reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 250 - Puerto Rico Wetlands (§§ 5001 — 5005) › § 5001 - Ecological value

Wetlands are an important natural resource in Puerto Rico of great ecological value, unmatched beauty and of a significant recreational, educational, scientific and economic worth. This resource has several functions, such as improving the quality of water and the environment, the replenishing of aquifers, or ground waters, provide food and habitats for wildlife, propitiate the establishment of food chains, help to mitigate floods, produce oxygen, retain and stabilize the sediments from the highlands, so that they do not go into the sea, and provide scenic tourist attractions.
The protection of our wetlands, swamps and marshes, is hereby established as the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. To such ends, the preservation, conservation, restoring and management of this valuable natural resource is promoted.
History —Dec. 31, 1998, No. 314, § 1, eff. 30 days after Dec. 31, 1998.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 250 - Puerto Rico Wetlands (§§ 5001 — 5005) › § 5002 - Natural reserve—Declaration

The Chairperson of the Planning Board is hereby directed to declare “El Caño” or “Ciénaga” as a natural reserve, subject to the other provisions established in this chapter. In order to conserve the area in its natural state, the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby directed to prohibit hunting in said sector.
History —Dec. 31, 1998, No. 314, § 2; Oct. 17, 2001, No. 147, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 250 - Puerto Rico Wetlands (§§ 5001 — 5005) › § 5003 - Designation

The Land Authority and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall establish an agreement for the designation of wetlands and lands that are kept dry by pumping or dikes, or other drainage methods that belong to the Land Authority, including the “ Tiburones Channel or Marsh,” as natural preserves. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall identify and delimit the flooded areas or those that are flood prone, but that are not so through the actions of humans, to be designated as natural preserves, pursuant to the definition in this chapter, and shall submit it to the Planning Board for its corresponding designation within a term of not more than two (2) years. These natural preserves shall be administrated and managed by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources [which] shall prepare a management plan for each of them.
History —Dec. 31, 1998, No. 314, § 3, eff. 30 days after Dec. 31, 1998.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 250 - Puerto Rico Wetlands (§§ 5001 — 5005) › § 5004 - Limitations

This chapter shall not be understood to limit the rights and powers of the Land Authority to carry out the purposes mentioned in the “Puerto Rico Land Act,” §§ 241 et seq. of Title 28, nor shall it be understood as a prohibition to perform the work needed to reclaim arid land through irrigation; or to carry out agricultural activities on lands that do not require the draining or destruction of these valuable natural systems.
History —Dec. 31, 1998, No. 314, § 4, eff. 30 days after Dec. 31, 1998.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 250 - Puerto Rico Wetlands (§§ 5001 — 5005) › § 5005 - Definitions

For the effects of this chapter, the term “wetland” shall mean a natural area saturated by surface or ground water, at an interval or duration sufficient to sustain, and under normal circumstances, does sustain or would sustain vegetation typically adapted to saturated, flooded, or marshy soil conditions, which includes areas such as swamps, marshes, coastal plains (salt flats and mud flats), open bodies of water, salt marshes or similar areas.
History —Dec. 31, 1998, No. 314, § 5, eff. 30 days after Dec. 31, 1998.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 251 - Seven Seas Estate Natural Reserve Act (§§ 5006 — 5010) › § 5006 - Statement of public policy

It is hereby declared as the public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico, that the management of the natural resources is framed within the principle of conservation in harmony with an ecologically sustainable development. It is imperative to direct the planning process to the achievement of a sustainable, integral development to ensure the wise use of our land resources, and [promote] the conservation of our natural resources for the enjoyment and benefit of our present and future generations. It is also necessary to identify, protect and preserve the lands of high natural worth that are a part of our natural patrimony.
The designation of a natural reserve has the purpose of protecting areas with important natural resources of great ecological worth that could be subject to conflict with regard to its present and future use. Therefore, the necessary measures for these areas to be preserved and conserved in their natural state should be adopted, and in those cases in which it is possible, restored to the original natural state.
In order to enforce compliance of this public policy in a responsible manner, we must promote the socioeconomic development of the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico and propitiate ecotourism activity, while safeguarding the protection and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems of the “Seven Seas Beach Estate”.
History —Aug. 12, 1999, No. 228, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 251 - Seven Seas Estate Natural Reserve Act (§§ 5006 — 5010) › § 5007 - Designation

