2009 - USDA Forest Service

Lepantes eltoroensis
January 2009 Interpretive and Conservation Education Master Plan
The El Toro Wilderness Area is home to the endangered Puerto Rican
Parrot (Amazona Vittata), one of the most vulnerable species listed under
the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Other endangered wildlife species
include the Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned and Broad winged Hawks and the
Puerto Rican Boa. There are also federally listed endangered plants that
grow in the El Toro wilderness, such as the Luquillo Mountain Baby-boot
Orchid (Lepanthes eltoroensis) and the Palo de Jazmín (Styrax
portoricensis) as well as several other rare species.
A wilderness area designation by Congress under the Wilderness Act of
1964 is the greatest protection afforded to federally managed areas. The
act protects some of the most natural and undisturbed places in America,
prohibiting activities such as road construction and the operation of
motorized vehicles, while promoting uses that leave no visible human trace
on the land.
Important features of the El Toro Wilderness Area are:
• It is an undisturbed nature area, and will remain so for future
generations;
• It will be treasured as the only wilderness area on the island;
• It is a habitat for numerous endangered and threatened flora and
fauna species;
• It provides the headwaters for numerous rivers.
• The wilderness area is a very delicate ecosystem which requires
protection to maintain its wilderness character;
• The flora and fauna that is found in the wilderness area are unique
and important elements of the ecosystem;
• Access to the area is limited to two primitive trails, El Toro and Trade
winds Nature Trails.
Who Are We?
The world’s tropical forests form a green belt that extends north and south
from the Equator, covering approximately seven percent of the Earth’s
surface. Within this belt lies the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical
rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. The Forest’s 28,000 acre
size belies its importance; it differs significantly from other U.S. National
Forests because of its year-round tropical climate and immense
biodiversity.
El Yunque National Forest 16