2009 - USDA Forest Service
2009 - USDA Forest Service
2009 - USDA Forest Service
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January <strong>2009</strong> Interpretation and Conservation Education Master Plan<br />
BACKGROUND<br />
Existing Conditions<br />
Islanders and visitors to Puerto Rico enjoy our many open-space<br />
recreational venues. Our forests, beaches and scenic views form an unbeatable<br />
combination of visitor attractions. Open spaces also play a<br />
significant role in our every day lives; our forests help to regulate our<br />
climate, clean our air, and provide an unending source of clean water.<br />
Periodic tropical storms provide a service by rejuvenating the <strong>Forest</strong>’s<br />
trees, plants and soils.<br />
By providing conservation education and interpretation services,<br />
sustainable management and its benefits are highlighted both within the<br />
forest and across its boundaries.<br />
A variety of experiences are possible on the El Yunque National <strong>Forest</strong>.<br />
With an extensive recreational area to explore, visitors can experience firsthand<br />
the wonders of a biodiverse tropical ecosystem with a fascinating<br />
historical heritage. One of the oldest forest reserves (1876) in the western<br />
hemisphere it contains a wealth of native and endemic plant and animal<br />
species and a huge treasure trove of tropical and migratory birds. It is home<br />
to the sole native parrot species remaining in the United States and its<br />
territories and it is the only tropical rain forest in the US National <strong>Forest</strong><br />
System. Despite its small size it boasts more species variety than any<br />
temperate forest in the US National <strong>Forest</strong> system. Considered together,<br />
these attractive and exciting attributes make the El Yunque National <strong>Forest</strong><br />
a consistent drawing card for islanders and off-island visitors alike.<br />
Recent studies document that children are avoiding outdoor experiences<br />
and gravitating toward a virtual indoor reality. This disconnect from nature<br />
has serious long-term implications for the cognitive, physical, social and<br />
emotional well being of our children. It suggests potential difficulties in<br />
public land stewardship as well; this disconnect from nature may make<br />
professional careers in conservation and public resource management less<br />
attractive in the future.<br />
More Kids in the Woods is a <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Service</strong> program that the El Yunque NF<br />
both supports and advocates. We believe that it helps address the troubling<br />
decline in the mental and physical health of our children. Hopefully, this<br />
program will inspire our youth to become our future conservation leaders,<br />
who will in turn promote and perpetuate the critical role forests play in<br />
preserving our quality of life.<br />
9 El Yunque National <strong>Forest</strong><br />
Mt. Britton Tower