The “Seven Seas Beach Estate”, which is located in the municipality of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, which is owned by the Recreational Development Company, and has a surface area of one hundred and ten (110) cuerdas, is hereby designated as a natural reserve area. The designation of said area as a natural reserve, shall have the same effect as if said designation had been made under the provisions of §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act”, and shall bear the same legal consequences, as well as the same statutory and regulatory restrictions and limitations for said zone, as those that apply to the natural reserves created or established under said statute, without any formality or action of an executive or administrative nature by any agency, department or instrumentality of the Government of Puerto Rico. Notwithstanding said designation, none of the provisions of this chapter shall be understood to deny, invalidate, diminish, reduce, restrict, impair or otherwise affect the ownership of the “Seven Seas Beach Estate” by the Recreational Development Company.
History —Aug. 12, 1999, No. 228, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 251 - Seven Seas Estate Natural Reserve Act (§§ 5006 — 5010) › § 5008 - Management plan

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall prepare a management plan for the natural reserve, and establish a management agreement between the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the Recreational Development Company and the Industrial Development Company to manage the lands comprised in said natural reserve for its protection and conservation. Said official shall also take the necessary measures, including the performance of the surveys and topographic, environmental and any other studies that, in his judgment, are necessary to ensure the faithful compliance of this chapter. Likewise, the natural reserve management plan shall consider the ecological viability of establishing a boardwalk as part of the works, to enable the development of the educational and recreational activities that are proposed, so that the ecological integrity of the designated area is not affected.
History —Aug. 12, 1999, No. 228, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 251 - Seven Seas Estate Natural Reserve Act (§§ 5006 — 5010) › § 5009 - Application of laws and regulations

The management agreement established by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the Recreational Development Company and the Industrial Development Company, as provided in § 5008 of this title, shall include all the statutory and regulatory aspects related to the management and use of the natural reserve created hereby, including, but not limited to the application of the following statutory and regulatory provisions:
(a) Sections 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Act”.
(b) Act No. 9 of June 18. 1970, known as the “Puerto Rico Environmental Public Policy Act”.
(c) Sections 191 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Forests Act”.
(d) Sections 25 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Fisheries Act”.
(e) Sections 255–255b of this title, known as the “Flood Prevention and Conservation of Beaches and Rivers Act”.
(f) Act No. 70 of May 30, 1976, known as the “Wildlife Act”.
(g) Sections 1115 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Waters Act”.
(h) Planning Board “Coastal Zone and Access to Beaches and Coasts of Puerto Rico Zoning Regulation No. 17” [23 R.P.R. §§ 650.3081 et seq.].
(i) Planning Board Zoning Regulation No. 4 [23 R.P.R. §§ 650.1638 et seq.].
(j) Planning Board “Special Zoning Regulation for Non-urban Zones for Municipalities Surrounding the Caribbean National Forest” [23 R.P.R. §§ 650.1638 et seq.].
(k) Planning Board “Regulation No. 13 on Flood-Prone Zones” [23 R.P.R. §§ 650.3351 et seq.].
(l) Environmental Quality Board Regulations on Environmental Impact Statements [3 R.P.R. §§ 80.1 et seq.].
(m) Environmental Quality Board Regulations on Water Quality Standards [3 R.P.R. §§ 80.17501 et seq.].
(n) Department of Natural And Environmental Resources Regulation for the Conservation and Management of Wildlife, Exotic Species and Hunting [12 R.P.R. §§ 2401 et seq.].
(o) Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Regulation to Govern the Management of Vulnerable Species and in Danger of Extinction [12 R.P.R. §§ 2301 et seq.].
(p) Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Regulation to Control the Extraction, Possession, Transportation and Sale of Coral Resources in Puerto Rico [12 R.P.R. §§ 1951 et seq.].
(q) Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Regulation for the Use, Surveillance, Conservation and Management of Territorial Waters, Wetlands, and the Sea-Land Zone [12 R.P.R. secs. 1001 et seq.].
In addition, said management agreement shall take into account and provide whatever is pertinent with regard to the applicable federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the federal law known as the “Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965”, as amended, as well as whatever is necessary to regulate the navigation of boats and vessels in the Natural Reserve created hereby.
History —Aug. 12, 1999, No. 228, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 251 - Seven Seas Estate Natural Reserve Act (§§ 5006 — 5010) › § 5010 - Secretary—Powers

