In Puerto Rico, virtually all coastal areas are reported as threatened by
development and the marine pollution it causes. In Rincon, Puerto Rico
pristine undeveloped coastlines such as the Tres Palmas/Domes area are a
primary attraction for thousands of tourists who visit the area every year
to surf, snorkel, and enjoy the ocean.
However, the undeveloped land, unpolluted beaches, clear waters and thriving
reefs of this area are endangered by proposed development projects that
involve the urbanization and/or the construction of high rise cement
buildings.
In early 2001, a coalition of local and national environmental groups met to
protect these unique resources. The coalition is proposing the creation of a
Nature Reserve, which would preserve the 262 acres of land that stretches
from the Tres Palmas/Steps beach in Bo. Ensenada, Rincon to the lands owned
by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority in Bo. Puntas, Rincon.
A Coastal Reserve would prevent the kind of development that would destroy
the coastal and marine resources that make this area an attraction for local
residents and tourists alike.
Please sign this petition as soon as possible
and help us save this pristine area from destructive resort developments.
Attention: Rincon Quality of Life Coalition:
I support your request that the Tres Palmas through Domes coastal area in
Rincon, Puerto Rico be protected from massive pending development by
establishing a Nature Reserve (equivalent to a Commonwealth Coastal Park).
This region of northwest Puerto Rico harbors precious natural and community
resources.
This coastline has some of the finest elkhorn coral reefs in the region
(candidate for the endangered species list), sea turtle nesting sites,
humpback whale mating grounds, pristine beaches and valleys, and some of the
best surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. This area is treasured by thousands of
locals with deep ties to the coastal land and water, and surfing and
non-surfing tourists who help fuel the local economy. This coastline has a
far greater value for Puerto Rico as a protected area.
I support the protection of this treasure of the northern Caribbean and
support the various local and Commonwealth efforts to create a Nature
Reserve in Rincon.
