Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas

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Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas
Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve
Letrero en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas, Bo. Canas, Ponce, Puerto Rico, mirando al sur (DSC02251).jpg
Sign at the entrance to Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas
USA Puerto Rico location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas
The map shows the location of the Natural Reserve
LocationBarrio Canas,
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Nearest city Ponce
Coordinates PR 17°58′00″N66°40′23″W / 17.96654°N 66.67292°W / 17.96654; -66.67292 Coordinates: PR 17°58′00″N66°40′23″W / 17.96654°N 66.67292°W / 17.96654; -66.67292
AreaTotal (Land):
698 cuerdas (678 acres) [1] [lower-alpha 1]
Total (Marine):
3,516 cuerdas (3,415 acres) [2]
Las Salinas Lagoon only: 347,898 m2 (86 acres) [3]
Designation2008 [4]
Governing body Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
Fauna and Flora at
Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas
Location Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Established2008
Named forCoastal geographical formation
Governing body Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
Website Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources

Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas (Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve) is a nature reserve in Barrio Canas, Ponce, Puerto Rico. [5] It consists of both a land area component as well as an offshore marine area. [6] The land component has an area of 698 cuerdas (678 acres) [7] while the marine component has an expanse of 3,516 cuerdas (3,415 acres), [8] for a total area of 4,214 cuerdas (4,093 acres). The Reserve consists of mangrove ecosystems, coastal sand dunes, a saline lagoon known as Laguna Las Salinas, open water, and a century-old local community. [9] The lagoon occupies and area of 347,898 m2 (86 acres) [10] Ecological protection is managed and enforced by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. [11] Eight activities are allowed at the Reserve: scuba diving, boating, fishing, hiking, sun bathing, photography, bird watching and canoeing. Activities prohibited are: Camping, crabbing/trapping, horseback riding, water crafting, and hunting. Pets, ATVs, and fireplaces are also prohibited. [12]

Contents

History

Laguna de las Salinas, the highlight of Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas Laguna de las Salinas, Bo. Canas, Ponce, Puerto Rico, vista desde el Hotel Ponce Holiday Inn, mirando al sur (DSC02873).jpg
Laguna de las Salinas, the highlight of Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas

In 2001, the Puerto Rico Ornithology Society started promoting the conservation of the Las Cucharas area and proposed it as an Important Area for the Conservation of Birds. Then, during 2003–2004, the United States Geological Survey, with the support of the Ponce Municipal Government, conducted a hydrology study of Laguna Las Salinas. [13] In June 2004, the Integrated Planning Area of the Natural Patrimony Division of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico (DRNA) issued a report on the natural value of the Punta Cucharas area. [14] In 2008, Amigos de La Laguna (Friends of the Lagoon), a local concerned citizens group, issued a press release showing the impact that construction of the Gasoducto del Norte was to have on the lagoon. In August 2008, the Legislature of Puerto Rico passed Law 227 designating the Punta Cucharas natural area as a nature reserve and creating the Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve using, among others, the June 2004 DRNA report. [15] On 9 August 2008, Punta Cucharas became a protected area under the law. [16] [17]

Location and size

The area is located in the coastal and the subcoastal zones of the southern end of Barrio Canas. The area is bounded in the west by a tourist development, including a hotel, in the north by modern residential compounds, and in the south by the Caribbean Sea. [18] It includes all the land southeast of Road PR-2 in Barrio Canas and the marine component of Isla de Ratones and Isla Cardona. The Caribbean Sea Marine Extent component includes the waters south of points from Punta Cucharas in the west and Rio Matilde in the east, both in the Ponce mainland, and north of points from Isla de Ratones in the west and Isla Cardona in the east, both islands south of Ponce. [19] [20] Isla de Ratones and Isla Cardona are both included in the Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve. [21] [22]

It consists of a salt water lagoon known as Laguna Salinas (Salinas Lagoon) that measures 347,898 square meters, as well as forestland systems of mangroves and other coastal forests, and different types of estuary and marshy wetlands. It also includes extensive areas of sand dunes covered by herbaceous vegetation, part of which are gramineous plants. [23] The Reserve's total area is 698 cuerdas. [24] [25] The Salinas Lagoon has a mangrove that expands about 37 acres. [26]