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall have the power to execute all legal matters that are necessary to acquire any specific or private properties, structures, or buildings on the site of the “Seven Seas Beach”, or bounded by, or adjacent to said land, which, in his judgment, should be a part of the natural reserve created by this chapter. Said expropriations shall be executed according to, and following the parameters and procedures established in the applicable laws and regulations, as proper in each case, including, but not limited to §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, §§ 151 et seq. of Title 3, and §§ 2901–2913, 2916–2920 and 2923–2927 of Title 32. He shall also have whatever powers are necessary and convenient to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, as well as all additional implicit and incidental powers that are appropriate and necessary to put into effect and carry out, perform and exercise the abovementioned powers, and to achieve the purposes provided by legislative mandate.
History —Aug. 12, 1999, No. 228, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5011 - Protection and preservation of Monte Santa Ana—Public policy statement

It is hereby declared that the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is to protect and conserve Monte Santa Ana. Said land formation constitutes a unique natural resource by being a natural formation, the conductor and recipient of underground waters and for providing a wildlife habitat.
Monte Santa Ana is thus a natural legacy which merits immediate protection to prevent its irreparable damage and destruction.
History —Aug. 21, 2000, No. 180, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5012 - Protection and preservation of Monte Santa Ana—Preservation

The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Land Administration and the Secretary of the Department of Sports and Recreation are hereby directed to establish a perpetual conservation easement for land parcel PA-1, PA-2, PA-3, PA-4, R-1, R-3, R-4, I-1, I-2 and I-3 located in Barrio Juan Sánchez in Bayamón, known as the Monte Santa Ana, identified in the Property Registry as plot No. 2,314 registered in Folio 30 of Volume 42 of Bayamón.
History —Aug. 21, 2000, No. 180, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5013 - Protection and preservation of Monte Santa Ana—Activities allowed

The following activities may be conducted in Monte Santa Ana with the previous written consent of the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Executive Director of the Parks Trust.
(a) Conduct scientific studies and research.
(b) Remove or protect any organism, animal or plant due to their being sick or polluted.
(c) Conduct archeological studies and research.
(d) Use and take advantage of Monte Santa Ana for recreational purposes.
(e) Make improvements for recreational purposes.
History —Aug. 21, 2000, No. 180, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5014 - Protection and preservation of Monte Santa Ana—Protection of vested rights

The vested rights or interest of those persons who, upon the approval of this act, hold any lease, sale or easement contract in their favor or any right of use over this land, shall be respected.
History —Aug. 21, 2000, No. 180, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5015 - Preservation of the Joyuda Lagoon—Designation

The Planning Board is hereby directed to designate as a natural reserve the Joyuda Lagoon and its ecosystems in the surrounding area of the municipality of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. The lands surrounding the Lagoon which, according to appropriate studies, are determined to be a part of the ecologic system and habitats that are essential and necessary for the conservation and preservation of the Lagoon, the natural resources, natural beauty, and the environment of said reserve shall be included as a part of said reserve, be it the maritime zone, maritime-terrestrial zone, mangroves, wetlands, and adjacent areas that form the hydrographic basin that supplies water to it.
History —Aug. 25, 2000, No. 201, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5016 - Preservation of the Joyuda Lagoon—Duties of the Secretary; lands and real and personal property

The Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby empowered to carry out the coordination, acquisition of lands and other real and personal property, its administration and regulation, management, preservation, conservation, and use of said natural area directed to creating an optimum ecological balance in said place.
History —Aug. 25, 2000, No. 201, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5017 - Preservation of the Joyuda Lagoon—Duties of the Secretary; legislation and programs

The Secretary may apply any present and future legislation on the preservation, conservation, administration, and management of natural resources and the environment of Puerto Rico. He is also authorized to coordinate everything related to the legislation of Puerto Rico and/or the United States of America, to achieve the purposes of §§ 5015–5018 of this title. Likewise, he is hereby authorized to enter into agreements and work programs with foreign countries, public and private organizations, and foreign and local individuals that will help to achieve the purposes of the public policy of Puerto Rico regarding natural resources and the environment. Therefore, he may receive, on behalf of the Government of Puerto Rico, such funds, services, or any other type of help or assistance in matters related to this legislation.
History —Aug. 25, 2000, No. 201, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5018 - Preservation of the Joyuda Lagoon—Funds

The funds shall be included in the General Budget of Expenses of the Government of Puerto Rico as of Fiscal Year 2000-2001, or by a special legislative appropriation requested.
History —Aug. 25, 2000, No. 201, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5019 - Piedras de Collado Natural Reserve Act—Declaration of public policy

It is hereby declared that the public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico is for the management of natural resources to be framed within the principle of conservation in harmony with an ecologically sustainable development. It is imperative to direct the planning process toward the attainment of an integrated sustainable development, by ensuring the wise use of the land resource and promoting the conservation of our natural resources for the enjoyment and benefit of the present and future generations. Furthermore it is necessary to identify, protect and conserve the lands of a high natural value that are a part of our natural patrimony.
The designation of a natural reserve has the purpose of protecting areas with important natural resources and great ecological value that may be subject to conflict in its present and future use. Therefore, the necessary measures should be adopted so that these areas are substantially preserved and conserved in [their] natural state and, whenever possible, restored to their original natural condition.
The Piedras del Collado Natural Reserve Management Plan shall consider the ecological viability of establishing works to facilitate the development of educational, recreational and scientific research activities intended, so as not to affect the ecological integrity of the designated area.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 283, § 2, retroactive to July 1, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5020 - Piedras de Collado Natural Reserve Act—Designation

Piedras del Collado, better known as “Tetas de Salinas,” [is] hereby designated as a natural reserve area, located in the [municipality] of Salinas, Puerto Rico. The area to be designated as [a] natural reserve shall include the two rocky mounds and a forest extension to reach an approximate area of twenty (29) cuerdas. The designation of the area mentioned as [a] natural reserve shall have the same effect as if said designation had been made under the provisions of §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, better known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act”, and shall bear the same legal consequences, as well as the same statutory and regulatory restrictions and limitations for said zone as those applicable to natural reserves created or established under said statute.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 283, § 3, retroactive to July 1, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5021 - Piedras de Collado Natural Reserve Act—Management plan

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) shall establish [a] management agreement between the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, with the objective to protect and conserve it. Furthermore, said official shall take the necessary steps, including the [realization] of surveys and topographical and environmental studies, as well as studies of any kind that in his/her judgment are necessary to ensure full compliance with §§ 5019–5023 of this title.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 283, § 4, retroactive to July 1, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5022 - Piedras de Collado Natural Reserve Act—Application of laws and regulations

