News Articles

DPNR Buys Mt. Welcome Plot Expands Altona Lagoon

M.A. Dworkin St. Croix - Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has announced the acquisition of Parcel 59 Mt. Welcome on St. Croix, securing 4.77 acres of shoreline property along Altona Lagoon for the people of the Virgin Islands. The newly acquired property, located adjacent to the popular Altona Lagoon community park in Christiansted, will help expand public access to one of St. Croix’s most treasured natural ar

VI Trail Opens New Pathway Through Maroon Park

M.A. Dworkin ST. Croix - The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance is thrilled to announce the completion and opening of the first new segment of pathway through the Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park, St. Croix. This new one-mile segment stretches from the island’s highest peak, Mount Eagle, descending to Scenic Road, just East of the top of the Beast. This connects with existing dirt roads and traditional trails to create a 3-mile loop. The VI Trail Alliance has been working

DPNR Launches Life Jacket Loaner Program

Axel Dash USVI - In observance of National Boating Week, May 16 - May 22, 2026, Commissioner Jean Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is announcing the launch of a new Life Jacket Loaner Program through the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), aimed at increasing access to safe recreational boating throughout the USVI. The program will help both adults and children participate in boating activities who may not otherwise have acces

DPNR Coral Reef Week

DPNR ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL VIRGIN ISLANDS CORAL REEF WEEK Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is pleased to announce that the Division of Coastal Zone Management will host the Third Annual Virgin Islands Coral Reef Week from April 12–19, 2026. This weeklong celebration invites the St. Croix community to enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly events designed to highlight the importance of the Territory’s vibrant

DLCA Launches New Pricing Tools for Consumers

A.J. Pike USVI - Following a directive by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to prioritize cost-of-living relief, Commissioner Nathalie Hodge of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) announced the launch of the 2026 Comprehensive Pricing & Inflation Report, a data-driven initiative designed to empower consumers through transparency, promote competition, and provide immediate tools to navigate rising market costs. This new initiative is highlighted by Territori

Historic Fire Burn Queen Statue Stolen

M.A. Dworkin St. Croix - The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) through the Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums, is alerting the public to the confirmed theft of one of the three Fire Burn Queens - a mahogany crafted statue - from the North Art Gallery at the Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The Department reported the theft to the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) on February 24, 2026, and an investigation is currently underway.

Historic Districts Guide Updated

St. Croix Times Staff USVI - The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission (VIHPC), is pleased to announce the release of its newly updated Historic Districts Guide, now accessible to the public through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources website at dpnr.vi.gov. This refreshed Guide provides clear, user-friendly direction for property owners

Sharks of the U.S. Virgin Islands - Common Sightings

Precautions: • Avoid swimming at dusk and dawn. • Always swim with a buddy. • Swim in clear, calm water. • Follow local swim guidelines and lifeguards. • Don't feed sharks while snorkeling or diving. If sighted: • Remain calm making no sudden movements. • Keep eye contact with the shark while floating or swimming backwards. • Exit the water. If you witness an accident: • Exit the water and call 911. • Assist the victim out of the water if safe. Apply pressure to their wound.

Seasonal Fishing Closures

St. Croix Times Staff USVI - Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) reminds the public of the annual 3-month seasonal closure for the following Snapper species: Black Snapper (Apsilus dentatus) Silk Snapper (Lutjanus vivanus) Vermillion Snapper (Rhomboplites) Blackfin Snapper (Lutjanus buccanella) As mandated by 50 CFR 622.435(A)(1)(iii) and Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations (V.I.R.R.), Title 12, Chapter 9A 316-13 $ 31