Maricao state forest to reopen Ranger Station after nine years
After nine years without a permanent ranger presence, the Maricao State Forest is set to reopen a dedicated station for the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) Ranger Corps, officials announced.
House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, Rep. Omayra Martínez, Maricao Mayor Wilfredo “Juny” Ruiz, and DRNA Secretary Waldemar Quiles announced that the renovated facility is scheduled to reopen on October 1, 2026.
“After nine years, the Maricao State Forest will once again have a permanent station with members of the Ranger Corps providing continuous surveillance of this important facility,” Méndez said, crediting discussions with the mayor and DRNA secretary promoted by Martínez.
The renovated ranger station has been inspected and is ready to begin operations. Four rangers will be assigned to the facility, working from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, the station will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Martínez, who represents the 21st District, which includes Lajas, Guánica, Yauco, Sabana Grande, Maricao and Las Marías, welcomed the reopening and thanked Méndez and Quiles for supporting the initiative.
Maricao Mayor Wilfredo “Juny” Ruiz said the station will allow visitors to receive assistance from Ranger Corps personnel while increasing surveillance throughout the forest.
The previous ranger station, operated by the DRNA, closed in 2017 following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Officials said the Maricao facility is the fourth ranger station to reopen during the current administration’s first 21 months, following stations in Vieques, Cidra and Manatí.
The rangers assigned to Maricao will patrol areas surrounding the forest’s cabins and recreational facilities, among other locations.
Nelson Cruz, commissioner of the Ranger Corps, said personnel may also provide coverage at the nearby Susúa State Forest, where a ranger station operated before the hurricanes. He said reopening that facility remains a possibility if additional rangers are recruited.
The Maricao State Forest is one of Puerto Rico’s most visited ecological areas and is home to approximately 1,164 plant species. Its facilities include a recreational complex with 24 cabins, a swimming pool and other recreational areas. The forest is also home to the historic Torre de Piedra, which offers panoramic views of the island.
The area also provides habitat for a recovering population of the Puerto Rican parrot, which officials said will benefit from the increased presence of rangers.
The announcement was made during Méndez’s visit to Maricao, where he met with the mayor to discuss the municipality’s needs and concerns.
Comments