June 10, 2022—San Juan, PR— The San Juan Bay Estuary received a visit this week from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize its programmatic evaluation. This evaluation is conducted every five years to ensure compliance with the actions outlined in the San Juan Bay Estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) . The team toured various community-based projects in the Estuary and, together with community leaders and organizations, witnessed firsthand the results of these efforts.
A packed schedule took them on the first day to the Estuary Visitor Center in Old San Juan, where various team members, along with Executive Director Brenda Torres Barreto, gave a presentation on the progress of the different actions outlined in the current work plan. Afterward, they traveled to the Puente Blanco community in Cataño, where they met with community leaders who presented the status of these actions within their community.
The second day, dedicated to highlighting our Green Infrastructure and Coastal Resilience projects , began at the nursery of the Tau Center, a partner of the Estuary in Loíza. A dune and mangrove restoration event was held in Piñones, followed by a boat tour of the San José Lagoon, which culminated in a visit to the Cantera Peninsula Community Center and the Martin Peña Channel. In the afternoon, they visited the estuarine resilience center located at the La Goyco Community Workshop on Loíza Street, the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Reserve, and concluded at the San Juan Yacht Club, where they observed the installation of the newly placed BIOHUTS under the pier.
The third and final day focused on Urban Resilience and the Community Water Network . The day began at the Capetillo Urban Nursery, Garden, and Forest. Participants evaluated the restoration process of the Juan Méndez and Peraza streams, thanks to the Illegal Discharge Project (IDDE Task Force) , before moving on to the Caimito Cultural Center. The day concluded with a tasting of pom, an ancestral dish of the community.
We thank all the collaborators who supported us during this multi-day tour:
To the leaders of the Organized Community of Puente Blanco, the community of Cantera, Caimito, the ENLACE Project of the Caño Martín Peña, G-8, Friends of the Condado Lagoon, Tostado on Loíza Street, Para La Naturaleza, Vida Marina of the UPR Aguadilla, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, the Transdisciplinary Institute of Research-Action (ITIAS) of the UPR Humacao, Corporación Píñones se Integra (COPI), La Casita Blanca, Cantera Neighborhood Council, Corporation for the Integral Development of Cantera, Municipality of San Juan (Jaime Benítez Park), Social Dining Halls, La Goyco Community Workshop, TAU Center and the San Juan Nautical Club.
But especially thanks to EPA Region 2 and Caribbean: Office of Water, Office of Wetlands Oceans and Watersheds, Division of Oceans Wetlands and Communities, Partnership Programs Branch, National Estuary Program, and Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership.
The estuary feels revitalized. We are ready to begin a new cycle of actions for the restoration, management, and strengthening of the interconnected water bodies of the San Juan Bay estuary watershed, its ecosystems, communities, and its people. Let's continue!
