Number: 2002-02
WHEREAS, Botany Bay is one of the most pristine and largest tract of undeveloped land left on St. Thomas; and
WHEREAS, numerous researchers, scientists, as well as federal and territorial officials, have identified Botany Bay as a rare and unique habitat for federally and locally endangered species, including the Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and Brown Pelican; and
WHEREAS, these turtles return to the same beaches every year to nest; and
WHEREAS, there are six locally endangered species of birds, locally endangered iguanas, and many other rare and threatened birds, plants and animals at Botany Bay; and
WHEREAS, federal law prohibits or limits the alteration of endangered species habitat; and
WHEREAS, Botany Bay is also home to numerous explored and unexplored historic sites, at least two of which are nationally registered; and
WHEREAS, Botany Bay’s coral reefs are among the most pristine remaining under the United States flag wherein researchers have identified diverse and rare forms of marine life; and
WHEREAS, the local government has already rezoned 70 acres for high density resort development; and
WHEREAS, the most recently proposed plans for development include no provisions for the prevention of erosion or storm water runoff onto the coral habitats; and
WHEREAS, Botany Bay is adjacent to offshore cays owned and designated as preserves by the Nature Conservancy and the Virgin Islands Government; and
WHEREAS, millions of primarily U.S. tourists visit St. Thomas by air and by sea each year; and
WHEREAS, the federal government has not yet acted to preserve any lands on this highly developed capitol of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its Annual Meeting assembled March 7-9, 2002 in Stone Mountain, Georgia, join with local officials and citizens in supporting stringent monitoring and enforcement by the federal government of existing laws and regulations related to Botany Bay on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.