Natural and cultural resources management plan for Buck Island Reef National Monument

National Park Service

Includes environmental assessment, project statements, natural resource needs, and programming sheets. Buck Island Reef National Monument was established through proclamation by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The proclamation identifies the marine resources, mainly the coral reef ecosystem, as the most important resources of the monument by stating, "Buck Island and its adjoining shoals, rocks, and undersea Coral reef formations possess one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea". The coral reef ecosystem is identified, again, in the Statement for Management, as the most important resource as follows: "The primary resource at Buck Island i .s the unique and fragile coral reefs that surround the Island" . The General Management Plan for BUIS also emphasizes the value of the coral reef ecosystem. Although even the most casual visitor recognizes the significance of the coral resources, the island is extremely important since it supports an unique community of flora and fauna. Cultural resources are present on land and in the water. Cultural resources are represented by pre-Columbian and Danishcolonial period archeological sites. The resource management plan outlines a comprehensive program for managing the natural resources and cultural resources of BUIS. Emphasis is placed upon resolving current issues or problems and establishing a comprehensive data base that. will enable management to formulate appropriate decisions in the future.Recommendations for research place highest priority on marine resources, in accordance with the mandates cited earlier in this section. Activities and alternatives found in the project statements are categorically excluded from NEPA (516 DM6, Appendix 7). Any activity will be in compliance with the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Plan prior to implementation. Also, prior to implementation of any activities cited herein, a Biological Assessment of the entire· resource management plan will be obtained from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Public involvement concerning this document will be in compliance with standards of NPS 12 Guideline.