Ecological value

The Municipality of Ponce recognized the ecological value of the Punta Cucharas natural area and included a Special Plan PL. E. 2, on La Matilde Area (the Area that includes the Punta Cuchara area) in its Territorial Plan (Integral Review effective on 23 December 2003), in its Ordination Regulations component. This Special Plan intended to facilitate a residential, tourist and commercial development, contingent on the protection of natural resources such as Laguna Salinas and the wetlands to the south of the area and the conversion of PR-2 to an expressway and the construction of parallel service roads. Among the objectives of the Municipality of Ponce development were the establishment of a protection zone for wetlands and the Laguna Salinas. [27]

The Action Program of the Territorial Ordinance Plan (1993) Judicial Ruling known as Ruling JAC 93–0485 in "Municipality of Ponce vs. Government of Puerto Rico", a.k.a., Ponce en Marcha was a $615,000 yet-to-be-built project in the Hacienda La Matilde area programmed to be finished during the 1996-97 of the Government of Puerto Rico fiscal year. However, "recognizing the great ecological value of the Punta Cucharas ecosystem, the Territorial Ordinance Plan of the Municipality of Ponce sought to protect the Punta Cucharas area, identifying it as a "high interest" ecotourism area. [28]

Shoreline geology and habitats

The shoreline habitat consists of exposed mangroves, mixed sand and gravel beaches, and fine grained sandy beaches. The Reserve wildlife consists of wading birds and shore birds. [29]

Flora and fauna

The Reserve has 148 flora species, 56 bird species (including both resident or migratory species), five mammal species, nine reptile species, five amphibians, and six fish species. [30]

Flora

Critically endangered plant species include Cordia rupicola and Leptocereus quadricostatus (sebucan); Endangered is Guaiacum officinale (guaiac tree) and vulnerable is the Maytenus ponceana. [31] Some of the 147 plant species found at the Punta Cucharas Reserve are listed below. [32]

