DNER upgrading boat ramps for fishing, other recreational use.

The Natural and Environmental Resources secretary said the agency is working to improve the recreational fishing ramps “under its jurisdiction ... in the Cerrillos [pictured], Lucchetti, La Plata and Guajataca reservoirs,” among others. (Wikipedia)

By THE STAR STAFF

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez said Monday that the agency is working to improve the infrastructure of recreational fishing ramps under its jurisdiction. 

“At this time, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources has under its jurisdiction the freshwater recreational fishing ramps in the reservoirs of Cerrillos, Lucchetti, La Plata and Guajataca, and the Tortuguero Lagoon (brackish),” Quiles said in a press release. “On the other hand, we also have jurisdiction over the saltwater, Guayanilla, La Parguera (Crayolas), Combate, Caño Tiburones and Bay View ramps in Cataño. Likewise in the resorts of Boquerón and Isla de Cabra.”

The DNER secretary added that the agency “is currently designing a new project for the enjoyment of sailors and recreational fishermen in the area of the Caño Tiburones natural reserve in Arecibo.”

“This space will allow access to the interior of the reserve and will have spaces for a recreational fishing platform in compliance with the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act], a ramp for boats under 19 feet in length, an area for embarking and disembarking kayaks, parking for single vehicles or those with a trailer, and bathrooms for the use of recreational fishermen,” Quiles said. “The approximate cost for this project is $1 million.”

Also this year, the Las Crayolas Recreational Boat Ramp was built in the municipality of Lajas with an investment of $528,300, the DNER chief noted.