Week Four & ProRanger Site Visit

Week Four & ProRanger Site Visit

Welcoming Ranger Fernandez back to St. Croix 

Greetings! My name is Connor Caruso from cohort 7. This summer I have the opportunity to go on an internship in the US Virgin Islands. For the next seven weeks, I will be spending time with various divisions at Christiansted National Historic Site (CHRI) in St. Croix.

Week Four

Last Monday, Ranger Laurencin and I prepared to launch the new law enforcement vessel. Prior to launching the vessel, we added fenders, tied mooring lines to the cleats, and made sure we had all the necessary safety equipment (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, PFD's, flares, sound making device). After securing the vessel to the trailer and ensuring the trailer was secure, we made our way down to the marina. Learning how to properly launch a vessel served to provide great practice as I prepare to undertake MOCC training later this summer.

Securing the vessel to the trailer

During the remainder of the week, I spent some time with the division of administration. I primarily worked with Janelle, who is the concessionaire and permit specialist in the park. Janelle oversees the six concessionaires who take visitors out to Buck Island on snorkeling trips. Part of her job includes reviewing the concessionaire applications and ensuring all safety precautions are taken.In addition to her role overseeing the concessionaire program, Janelle also manages the park's permitting process. For any type of large scale event, parade, or first amendment demonstration within the park, a permit is required. The process initiates with a permit application. During this initial step, a permittee fills out an application detailing the type, size, and proposed location for the event. After reviewing the application, Janelle discusses the proposed permit with the superintendent, law enforcement, and maintenance divisions to determine if the application should be approved. If each division approves the application, Janelle drafts the official permit.

I was able to assist Janelle with creating the special use considerations and associated fees included within each permit. For each event, some special considerations are present. For example, no kite flying or drone use is permitted in the park, all trash must be removed by the permittee, and no balloons are permitted. However, these considerations are amended for each type of event. After special considerations are added to the permit, the permittee is sent a copy to sign. Understanding the types of events held in the park gave me a better understanding of some of the activities law enforcement officers engage in to ensure the resources are protected while the park remains accessible for visitor use.

On Saturday, Ranger Laurencin and I welcomed Ranger Clarke to Christiansted. Ranger Clarke recently moved to St. Croix from Philadelphia, where he worked at Independence National Historic Park. We are excited to have a new ranger on board and I look forward to having the opportunity to learn from him. During the course of the day, Ranger Laurencin and I showed Ranger Clarke around the park and pointed out the park's jurisdictional boundaries and areas where common contacts occur.

Taking Ranger Clarke on a tour of Fort Christiansvaern

ProRanger Site Visit

This weekend, Ranger Fernandez and Dr. McGarvey arrived in St. Croix for a site visit. We started the visit Sunday morning with breakfast on the boardwalk. Following a nice crucian breakfast, I led a tour of the park and showcased key features. During our tour, I noticed some graffiti on the David Hamilton Jackson Statue. After documenting the vandalism, I called Ranger Clarke and provided him with his first investigation. Ranger Clarke showed me how to document the scene and begin an investigation.

Showing Ranger Fernandez around Fort Christiansvaern

Graffiti on the David Hamilton Jackson Statue

Ranger Clarke investigating the vandalism

Following our tour of Christiansted, I took Ranger Fernandez and Dr. McGarvey to Salt River Bay National Historic Site & Ecological Preserve. The first stop on our tour was an old Danish well tower built in the 1760's. After touring the well tower, I took Ranger Fernandez and Dr. McGarvey on the trail where Ranger Laurencin and I discovered illegal land crab traps the week prior. To my surprise, we found that the traps had been reset and crabs were inside!

Touring the Danish well tower

Land crab trap set to catch crabs

Land Crab

The following day, Ranger Fernandez and Dr. Mcgarvey met with my supervisor, Ranger Laurencin, and Superintendent Camacho to discuss the program. After the meetings, I was able to present Superintendent Camacho with a plaque in recognition of the park's efforts and commitment towards the ProRanger program. Superintendent Camacho was thrilled to receive the plaque and is looking forward to hosting ProRangers in the future.

Presenting Superintendent Camacho with a ProRanger plaque

On the final day of the site visit, Ranger Laurencin and I took Ranger Fernandez and Dr. McGarvey on a tour of Buck Island. After docking at Diedrichs Pier, we set off to hike the island. I was able to show Ranger Fernandez and Dr. McGarvey some of the local vegetation and wildlife during the hike. Following our hike, we cooled off by snorkeling the underwater trail system. We had a great time viewing the underwater ecosystem.

Touring Buck Island Reef National Monument

Hiking Buck Island

Hiking to the observation platform

View from the observation platform

I was happy to share my summer experience thus far with Ranger Fernandez and Dr. McGarvey. I look forward to the weeks ahead and the opportunity to learn as much as possible!


Until next time,


ProRamger Caruso