No.SpeciesFamilyCommon Name (Spanish)Common Name (English)
1 Aloe vera Liliaceae sábilaaloe vera
2 Acacia farnesiana Fabaceae aromasweet acacia
3 Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae rabo de gatodevil's horsewhip
4 Annona glabra Annonaceae cayurcorkwood
5 Antigonon leptopus Polygonaceae bellísimacoral vine
6 Arundo donax Poaceae caña de castillaSpanish cane
7 Avicennia germinans Verbenaceae mangle negroblack mangrove
8 Batis maritima Bataceae yerba de salsaltwort
9 Boerhavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae mata pavotarvine
10 Bucida buceras Combretaceae ucarbullet tree
11 Bursera simaruba Burseraceae almácigocopperwood
12 Caesalpinia bonduc Fabaceae mato de playagray nicker
13 Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae algodón de sedaking's crown
14 Canella winterana Canellaceae barbascocinnamon bark
15 Canavalia rosea Fabaceae haba de playabeach bean
16 Capparis flexuosa Capparaceae palinguan--
17 Capraria biflora Scrophulariaceae té del paísgoatweed
18 Cassytha filiformis Lauraceae fideillolovevine
19 Cissus trifoliata Vitaceae bejuco de carosorrelvine
20 Cleome viscosa Capparaceae volantínspiderflower
21 Coccoloba diversifolia Polygonaceae uvillapigeonplum
22 Coccoloba uvifera Polygonaceae uva de playaseagrape
23 Colubrina elliptica Rhamnaceae mabísoldierwood
24 Commelina sp. Commelinaceae cohítredayflower
25 Conocarpus erectus Combretaceae mangle blancobuttomwood
26 Crescentia cujete Bignoniaceae higüeracalabash
27 Cynodon dactylon Poaceae yerba BermudaBermuda grass
28 Dactyloctenium aegyptium Poaceae yerba egipciaEgyptian crowfoot grass
29 Delonix regia Fabaceae flamboyánpoinciana
30 Desmanthus virgatus Fabaceae desmantowild tantan
31 Digitaria decumbens Poaceae pangoladigitgrass
32 Eleusine indica Eleusine indica yerba dulceyard-grass
33 Eupatorium odoratum Compositae cariaquillo santa maríadevil weed
34 Euphorbia tirucalli Euphorbiaceae esqueletonaked lady
35 Ficus citrifolia Moraceae jagüeybanyantree
36 Fimbristylis dichotoma Cyperaceae junquitoforked fimbry
37 Forestiera segregata Oleaceae privetink-bush
38 Furcraea tuberosa Agavaceae magueycabuyo
39 Gossipium barbadense Malvaceae algodóncotton
40 Guaiacum officinale Zygophyllaceae guayacanguaiacwood
41 Guazuma ulmifolia Sterculiaceae guácimabay cedar
42 Gymnanthes lucida Euphorbiaceae yaitícrabwood
43 Heliotropium curassavicum Boraginaceae cotorrera de playaseaside heliotrope
44 Heteropogon contortus Poaceae yerba torcidablack speargrass
45 Hippomane mancinella Euphorbiaceae manzanillomanchineel tree
46 Ipomoea pes-caprae Convolvulaceae bejuco de playabeach morning glory
47 Jatropha gossypiifolia Euphorbiaceae túa-túabellyache bush
48 Krugiodendron ferreum Rhamnaceae bariacoleadwood
49 Laguncularia racemosa Verbenaceae mangle blancowhite mangrove
50 Lantana involucrata Verbenaceae cariaquillobuttonsage
51 Leucaena leucocephala Fabaceae zarzillawhite leadtree
52 Macfadyena unguis-cati Bignoniaceae uña de gatocat's claw creeper
53 Melicoccus bijugatus Sapindaceae quenepagenip
54 Metopium toxiferum Anacardiaceae papayopoisonwood
55 Opuntia repens Cactaceae cactus saltarín*roving pricklypear
56 Parkinsonia aculeata Fabaceae palo de rayoParkinsonia aculeata
57 Passiflora suberosa Passifloraceae flor de pasiónpassionflower
58 Paspalum laxum Poaceae matojo de arenabahiagrass
59 Pennisetum setaceum Poaceae yerbacrimson fountaingrass
60 Phoenix dactylifera Araceae palma de datildate plam
61 Pilosocereus royenii Cactaceae sebucandildo cactus
62 Pisonia albida Nyctaginaceae corchobirdcatcher tree
63 Pithecellobium dulce Fabaceae guamá americano--
64 Plumbago scandens Plumbaginaceae meladillodoctorbush
65 Portulaca oleracea Portulacaceae verdolagapigweed
66 Prosopis juliflora Fabaceae bayahondamesquite
67 Randia aculeata Rubiaceae tintillowhite indigoberry
68 Rhizophora mangle Rhizophoraceae mangle rojored mangrove
69 Rivina humilis Phytolaccaceae carmínpigeonberry
70 Roystonea borinquena Arecaceae palma realPuerto Rican royal palm
71 Ruppia maritima Ruppiaceae yerba de zanjaditch-grass
72 Rhynchosia minima Fabaceae frijolillojumby-bean
73 Sesbania sericea Fabaceae papagayoriverhemp
74 Sesuvium portulacastrum Portulacaceae verdolaga rosadashoreline purslane
75 Solanum elaeagnifolium Solanaceae trompillosilverleaf nightshade
76 Sporobolus virginicus Poaceae matojo de burroseashore dropseed
77 Tabebuia heterophylla Bignoniaceae roble blancowhite cedar
78 Talinum paniculatum Portulacaceae lengua de vacapink baby's-breath
79 Tamarindus indica Fabaceae tamarindotamarind
80 Thespesia populnea Malvaceae emajagüillaPortia tree
81 Tillandsia recurvata Bromeliaceae pirigallosmall ballmoss
82 Urochloa maxima Poaceae yerba de guineaGuinea grass
83 Vernonia cinerea Compositae yerba socialistalittle ironweed