The management agreement established between he Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) and the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, as provided for in § 5021 of this title, shall include all statutory and regulatory aspects concerning the administration and use of the natural reserve hereby created, including but not limited to the application of the following statutory and regulatory provisions:
(a) Sections 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act”.
(b) Act No. 9 of June 18. 1970, known as the “Environmental Public Policy Act of Puerto Rico”.
(c) Sections 191 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Forest Act”.
(d) Sections 107 et seq. of this title, known as the “New Wildlife Act of Puerto Rico”.
(e) Zoning Code No. 4 of the Planning Board.
(f) Regulations on the Declaration of Environmental Impact of the Environmental Quality Board.
(g) Water Quality Standards Regulations of the Environmental Quality Board.
(h) Regulations for the Conservation and Management of Wild Fauna, Exotic Species and Hunting in the Commonwealth.
(i) Regulations to Govern the Management of Vulnerable and Endangered Species, of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER).
(j) Sections 4001 et seq. of Title 21, known as the “Autonomous Municipalities Act”.
(k) Sections 6301 et seq. of Title 23, known as the “Puerto Rico Ecotourism Act”.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 283, § 5, retroactive to July 1, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5023 - Piedras de Collado Natural Reserve Act—Powers of the Secretary

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) shall be empowered to exercise eminent domain over any particular or private properties, structures or buildings located in the piece of land in question, or abutting with or adjacent to said piece of land, that in his/her judgment should be a part of the Natural Reserve created by §§ 5019–5023 of this title. Furthermore, he/she shall have the powers necessary and convenient to carry out the purposes and provisions of §§ 5019–5023 of this title, as well as all the additional implicit and incidental powers that are appropriate and necessary to effect, carry out, perform and exercise the aforementioned powers and to fulfill the ends provided for by legislative mandate.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 283, § 6, retroactive to July 1, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5024 - Piedra del Perro

(a) The coral outcrop located on the reef next to the San Jerónimo Castle, known to Puerto Ricans as “La Peña del Perro”, is hereby declared a resource of cultural and natural value.
(b) The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, in conjunction with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, shall place a plaque in the beach area close to said outcrop, in evidence of it as a resource of cultural and natural value that is hereby established by said declaration.
History —May 24, 2000, No. 86, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5025 - Cerro de Las Cuevas in Barrio Guayabal

(a) The area where Cerro de Las Cuevas in Barrio Guayabal, Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico is located, is hereby declared as a natural monument. A “natural monument” is defined as a natural area constituted by formations of natural singularity or beauty that deserve to be subject to special protection; or geological formations and other geological elements vested with special interest because of their uniqueness or importance for its landscape and scientific values.
(b) The Planning Board shall immediately initiate the zonification process of Cerro de Las Cuevas land as an interior forest. The Municipality of Juana Díaz shall zone the Las Cuevas area as specially protected rustic soil on the Land Classification Map of the Territorial Ordinance Plan of the Municipality of Juana Díaz.
(c) Within a term of not more than sixty (60) days after the approval of this act, the Planning Board, and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, shall render a report to the Legislature on the measures and proceedings taken to achieve the purposes of this section, with its conclusions and recommendations.
History —July 21, 2000, No. 129, §§ 1–3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5026 - Desecheo Island—Marine reserve

(a) A half-mile stretch of marine territorial waters surrounding “Isla de Desecheo” is hereby designated as a marine reserve.
(b) The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby directed to develop a management plan and compatible regulations for the administration and conservation of the area described in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall submit a report to the Legislature no later than July 1, 2000, that will certify compliance with the provisions of this section.
History —Mar. 10, 2000, No. 57, §§ 1–3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5027 - Aguas Buenas and Cidra caves and caverns

(a) To declare the caves and caverns system located between the municipalities of Aguas Buenas and Cidra, as a natural reserve area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and to place it under the care of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources within the Natural Patrimony Program established by §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act”.
(b) For all purposes herein, the definitions contained in § 1226 of this title are hereby adopted.
History —Oct. 19, 2002, No. 245, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5028 - Cerro Las Planadas

