YOUR help is needed NOW!
Aerial view of East End land as it is now. Proposed development - 15 private villas.
A generous offer presents a rare opportunity to permanently protect 20-acres of natural land and water on the east end of St. John, VI at a deep discount. But we must act quickly!
The St. John Land Conservancy has entered into a bargain sale agreement to purchase 20 acres of waterfront land at Pond Bay on the east end of St. John, VI for a fraction of its value…but for only for a limited time. We need you to contribute to this campaign to help save this rare parcel of natural land.
NATURAL SETTING
This parcel of land contains one of the few remaining large, natural undeveloped areas outside of the VI National Park Boundary. It contains a species-rich south-facing slope with a salt pond at its base, and a coral cobble beach at its southern boundary. The undisturbed plant community likely contains several rare species in need of protection. Southside Pond, a natural coastal brackish pond located within the property bounds has a dynamic ecology that supports diverse native species throughout the year including aquatic algae, invertebrates and fish providing important feeding areas for shorebirds. The beach is undeveloped and serves as a buffer to very important coastal waters of Pond Bay just off shore, containing sensitive coral reef and fish nursery ecosystems.
CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
This parcel and its immediate surrounding are culturally significant to the people of the Virgin Islands. It is an area that was occupied as a haven by escaped slaves in a quest for their freedom during the plantation eras on St. John.
THE THREAT
Purchased in 2005 for $3.9 million, this property was approved for the development of fifteen private homes or villas. This could still happen when the real estate market rebounds.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A recent appraisal of the Property values it at $1.56 million. The property is being offered to the St. John Land Conservancy for permanent protection at a deep discount for a limited time. We need to raise $780,000 to cover the costs of purchase and to establish a permanent stewardship fund.
If you would like to find out more how to help to preserve this rare property please contact us at [email protected].
If you would like to help by donating now using our secure site you can do so here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SJLC
The St. John Land Conservancy has entered into a bargain sale agreement to purchase 20 acres of waterfront land at Pond Bay on the east end of St. John, VI for a fraction of its value…but for only for a limited time. We need you to contribute to this campaign to help save this rare parcel of natural land.
NATURAL SETTING
This parcel of land contains one of the few remaining large, natural undeveloped areas outside of the VI National Park Boundary. It contains a species-rich south-facing slope with a salt pond at its base, and a coral cobble beach at its southern boundary. The undisturbed plant community likely contains several rare species in need of protection. Southside Pond, a natural coastal brackish pond located within the property bounds has a dynamic ecology that supports diverse native species throughout the year including aquatic algae, invertebrates and fish providing important feeding areas for shorebirds. The beach is undeveloped and serves as a buffer to very important coastal waters of Pond Bay just off shore, containing sensitive coral reef and fish nursery ecosystems.
CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
This parcel and its immediate surrounding are culturally significant to the people of the Virgin Islands. It is an area that was occupied as a haven by escaped slaves in a quest for their freedom during the plantation eras on St. John.
THE THREAT
Purchased in 2005 for $3.9 million, this property was approved for the development of fifteen private homes or villas. This could still happen when the real estate market rebounds.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A recent appraisal of the Property values it at $1.56 million. The property is being offered to the St. John Land Conservancy for permanent protection at a deep discount for a limited time. We need to raise $780,000 to cover the costs of purchase and to establish a permanent stewardship fund.
If you would like to find out more how to help to preserve this rare property please contact us at [email protected].
If you would like to help by donating now using our secure site you can do so here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SJLC
SJLC founding projects:
A new beginning of land preservation on St John
Our two main projects on Lovango Cay and
north and south Haulover Bay are described below
Lovango Cay Parcel Conserved
The generous gift by an anonymous donor of a pristine parcel of land on Lovango Cay was finalized in December 2016. The beautiful one-acre+ site at the easternmost tip of Lovango Cay was given to the Conservancy with the wish that “Our land be kept undeveloped for the enjoyment of the public forever.“
The generous gift by an anonymous donor of a pristine parcel of land on Lovango Cay was finalized in December 2016. The beautiful one-acre+ site at the easternmost tip of Lovango Cay was given to the Conservancy with the wish that “Our land be kept undeveloped for the enjoyment of the public forever.“
Lovango Cay
The Lovango Cay parcel is more than an acre on the very easternmost tip of Lovango, just to the northwest of St. John. It's absolutely gorgeous and pristine, and part of a scenic corridor for boating traffic, which makes its preservation especially important. The beachfront property is surrounded by coral reefs and has views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Lovango Cay is part of the Cruz Bay Quarter of St. John, VI.
This lovely piece of land has been set aside for our community for public enjoyment, both scenic and otherwise, by current and future generations, thanks to this generous donation and the efforts of all involved with the SJLC. (Please click the thumbnail images below to enlarge them and view all our photos of this beautiful property in full size.)
This lovely piece of land has been set aside for our community for public enjoyment, both scenic and otherwise, by current and future generations, thanks to this generous donation and the efforts of all involved with the SJLC. (Please click the thumbnail images below to enlarge them and view all our photos of this beautiful property in full size.)
Land Conservancy Saves Haulover from Development
After reading in the Tradewinds newspaper about the efforts to save pristine Haulover Bay (above) from possible development, Lauren Mercadante was inspired to create a conservation trust with them and others and purchase more than three and a half acres of land over five parcels. The land is now protected from development.
After reading in the Tradewinds newspaper about the efforts to save pristine Haulover Bay (above) from possible development, Lauren Mercadante was inspired to create a conservation trust with them and others and purchase more than three and a half acres of land over five parcels. The land is now protected from development.
Haulover
Haulover is located on the East End of St. John. It has two beautiful and unspoiled beaches — one that is a popular swimming spot (South Haulover on Round Bay), and the other that has arguably the best snorkeling reachable by road on the island (North Haulover on Dreekets Bay). This area, with its historical significance, pristine beaches and thriving underwater life was about to be developed into 28 condominium units, which would’ve resulted in the public losing access to this remarkably unspoiled and historic land. (Please click the thumbnail images below to enlarge them and view all our photos of this beautiful property in full size.)
Understanding the importance of preserving these parcels, protecting the beaches and substantial marine areas from the effects of development, St. John Land Conservancy worked hard for 2 years to find conservation buyers for the property. In May of 2011 they succeeded with the cooperation of Dave Prevo, the developer of Dreekets Bay, who owned the five parcels of property constituting 3.6 acres shown on the aerial photo above. Together with Lauren Mercadante, a lifelong devotee of the island and naturalist, they formed The St. John Land Conservancy to protect threatened natural lands on the island, especially Haulover and the historic East End. The land eventually became part of the VI National Park.
In the words of a lifelong St. Johnian, "I’ve always thought Haulover was one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive places on the island, and I am overjoyed that this land is now protected! "
In the words of a lifelong St. Johnian, "I’ve always thought Haulover was one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive places on the island, and I am overjoyed that this land is now protected! "
