Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the acquisition of 2,469 acres at Maroon Ridge and Annaly Bay on St Croix, marking one of the largest land purchases in the territory’s history.
The $17.5 million acquisition, finalized on August 15, was funded through the United States Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Inflation Reduction Act. The land will expand the Territorial Parks System and be managed by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas.
“This investment is about conservation and about honoring the struggles of those who came before us,” Bryan said. “It ensures that future generations of Virgin Islanders will have access to lands that tell our story, reflect our heritage and strengthen our pride.”
Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol noted that the purchase reflects the administration’s focus on environmental protection. “Governor Bryan made expansion of our parks system a priority, and this purchase delivers on that vision,” Oriol said.
Maroon Ridge.
Kristina “Kitty” Edwards, director of the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, called the announcement the culmination of years of advocacy by residents. “Virgin Islanders fought for years to see these lands protected,” Edwards said. “Today is a victory for them and for everyone who values our natural and cultural heritage.”
Melissa Hill, United States Virgin Islands and Florida project manager for the Trust for Public Land, said collaboration was central to finalizing the deal. “TPL is proud to have worked alongside the administration to ensure this extraordinary property is preserved as a Territorial Park,” Hill said.
The acquisition was made under Legislative Act 8609, which directs the government to identify and conserve historically and culturally significant sites. Officials said the purchase sets a precedent for large-scale preservation while underscoring the Bryan administration’s commitment to conservation, heritage, and public access.
William-José Vélez González is a native from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and a graduate from Florida International University in biomedical engineering, engineering management, and international relations. A designer with a strong interest in science, policy, and innovation, he previously served as the national executive vice president of the Puerto Rico Statehood Students Association. William-José lives in Washington, DC, where he works at the Children's National Research Institute and runs Opsin, a nonprofit design studio dedicated to making design more accessible. You can see him on Love is Blind as Lydia's brother. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of Pasquines.
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