposed Buck Island Reef National Monument anchoring permit fee. The public comment period will now close September 6, 2023.

For decades the National Park Service administered anchoring permits for Buck Island Reef National Monument. In efforts to modernize the anchoring permit application and permitting process, the National Park Service plans to move the process to an online platform and implement a fee. Visitors will be able to apply online and receive their permit by email. This will result in a major improvement to the accessibility of the permits compared to the current process requiring visitors to apply and pick up their permits in-person during regular business hours.

Proposed fees will be based off vessel length and whether the applicant would like a 7-day permit or an annual permit to anchor at Buck Island. The NPS is also seeking comment on fee based overnight anchoring.

The revenue will increase the park's ability to perform conservation of the resources at Buck Island Reef National Monument.  This includes the sea-turtle nesting program, treatment of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, and monitor the populations of multiple terrestrial and marine species.

The proposed permit fee will allow the National Park Service to invest in improvements to provide the best possible experience for visitors. Some of those expanded experiences and opportunities include overnight anchoring, the re-development of Park-led tours, maintenance of safety and navigation buoys, maintenance of the existing comfort stations and grills, and improved signage.

Where to submit your comments?
Email: e-mail us
Mail: 2100 Church St #100 Christiansted VI 00820
Phone: [phone], Tuesday and Thursday 9:30AM -11:30AM
Please Note: Comments via phone will only be accepted during the open comment periods listed above.

Each visitor holds an important role in the management of Buck Island Reef National Monument. Visitors’ comments contribute to the planning and decision making of the National Park Service. The public’s opinion on proposed actions helps ensure that these actions are consistent with the National Park Service mission, enabling legislation, and other relevant laws and policies.

Any comment can make a difference.What difference does your comment make?

After reviewing the comments made, the National Park Service may

• Consider alternative approaches and ideas for accomplishing goals
• Consider the range of environmental and socioeconomic issues that need to be evaluated
• Consider potential projects that might affect or be affected by this project
• Identify information that needs to be considered (such as related research) and why
• Identify information on how visitors use the park and how the project might affect that use

For a full chart breaking down the fees by vessel length, please visit the National Park Service website and original news release from July 19, 2023 at https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/news/national-park-service-seeks-public-comment-on-proposed-anchoring-permit-fee.htm

Thank you all, and we look forward to hearing from you.