Fauna

Birds

Fifty-six bird species have been identified in the Reserve. Five of them are endemic species. [33] A partial catalog of the bird species found in the Reserve includes Charrancito (Sternula antillarum), a key IBA water foul species that breeds in the area. Endemic species are: Zumbador Verde (Anthracothorax viridis), (Chlorostilbon maugaeus), San Pedrito (Todus mexicanus), Carpintero (Melanerpes portoricensis), Juí (Myiarchus antillarum), Bienteveo (Vireo latimeri), Reinita Mariposera (Dendroica adelaidae), Comeñame (Loxigilla portoricensis), and Reina Mora (Spindalis portoricensis). Mariquita ("Agelaius xanthomus") flies into the area but does not reside there. Other bird species are: Zumbador Dorado (Anthracothorax dominicus), Zumbador Pechiazul (Eulampis holosericeus), Zorzal Pardo (Margarops fuscatus) and Jilguero (Euphonia musica). [34]

There are 56 species identified of which six are endemic, 44 are resident, five are migratory and one is introduced. [35] The following table lists a sampling of them.

No.FamilySpeciesCommon Name (Spanish)Common Name (English)Status
1 Alcedinidae Ceryle alcyon martín pescadorbelted kingfisher Migratory
2 Anatidae Anas bahamensis pato quijada coloradawhite-cheeked pintailResident
3 Anatidae Anas discors pato zarcelblue-winged tealMigratory
4 Ardeidae Ardea alba garza realgreat egretResident
5 Ardeidae Ardea herodias garzón cenizogreat blue heronResident
6 Ardeidae Bubulcus ibis garza ganaderacattle egretResident
7 Ardeidae Egretta caerulea garza azullittle blue heronResident
8 Ardeidae Egretta thula garza blancasnowy egretResident
9 Ardeidae Egretta tricolor garza pechiblancatricolored heronResident
10 Ardeidae Nyctanassa violacea yaboa comúnyellow-crowned night heronResident
11 Cathartidae Cathartes aura aura tiñosaturkey vultureResident
12 Charadriidae Charadrius semipalmatus playero acollaradosemipalmated ploverResident
13 Charadriidae Charadrius wilsonia playerito marítimoWilson's ploverResident
14 Charadriidae Pluvialis squatarola playero cabezóngrey ploverResident
15 Coerebidae Coereba flaveola reinita comúnbananaquitResident
16 Columbidae Columbina passerina rolitacommon ground doveResident
17 Columbidae Zenaida asiatica tórtola aliblancawhite-winged doveResident
18 Cuculidae Crotophaga ani judíosmooth-billed aniResident
19 Emberizidae Dendroica adelaidae reinita mariposeraAdelaide's warblerResident
20 Emberizidae Dendroica petechia canario de mangleAmerican yellow warblerResident
21 Emberizidae Dendroica tigrina reinita tigreCape May warbler Migratory
22 Emberizidae Loxigilla portoricensis comeñamePuerto Rican bullfinch Endemic
23 Emberizidae Seiurus noveboracensis pizpita de manglenorthern waterthrushMigratory
24 Emberizidae Tiaris bicolor gorrión negroblack-faced grassquitResident
25 Falconidae Buteo jamaicensis guaraguaored-tailed hawkResident
26 Falconidae Falco peregrinus halcón peregrinoperegrine falconMigratory
27 Falconidae Falco sparverius falcón comúnAmerican kestrelResident
28 Fregatidae Fregata magnificens tijereta de marmagnificent frigatebirdResident
29 Icteridae Icterus dominicensis calandriaHispaniolan orioleResident
30 Icteridae Icterus icterus turpialVenezuelan troupial Introduced
31 Icteridae Molothrus bonariensis tordo lustrososhiny cowbirdResident
32 Icteridae Quiscalus niger changoGreater Antillean grackleResident
33 Laridae Larus atricilla gaviota gallegalaughing gullResident
34 Mimidae Mimus polyglottos ruiseñornorthern mockingbirdResident
35 Muscicapidae Turdus plumbeus zorzal de patas coloradasred-legged thrushResident
36 Pandionidae Pandion haliaetus águila de marospreyResident
37 Pelecanidae Pelecanus occidentalis pelicano pardobrown pelicanResident
38 Recurvirostridae Himantopus mexicanus viudablack-necked stiltResident
39 Scolopacidae Actitis macularia playero coleadorspotted sandpiperResident
40 Scolopacidae Arenaria interpres playero Turcoruddy turnstoneResident
41 Scolopacidae Calidris himantopus playero patilargostilt sandpiperResident
42 Scolopacidae Calidris mauri playerito occidentalwestern sandpiperResident
43 Scolopacidae Calidris melanotos playero manchadopectoral sandpiperMigratory
44 Scolopacidae Calidris minutilla playero menudoleast sandpiperResident
45 Scolopacidae Calidris pusilla playerito graciososemipalmated sandpiperResident
46 Scolopacidae Catoptrophorus semipalmatus playero aliblancowilletResident
47 Scolopacidae Limnodromus griseus chorlo pico cortoshort-billed dowitcherResident
48 Scolopacidae Tringa flavipes playero guineilla menorlesser yellowlegsResident
49 Scolopacidae Tringa solitaria playero solitariosolitary sandpiperResident
50 Thraupidae Spindalis portoricensis reina moraPuerto Rican spindalisEndemic
51 Todidae Todus mexicanus San PedritoPuerto Rican todyEndemic
52 Tyrannidae Myiarchus antillarum juí de Puerto RicoPuerto Rican flycatcherEndemic
53 Tyrannidae Tyrannus dominicensis pitirregray kingbirdEndemic
54 Vireonidae Vireo latimeri bien te veoPuerto Rican vireoEndemic

