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USDA to invest US$1M to improve access to El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico; investing in forest aims to promote visitation, recreation, economic development, which can be maximized through collaborations with public and private sectors

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico , January 9, 2023 (press release) –

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest one million dollars to improve access to El Yunque National Forest.

This investment is part of the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to ensuring rural communities have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they need to grow and thrive.

"El Yunque is a special place for Puerto Ricans, and USDA is committed to investing in the forest to promote visitation, recreation and economic development, results that, in turn, can be maximized through collaborations and partnerships with the public and private sectors," said Secretary Vilsack.

"Improving equitable access means visitors can experience this amazing place and support the island's rural economies at the same time."

People visit El Yunque to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear waters, and outdoor recreation opportunities. El Yunque receives approximately 1.2 million visitors a year, which represents 20% of Puerto Rico's tourism economy. Traffic congestion in El Yunque has been a challenge for the past 80 years. This is because more than 3,000 cars try to enter daily the main recreational areas of the forest, in Rio Grande, which, barely, have a parking capacity for 300 vehicles.

"El Yunque is one of the most unique forests on the planet, and it is up to us to ensure its access for recreation and enjoyment for all," said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "This investment reflects our agency's values, and demonstrates our commitment to El Yunque National Forest, our neighboring communities and those who visit this special place."

In December, USDA kicked off this effort with a $250,000 investment to develop a transit master plan to improve the visitor experience. Those in charge of this project visualize a parking and public transport system inside the forest in order to increase the number of people who can enjoy El Yunque. The million dollars announced today is an additional investment, yet an invitation to public, private and nonprofit entities to join the Forest Service and lay the groundwork to turn this vision into reality.

Today's announcement builds on historic collaboration with Puerto Rico's communities, nonprofits, and the private sector. This includes the Department of Transportation and Public Works, which conducted the evaluation of vehicular circulation in and around El Yunque.

"Everyone has come together to enrich the lives of the people and communities connected to this forest," said El Yunque National Forest Supervisor Keenan Adams.

These joint efforts between the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service and Puerto Rico lay the foundation for increased collaboration, including opportunities for co-management. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative work in addressing urgent land management challenges. Through shared management, the Forest Service collaborates with outside agencies to find solutions and explore opportunities that transcend jurisdictional boundaries. This collaborative approach to land management stems from a long history of partnerships aimed at managing the nation's forests and grasslands.

About El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is one of Puerto Rico's icons. It is considered a sacred place in Puerto Rican culture. In addition, it is the only tropical forest within the national forest system.

El Yunque is one of the most biologically diverse forests in our nation. In fact, it is home to the same number of tree species found on the 192 million acres of the rest of the national forests, with approximately 250 different types of trees, on less than 30,000 acres. It was designated as a national forest in 1876 to protect watersheds; the forest is the source of 20% of Puerto Rico's drinking water.

The Portal of El Yunque 

El Portal de El Yunque is the National Forest's visitor center — a center for interpretation and educational services. It is co-managed by three allied organizations: Vitrina Solidaria, Fundación Amigos de El Yunque and Eastern National. These organizations provide leadership in their programs, while promoting the mission of the Forest Service within a sustainable economic development perspective. The Portal offers an arts program that highlights the connection between humans and nature, a dealership that sells local products, a co-working space, and an event pavilion for visitors and community members. It also has a theater where a film is shown that presents the unique aspects of the forest, its ecosystems and historical background.

The 40,000-square-foot facility reopened last year after being closed to the public for nearly four years due to damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For more information about El Portal de El Yunque visit: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/elyunque/recarea/?recid=43379 

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