(a) The area that comprises Cerro Las Planadas and its adjacent areas extending along the hydrographic basin of Río Lapa, located in Lapa, Pasto Viejo and Cercadillo Wards of the Municipality of Cayey and Sector La Yeyasa of Lapa Ward of the Municipality of Salinas, is hereby declared as a Natural Reserve of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and placed under the care of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources under the Natural Patrimony Program provided by §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Act”.
(b) For all the purposes of the present, the definitions contained in § 1226 of this title, are hereby adopted.
(c) The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Planning Board are hereby directed to establish in a precise manner the limits of the area as established in subsection (a) of this section.
Provided, That the Department shall coordinate with the Board and shall place, with the support of the municipalities of Salinas and Cayey, the signage identifying the areas designated as Nature Reserve.
(d) The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Chairperson of the Planning Board are hereby directed to take the necessary measures, including measurements, topographic and environmental studies, and any other sort that in their judgment are needed for full compliance with this section. Furthermore, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall conduct the corresponding title reports, shall verify existing debts in the Municipal Revenues Collection Centers, and any other deemed necessary to achieve the purposes of this section. It is hereby provided that the Property Registry and the Municipal Revenues Collection Center shall issue the certifications required to comply with this section, free from any fees, to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
(e) The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Chairperson of the Planning Board are hereby directed to conduct the pertinent studies to conduct a formal census of the flora and fauna of the area.
History —Dec. 13, 2007, No. 192, §§ 1–5; Sept. 13, 2012, No. 238, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5029 - Melaleuca quinquenervia tree

(a) It is hereby prohibited for any person to possess, sell, cultivate or transport Melaleuca quinquenervia tree seeds. Furthermore, the Department shall prepare a Plan for the Removal and Disposition of the Melaleuca quinquenervia tree. This Plan shall include, but shall not be limited to, a program that motivates the owners of these trees to substitute them with the collaboration of the Department.
(b) The Secretary may impose an administrative fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for any infraction to the provisions of this section. To ensure compliance with this section, the Natural and Environmental Resources Rangers Corps shall have the functions conferred thereto by the Natural and Environmental Resources Rangers of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Act, §§ 1201 et seq. of this title, such as: to issue subpoenas and tickets, file complaints and conduct interventions, among others.
(c) The sums collected from fines shall be covered into the Special Fund in favor of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, as provided by §§ 1115–1115v of this title, known as the “Act for the Conservation, Development and Use of the Water Resources of Puerto Rico”, and shall be deposited in a special account.
(d) The Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby empowered to adopt the rules and regulations needed for the implementation of this section.
(e) Persons who at the time of effectiveness of this act have this tree in their homes shall be exempted from the fines; provided that there are no infractions to the provisions set forth in subsection (a) of this section. In collaboration and with the technical assistance of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, these persons shall remove, dispose of and substitute those trees as is deemed convenient.
History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 28, §§ 2–6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5030 - Punta Cucharas Natural Reserve Area

(a) The Punta Cucharas natural area of the municipality of Ponce is hereby designated a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act”.
(b) For all purposes of this section, the definitions contained in § 1226 of this title, are hereby adopted.
History —Aug. 9, 2008, No. 227, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 252 - Declarations (§§ 5011 — 5031) › § 5031 - Geographic Center of Puerto Rico

(a) The geographic center of Puerto Rico located in the Municipality of Orocovis is hereby declared to be a Natural Reserve of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, under the custody of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources within the Natural Patrimony Program set forth in §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Act”.
(b) For all purposes of this section, the definitions contained in § 1226 of this title, are hereby adopted.
(c) The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Planning Board, in coordination with the Municipality of Orocovis, are hereby directed to delimit the exact area that comprises the geographic center of Puerto Rico.
(d) The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Chairperson of the Planning Board are hereby directed to take any necessary steps, including conducting environmental studies and any other steps as necessary to achieve the purposes pursued by means of this section.
(e) The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Chairperson of the Planning Board are hereby directed to carry out studies as pertinent to identify the flora and fauna of the location site, once the geographic center area is delimited.
(f) The Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby commits to protect the territory comprising the geographic center of Puerto Rico located in the Municipality of Orocovis so that future generations may enjoy the same. Upon its designation as “Natural Patrimony”, the Government shall contribute to the conservation and development of such location as a tourist attraction/point of interest in our Island.
(g) The Puerto Rico Tourism Company must join the collective effort pursued by means of this section, by overseeing compliance with the provisions of §§ 6313 et seq. of Title 23, better known as the “Puerto Rico Sustainable Tourism Development Public Policy Act”.
(h) The Executive Branch is hereby entrusted to begin the process leading to the incorporation of the geographic center into the Puerto Rico National Parks System pursuant to the provisions of §§ 841 et seq. of Title 15, better known as the “Puerto Rico National Parks System Act”.
History —June 8, 2009, No. 27, §§ 1–8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 254 - Interagency Group for the Conservation and Development of the Cueva del Indio Natural Reserve (§§ 5057 — 5059) › § 5057 - Creation and duration

