Restore impacted protected forest in Puerto Rico

Protectores de Cuencas Inc., is using donated funds to cover costs related to the production of native trees, maintenance of previously reforested areas, and additional reforestation efforts inside the Guánica State Forest in Puerto Rico. This natural reserve is frequently subjected to wildland fires and is greatly benefiting from this reforestation project.

This report covers the period from October 2022 to January 2023. From October 2022 to December 2022, our team focused on irrigation efforts, maintenance of weeds and grasses to reduce fire risk in the previously planted areas and on the production of trees in our nursery in Yauco. Species such as lija (Cordia rickseckeri), úcar (Bucida buceras), mabí (Colubrina elliptica), among others are propagated in the nursery and later used in reforestation efforts. All the species part of this project are characteristic of the Guánica State Forest and are adapted to the dry environment of the forest. Attached images show some of the trees in our nursery. 

In January 2023, our team kicked off the new year with extensive maintenance work that included removal of invasive species and the preparation of soil for new trees. The team created new holes and filled them with polymer and fertilizer. The use of polymer is important for the survival of the trees as it helps retain moisture. The fertilizer helps trees transition to their new environment by providing essential nutrients during the first few months. The attached images show efforts by PDC team such as weeding, soil preparation and reforestation during this reporting period. Work during the next few months will be focused on irrigation and maintenance efforts of newly planted trees as the temperatures rise in the upcoming months.

Protectores de Cuencas Inc., is using donated funds to cover costs related to the production of native trees, maintenance of previously reforested areas, and reforestation efforts inside the Guánica State Forest in Puerto Rico. This natural reserve is constantly subjected to wildland fires, especially during the summer months, and is greatly benefiting from this project. 

This report covers the period from June 2022 to October 2022. From June 2022 to August 2022, our team focused on irrigation efforts and maintenance of weeds and grasses to reduce fire risk. Funds have covered the costs of labor hours for PDC workers, use of heavy equipment such as water trucks and the maintenance of previously reforested sites within the reserve with emphasis in coastal areas prone to wildland fires near the PR-333. A portion of the funds are being use for the production of native trees in our nursery in Yauco. Vegetative material to be planted is already propagated and ready for planting during the upcoming months. The months of September and October 2022 experienced an increase in precipitation due to the rainy season which meant a reduction of irrigation efforts by our team. Sadly, our work has been delayed by the impact of Hurricane Fiona on September 17th, 2022. Roads within the Guánica State Forest were damaged by tidal waves and heavy rainfall. However, our team is already working on a new work shedule in the hopes that we can renew work efforts by the end of this month.

The attached images show efforts by PDC team such as weeding, soil preparation and reforestation during this reporting period.

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