Buck Island Reef National Monument Launches Trail Restoration Project

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands - Buck Island Reef National Monument has begun restoration of the island's only land-based hiking trail. Supported by President Donald J. Trump's Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund,[GA1] the project will rehabilitate the 1.8-mile Buck Island Trail, a critical visitor access route in the remote marine national monument. Crews have c[AG2][BB3] onducted trail maintenance, cleared overgrown vegetation, installed and repaired erosion-control features, and will replace aging signage to improve safety and visitor experience on the trail. "This project embodies our mission to protect and maintain nationally significant public lands for the American people," said Angelita Alvino, superintendent of Buck Island Reef National Monument.The effort is part of the National Park Service's contribution to the nation's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While Buck Island is far from Revolutionary battlefields, it symbolizes the expanding reach and stewardship responsibility of the United States.The project brought together park staff and a GAOA-funded Maintenance Action Team, including skilled craftspeople from the Historic Preservation Training Center and young-adult interns from the American Conservation Experience conservation corps. These teams specialize in preserving historic structures, enabling the NPS to complete projects while passing critical trade skills to the next generation. Youth corps participation reinforces national goals for preservation trades, jobs-skills training and civic engagement-central priorities of the NPS. Established by Presidential Proclamation in 1961, Buck Island Reef National Monument was one of the first marine protected areas in the U.S. system and remains a model of integrated land and underwater conservation. The Buck Island Trail begins at either Diedrich Point or the West Beach picnic area. Visitors walking this trail can experience the beach forest, take a side trail for panoramic views of coral reef and cross Buck Island in 45 minutes. nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .

[GA1] Is this the right phrasing?

[AG2]Crews have or will? The project is just beginning.

[BB3]I confirmed with Bridget that this is correct!