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 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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