ENGAGING THE MISSION:
Through Camp Umoja and ClimateChangeVI.org, civilian monitoring, observation, reporting and guided visitor encounters assist with the conservation of the Mandahl Bay Area of Particular Concern and Area for Preservation and Restoration (APC/APR).
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MANDAHL BAY:
Mandahl Bay beach, salt pond and mangrove lagoon abuts the Atlantic Ocean on the north-east side of the Caribbean island of St. Thomas.
ST. THOMAS:
Populated by 51,634 people, St. Thomas is a 26 square mile island in the United States Territory of the Virgin Islands. The Mandahl Bay Area of Particular Concern and Area for Preservation and Restoration (APC/APR) extends into the Atlantic, reaching the island of Hans Lollick. Hans Lollick lies within the 32 square mile Sub-district of St. Thomas which is made up of more than 30 islands. The St. Thomas Sub-district is part of the District of St. Thomas-St. John that incorporates over 40 islands.
ECO-SYSTEM:
The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Division of Fish and Wildlife stated: “Mandahl Bay contains one of the last remaining mangrove habitats on the north side of St. Thomas. It additionally offers an extremely rare habitat of coastal mangrove that is only present in two known locations on St. Thomas”.
The US Department of Interior has further declared that Mandahl is an important nursery habitat, not only for environmental conservation, but also for commercially important organisms. It indicated its belief that the Mandahl Bay salt pond continues to provide wetland functions and values.
The Virgin Islands Coastal Management Program and Final Environmental Impact Statement concludes: “At present time the site is functioning as an excellent wildlife area. Seabirds and fish are very common. The recommended use for the area is as a wildlife and scenic park”.