Author: Teresa (66.50.189.---)
Date: 05-13-05 12:56
Hi Peter. All kidding aside, to address some people's concerns....... I don't know of anyone that wants to keep people out of anywhere in that area except for the land behind the gate with the buildings because it is not yet safe for the public. All the surrounding area is owned by private individuals, so access to their land is their call. The land (68 acres and the buildings) behind the gate was owned by the Navy till a few weeks ago, now it has been transferred to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and we plan to turn it into a passive recreation/education area with a couple of trails. The Navy never did a full contaminants study up there, therefore the buildings were never leasable or the lands able to be used. There is asbestos and lead paint and dangerous loose railings, etc. We cannot open an area to the public unless it is safe. We contracted a company to do a contaminants study right off the bat and hope to get those results soon. We plan to make the area open to the public, that has always been our goal. Now that the refuge is the caretaker it can move forward. So, we will work with the community, the Culebra Foundation, other citizens' groups, agencies, and the Municipal Government to spiff it up that we ask for your support. It will take money and time, of course, but we are committed to making it happen even with the budget problems as they are. It will be a very positive endeavor, I'm excited about it, especially now that we can really do something now to give back to the island through this project. We are asking for support and to work with the community to develop a plan that people will like and benefit from. If anyone has any suggestions for use of the area then we would be happy to hear them. An article in the next Culebra Calendar will be asking for the public's input.
Also I am really sorry that we have to keep some areas closed but please know that we do that for your safety and the benefit of the resources. We don't want people going into dangerous areas, it is not in your best interest. There really are live bombs on the peninsula and the cays. Thanks for your comments, please let us know if you have any comments or ideas at any time. Emails can be sent to Teresa_Tallevast@fws.gov. Thanks
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