House Speaker Carlos 'Johnny' Méndez, Representative Omayra Martínez, Maricao Mayor Wilfredo 'Juny' Ruiz, and DRNA Undersecretary Nelson Cruz held talks to reach a collaborative agreement to rehabilitate trails in the Maricao State Forest. Martínez, who represents District #21 (Lajas, Guánica, Yauco, Sabana Grande, Maricao and Las Marías), and the mayor are evaluating a maintenance agreement with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) to promote hiking tourism.
The mayor said the goal is to restore areas damaged by hurricanes Irma, María and Fiona for residents and visitors. The DRNA obtained $14,041,406.10 in federal funds through FEMA to rehabilitate several trails, including Guana, Alto, Gambeta, Descanso and Zoilo. The Maricao State Forest is described as one of Puerto Rico’s most-visited ecological centers, home to 1,164 plant species, a vacation center with 24 cabins, a pool, recreational areas, and the 'Torre de Piedra' lookout structure.
The forest also hosts a recovering population of the Puerto Rican parrot, which officials say will be better protected by rangers stationed in the area.