(a) For the purpose of achieving the goal of conserving and developing Cueva del Indio Natural Reserve, the present working committee is hereby created, which shall be in charge of designing and structuring the Conservation and Development Plan.
This chapter shall be known as the “Act for the Creation of the Interagency Committee for the Conservation and Development of Cueva del Indio Natural Reserve”.
(b) This Committee shall have a temporary duration until the objectives for which it has been created are attained.
History —Aug. 1, 2003, No. 175, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 254 - Interagency Group for the Conservation and Development of the Cueva del Indio Natural Reserve (§§ 5057 — 5059) › § 5058 - Integration and composition

The Interagency Committee for the Conservation and Development of Cueva del Indio Natural Reserve, hereinafter called the “Committee”, shall be formed by the following agencies, which shall delegate their representation upon high-level officials to ensure that same can effectively implement the determinations and action to be taken: the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the National Parks Trust, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, the Tourism Company, the Arecibo municipality and one representative of the community neighboring to the area to be developed, to be chosen in the first official meeting of the Committee.
The Committee shall be presided by the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works.
History —Aug. 1, 2003, No. 175, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 254 - Interagency Group for the Conservation and Development of the Cueva del Indio Natural Reserve (§§ 5057 — 5059) › § 5059 - Duties, functions and meetings

(a) It shall be the duty of the Committee to structure an action plan to protect, condition and develop the area. This plan shall include, without limitation, an initial analysis of the present conditions, physical facilities to be built, possible streets, green areas, rest areas, parking, sanitary facilities, museums, cafeteria, educational sections and information booths.
Additionally, it shall include the possible extension of the project, identify adjoining property requiring expropriation, and estimate a cost for same.
It shall study the possibility of obtaining funds, whether federal or local, from the private sector, or a combination of same, for the development of the project.
(b) The Committee shall meet as many times as necessary. A majority of Committee members shall constitute [a] quorum.
History —Aug. 1, 2003, No. 175, §§ 4, 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 255 - Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve (§§ 5060 — 5065) › § 5060 - Definitions

The following phrases and terms shall have the meaning indicated below, except when another meaning arises from its text:
(a) Legislature.— Means the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, whether acting jointly or separately.
(b) Secretary.— Means the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
(c) Department.— Means the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
(d) Marine reserve.— Means the total area of the Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve, as delimited and declared in this chapter, which defines those areas protected from the impact of human activities, which allow the recovery of the area, the maintenance of biodiversity, the reduction of conflicts about its use by separating compatible activities, and are reference areas for the study of the natural development process.
(e) Territorial waters.— Means the navigable waters under the control or domain of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 17, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 255 - Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve (§§ 5060 — 5065) › § 5061 - Designation

The Legislature of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, being aware of the constitutional mandate on the conservation of natural resources, recognized the ecological importance and sensitivity of the coastal zone of the Municipality of Rincón, therefore, it designates said area, described in § 5062 of this title, as “The Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve”, hereinafter known as the Reserve.
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 17, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 255 - Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve (§§ 5060 — 5065) › § 5062 - Location and delimitation