Mammals

The following five species of mammals were found in Punta Cuchara. [36]

No.FamilySpeciesCommon Name (Spanish)Common Name (English)Status
1 Muridae Rattus rattus rata negrablack rat Introduced
2 Muridae Rattus norvegicus rata de noruegabrown ratIntroduced
3 Muridae Mus musculus ratónhouse mouseIntroduced
4 Viverridae Urva auropunctata mangostasmall Asian mongooseIntroduced
5 Canidae Canis familiaris perrodomestic dogDomestic

Reptiles

Punta Cucharas biodiversity includes reptiles such as Hemidactylus brookii, Sphaerodactylus macrolepis, Sphaerodactylus roosevelti, Anolis cristatellus, Anolis pulchellus, Ameiva exsul,and Anolis poncensis, and the amphibians Bufo marinus, Eleutherodactylus coqui and Leptodactylus albilabris. [37] Of the reptile species, the lagartijo jardinero del sur (Anolis poncensis) is protected under the "vulnerable" classification by Rule 6766 of the "Regulations to Govern Vulnerable and Endangered Species in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico" [38] [39] pursuant to Puerto Rico Law 241, commonly known as "The Puerto Rico Wildlife Law." [40] Following is a listing of reptiles found at the Reserve.

No.FamilySpeciesCommon Name (Spanish)Common Name (English)Status
1 Gekkonidae Hemidactylus brooki haitianus salamanquesaBrooke's house gecko Native
2 Gekkonidae Sphaerodactylus macrolepis salamaquita de la VirgenBig-scaled least geckoNative
3 Gekkonidae Sphaerodactylus roosevelti salamaquita de la Virgen-- Endemic
4 Iguanidae Anolis cristatellus lagartijo comúncrested anoleNative
5 Iguanidae Anolis pulchellus lagartijo jardineroSharp-mouthed lizardNative
6 Iguanidae Anolis poncensis lagartijo jardinero del surPonce anoleEndemic
(Vulnerable)
7 Teiidae Ameiva exsul siguanaPuerto Rican ground lizardNative

Amphibians

No.FamilySpeciesCommon Name (Spanish)Common Name (English)Status
1 Bufonidae Bufo marinus sapo comúncane toad Introduced
2 Leptodactylidae Eleutherodactylus coqui coquí comúncommon coquí Endemic
3 Leptodactylidae Leptodactylus albilabris ranita de labio blancoHispaniolan ditch frog Native

