News Release

National Park Service completes Caneel Bay Environmental Assessment

Date: July 28, 2023
Contact: Elsa Alvear, 340-690-9750

ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands — Virgin Islands National Park completed its Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Environmental Assessment (EA), outlining plans to restore commercial overnight accommodations at Caneel Bay and continue a long legacy of hospitality and conservation. Determinations are outlined in a decision document called a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and signed by National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Regional Director Mark Foust.     

 "The NPS has carefully reviewed and taken into consideration the high volume of public comments received over the course of three years in shaping the preferred alternative,” Foust said. “NPS heard and incorporated the need for ensuring greater public access, promoting a National Park Service experience, protecting the special resources at Caneel, and strengthening the local economy with high-quality jobs. We look forward to creating the best possible future for Caneel Bay and the people of St. John and the Virgin Islands.”   

 The selected Alternative B option identifies planned future use areas zoned for hotel lodging, public beach access, conservation, NPS interpretation and programming, and potential community or partnership spaces within the Caneel campus.    

 "The signing of the decision document marks the culmination of years of careful planning and engagement,” said Superintendent Nigel Fields. “This effort involved extensive public meetings, multiple plan alternatives, more than 3,000 unique correspondences over the 2-year project and collaborations with numerous public agencies. As a result, we have selected a sustainable and resilient plan that helps achieve equitable access, economic stimulus opportunities, and a visitor experience unique to the U.S. Virgin Islands.”    

 While the Caneel Bay retained use estate (RUE) will remain in place until its expiration on September 30, 2023, the NPS began planning for the Caneel Bay redevelopment in 2021. The goals of the redevelopment plan are to ensure the preservation and protection of natural, cultural and marine resources; provide for economic development opportunities through commercial services, including with local businesses; maximize operational efficiencies; and ensure compliance with law, regulation and policy.