The Reserve declared by this chapter, is located immediately to the West of the Island of Puerto Rico, from the coast of the municipality of Rincón. It has an irregular shape, and is delimited by the following coordinates, with coordinate 1) being the closest to the South.
Latitude (North) Longitude (West) (1) South-East 18 ° 20′ 42.1′′ 67 ° 15′ 41.0′′ (2) South-West 18 ° 20′ 30.2′′ 67 ° 15′ 55.1′′ (3) North-West 18 ° 20′ 56.2′′ 67 ° 16′ 25.8′′ (4) North-East 18 ° 21′ 12.4′′ 67 ° 16′ 03.4′′
The “Decimal Degrees, NAD 83” coordinate system is used to measure latitudes and longitudes.
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 17, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 255 - Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve (§§ 5060 — 5065) › § 5063 - Powers and duties of the Department

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is directed to develop, within the term of one hundred and twenty (120) days, in collaboration with those government entities and non-profit corporations, a management plan and compatible regulations for the administration, rehabilitation and conservation of the area described in § 5060 of this title, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 151 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Department of Natural Resources Organic Act”; §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Natural Patrimony Program Act”; §§ 241–241g et seq. of this title, known as the “Act for the Protection, Conservation and Management of Coral Reefs in Puerto Rico”; and the “Program for the Management of the Coastal Zone of September 1978”, established by virtue of the “Federal Coastal Zone Management Act”. It is further provided that within the Management Plan for the Reserve, the Department shall establish such uses or human activities that are non-damaging and compatible with the conservation of the Marine Reserve, as well as the viability of recreational activities, such as fishing, surfing, bicycle and pedestrian lanes along the coast line adjacent to the reserve, ecologies, villas, hotels, or ecohotels, among others, and any other project that qualifies as ecotourism.
The establishing of this marine reserve and its management plan must not interfere nor conflict with the Land Use Plans previously established, nor with the Territorial Ordinance, nor the classifications, qualifications or zones in effect when this act is approved, provided they do not infringe upon the integrity thereof.
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 17, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 255 - Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve (§§ 5060 — 5065) › § 5064 - Coordination and joint management agreements

Pursuant to the provisions of §§ 151 et seq. of Title 3, and §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, known as the “Natural Patrimony Program Act”, the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby empowered to enter into management agreements with those government entities and/or bonafide non-profit organizations committed to the conservation and development of the marine reserve, with the purpose of establishing the joint management and custody thereof.
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 17, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 255 - Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve (§§ 5060 — 5065) › § 5065 - Annual reports

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall render an annual report to the Legislature, whereby it shall explain its efforts in compliance of the provisions of this chapter, as well as the use of the funds appropriated by this chapter.
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 17, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 256 - Punta del Viento Wetland Natural Reserve (§§ 5071 — 5076) › § 5071 - Public policy statement

It is declared as public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that the management of the natural resources is within the principles of conservation in harmony with an ecologically sustainable development. It is imperative to direct the planning process towards the achievement of a sustainable integral development ensuring the wise use of the land resource and fostering the conservation of our natural resources for the enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations. Furthermore, it is necessary to identify, protect and conserve the lands with a high ecological value which are part of our natural patrimony.
History —June 16, 2008, No. 92, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 6A - Natural Resources (§§ 5001 — 5116) › Chapter 256 - Punta del Viento Wetland Natural Reserve (§§ 5071 — 5076) › § 5072 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings stated hereinbelow:
(a) Conservation.— Shall mean the protection and limited use of a natural and ecological resource, in order to improve and maintain its natural conditions and characteristics.
(b) Department.— Shall mean the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(c) Ecologically sustainable development.— Shall mean the development that addresses with the needs of present generations, within the limitations imposed by the environment, without sacrificing the ability of future generations to address their essential needs.
(d) Preservation.— Shall mean the care and protection of a unique or significant natural, cultural, or ecological resource, in order to study and contemplate it in a restricted, limited, and controlled way.
(e) Natural reserve.— Shall mean an area acknowledge and recommended by the Department to be designated by the Planning Board, for the purpose of its preservation, conservation, and management, be it for its physical, ecological and geographical characteristics or for the social value of the natural resources existing therein, in accordance with the objectives and the public policy of the Land Use Plan in effect, as adopted by the Planning Board.
(f) Secretary.— Shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
History —June 16, 2008, No. 92, § 3.