News Articles

Thursday, October 1, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DPNR ANNOUNCES 2026 “I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON” STUDENT ART FOR ACTIVISM CHALLENGE Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is pleased to announce the launch of the annual 2026 “I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON” Challenge, hosted by the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in collaboration with the Department of Education – Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Educat

GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES --------0-------- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES DPNR ACQUIRES 293 ACRES AT GREAT POND TO PROTECT ST. CROIX’S SOUTH SHORE Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 293 acres of land along the South Shore of St. Croix on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands. The acquisition includes Remainder Parcel No.

--------------- Friday, September 18, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DPNR ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TO ALTONA LAGOON BOATING ACCESS DOCK Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that renovation work is underway at the Altona Lagoon Boating Access Dock in Christiansted, St. Croix, as part of the department's ongoing efforts to improve public boating access facilities throughout the territory. The Department's Divis

GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES --------0-------- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES Office of the Commissioner Monday, September 14, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BOATING INCIDENT REPORTED DURING FUN RUN MARINE EVENT St. Croix - Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources is notifying the public of a vessel-related incident that occurred on Sunday, September 13, 2026, shortly before 2:00 p.m. dur

M.A. Dworkin Washington, DC - Coral reefs are living infrastructure. They shelter coastlines, support fisheries, draw visitors, and hold cultural meaning across island communities. On September 2, 2026, those connections were front and center in Washington, DC, as the 52nd U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting brought federal, state, territorial, and island partners together to focus on reef protection at a critical moment. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, known

DPNR ISSUES HURRICANE PREPARATION GUIDANCE FOR CONTRACTORS, DEVELOPERS, AND HOMEOWNERS Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is urging residents, contractors, developers, and homeowners to take the necessary precautions and begin storm preparations ahead of the approach of Tropical Storm Dolly. Guidance for Contractors, Developers, and Home Builders DPNR is also advising all contractors, developers, and home builder

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

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

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 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

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

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.