Estate Maho Bay, USVI

Photo: Steve Simonsen

Few places on earth match the breathtaking beauty of Maho Bay. Its crystal waters and soft white beaches are rimmed by a lush forested slope rising nearly 1,000 feet. Hundreds of tropical plant species and more than 50 species of tropical birds fill these lands on the island of St. John, at the heart of the American paradise of Virgin Islands National Park. Just offshore are seagrass beds, green turtles and magnificent coral reefs.

The island's natural beauty is part of the story, but there's more - a fascinating historic and archaeological record dating back to the 18th century Danish colonial presence and, long before, to the native Taino people who inhabited the island for 800 years before Columbus.

The Trust for Public Land is helping protect Estate Maho Bay, a spectacular property with more than a quarter-mile of beachfront. Owned by a distinguished island family for more than 100 years, the property will be conveyed to the National Park Service.

Photo: Anne Nelson

Beautiful St. John — Development threatens pristine coastline

St. John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands and the least developed. It has been enjoyed by generations of visitors who have cherished its pristine hills, valleys, beaches and waters. Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, St. John remains a quiet and peaceful place, with little of the commercial activity that characterizes many popular tourist spots.

Photo: Anne Nelson

Creation of the National Park in 1956 preserved more than half the island of St. John, but certain critical coastal areas have remained in private hands. With increasing growth and investment throughout the Caribbean - including places not far from the unspoiled beauty of St. John - these vulnerable lands have become the focus of intense development threat. In recent years, more than one investor has envisioned private development along these shores. If that happened, the unique character of Maho Bay would be lost.

A Conservation Priority — Permanent protection is in reach

To safeguard this treasure, the Trust for Public Land has taken action to buy Estate Maho Bay. The property will be added to Virgin Islands National Park and thus permanently protected from the threat of development. The 415-acre estate will be the largest addition to Virgin Islands National Park since its creation. The once-private property will open to visitors for hiking, bird watching, exploring and peaceful relaxation. Its sparkling beaches and bay waters will be accessible to all.

Photo: Anne Nelson

Estate Maho Bay has been a top conservation priority for TPL, the National Park Service and island residents for many years. TPL has worked more than five years on negotiations to preserve this land. Success is now possible. With help from generous island residents and other friends who love this cherished place, TPL will complete its acquisition in 2007 and prepare to convey Estate Maho Bay to the National Park Service.

For more information, please contact:

John Garrison
The Trust for Public Land
1595 Bay Street SE, Suite 3
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 895-5090
john.garrison@tpl.org

To make a donation, complete the pledge form attached at the bottom of this page or contact:
The Trust for Public Land
Attn: Brenda McClymonds
7900 Red Road, Suite 25
Miami, FL 33143
(305) 667-0409, ext. 12
brenda.mcclymonds@tpl.org

Recent Press Coverage:

October 17, 2006
Trust for Public Lands --A Real Friend
Virgin Island Daily News

Posted 12/2006

FILE ATTACHMENTS:

Pledge Form: Help Save Estate Maho Bay

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