Ethics complaint filed against DNER official over beach barriers
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Fishermen and residents of the coastal community of Las Picúas in Río Grande have filed an ethics complaint against Nelson Cruz, the assistant secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), alleging that he ordered the placement of concrete barriers to block public access to a popular camping, fishing and recreation area.
The groups said the reason for the closing is not to protect the environment, but rather because the government wants to privatize the area.
José R. Torres Matos, president of the Ramón Piñero Fishermen’s Association and spokesperson for Campamento Erizo, Cruz installed the barriers about two weeks ago in a section traditionally used by locals for weekend camping and beach activities.
“He showed up here and placed these barriers where vehicles used to pass to reach the camping area,” Torres said. “This is a space the people of Río Grande and Puerto Rico have always used to enjoy nature.”
Cruz reportedly justified the move citing safety concerns, claiming that gunfire had been reported in the area at night. Torres strongly disputed that claim.
“That is completely false. We are here permanently and have never heard any kind of shooting,” he said, adding that Cruz provided no evidence from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau to support his allegations.
The DNER official also argued that the site is a nesting area for sea turtles, another claim Torres rejected.
“This is not a dune area; it’s full of vegetation,” he said. “Meanwhile, construction continues along the coast. Who is Cruz really protecting?”
The complaint, filed Monday with the Government Ethics Office, accuses Cruz, who also serves as commissioner of the DNER’s Ranger Corps, of misusing public funds by deploying personnel, heavy equipment, and concrete barriers to close the site. Torres warned that the closure disproportionately affects elderly residents and people with disabilities, potentially violating federal Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
In addition to the barriers, DNER posted signs prohibiting motor vehicles in the area. Torres criticized the lack of community consultation before the action.
“He could have called us. They have all our information,” he said. “Instead, he came like a thief in the night, put up the barriers, and left.”
The disputed land is part of the Espíritu Santo River Nature Reserve, a protected area where construction is generally prohibited. Yet, Torres noted, numerous homes and short-term rentals have sprung up along the coast, fueling longstanding tensions over public beach access. Previous legal battles have affirmed the public’s right to access such areas.
“This is public land that people have used for generations,” Torres said. “We’ve maintained and cleaned it ourselves. Now, the official blocks access for families while private development continues unchecked.”