News Articles

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

Delta Jackson Dorsch - A True American Heroine

M.A. Dworkin St. Croix - Transfer day in the U.S. Virgin Islands is celebrated annually on March 31. It marks the formal transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917. It commemorates the end of colonial rule, the lowering of the Danish flag, and the raising of the American flag. Over the last 109 years there have been many heroes and heroines who have graced the Territory stage in the name of freedom, in the name of resilience, in the name of advancement.

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 owner

Modernizing USVI Water Infrastructure Gets Boost From EPA Audit

M.A. Dworkin USVI - The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) acknowledged the findings of the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) audit which began in January 2024 and included an on-site visit to the Territory in April 2024. “We appreciate the OIG‘s work and view the report as an important tool to help strengthen our internal capacity as we manage major federal investments in the Territory’s water infrastructure,” DPNR C

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