Environmental challenges

Clean up

The June 2004 DRNA study warned that due to the lack of surveillance and the easy access that several roads provide to the area, it had become a common practice to use the area as a clandestine junk yard for motor vehicles and other refuse. The report suggested strategies for the management, cleaning, reforestation and conservation of the area. [41] Several groups, including civic, environmental, and church groups, interested in the conservation of the Salinas Lagoon as part of the Punta Cucharas natural area have participated in cleaning campaigns for the removal of junk with the collaboration of the Municipality of Ponce. The DRNA also took steps to reforest the area. [42] In 2013, some vandals used the area for dumping construction refuse, a practice that carries a fine of $5,000. [43]

As an additional vehicle to preserve the area, the government of Puerto Rico included Punta Cucharas as a natural reserve under the Natural Patrimony Program created by Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." [44]

Facilities improvements

In October 2012, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources published a 54-page environmental impact evaluation with numerous appendixes. In it, the DRNA proposed relocating the existing main vehicular entrance and building the necessary entryway and signing, making improvements to the existing road, building gazebos for group picnics and relaxation plus a gazebo for nature talks, construction a floating dock for kayaks, creation of an additional dock for ondock-fishing, erecting an observation tower and building a restaurant, a boat ramp, and bathroom facilities (compost toilets). The development area would cover 283 cuerdas (275 acres). [45] As a low environmental impact construction project, the plans include no new water, sewer, or electrical lines being brought into the area. The cost was estimated at $1.2 million. [46]

Flora at Punta Cucharas

Fauna at Punta Cucharas

Birds

Non-birds

Mammals
Reptiles
Amphibians

See also

Notes

  1. One cuerda is equal to 0.971 acre.

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Caja de Muertos Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in southern Puerto Rico consisting of the islands of Caja de Muertos, Cayo Morrillito, Cayo Berbería, and their surrounding reefs and waters in the Caribbean Sea. This nature reserve was founded on January 2, 1980, by the Puerto Rico Planning Board as recommended by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources with the purpose of preserving the subtropical dry forest ecosystems found within these islands, some important sea turtle nesting sites, and the marine habitats found on their surrounding reefs and waters.

References

  1. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of 4 August 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  2. Construccion de Infraestructuras Minimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluacion Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Page 6. October 2012. Accessed 9 June 2016. Archived.
  3. Educacion Ambiental: Herramienta para Proteger La Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Maria de los Angeles Cruz Torres and Natividad Cruz Torres. Universidad Metropolitana, Escuela Graduada de Asuntos Ambientales. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Page 6. 2 December 2009. (In Spanish) Accessed 8 June 2016.
  4. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of 4 August 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. August 9, 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  5. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of 4 August 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  6. Protected Natural Areas in Puerto Rico. (Large Map) William A. Gould, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, Waldemar Alcobas, and Caryl Alarcón. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry. PR Gap Analysis Project. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  7. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of 4 August 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  8. Construcción de Infraestructuras Mínimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluacion Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Page 6. October 2012. Accessed 9 June 2016. Archived.
  9. BirdLife Data Zone: Government and local community are working together to restore life to the mangroves of Puerto Rico. BirdLife International. 2016. Accessed 10 June 2016.
  10. Educación Ambiental: Herramienta para Proteger La Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Maria de los Angeles Cruz Torres and Natividad Cruz Torres. Universidad Metropolitana, Escuela Graduada de Asuntos Ambientales. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Page 6. 2 December 2009. (In Spanish) Accessed 8 June 2016.
  11. Informe Final del Proyecto de Monitoreo Socioeconómico en las Áreas Protegidas Marinas y Costeras de Puerto Rico: Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas, Ponce, Puerto Rico. Rosemarie Vazquez Cruz, Carlos J. Carrero Morales, Jeannette Ramos Garcia, Andreica Maldonado. Carlos Carrero. NOAA, DRNA, Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral (UPR-Mayaguez), Programa de Colegio Sea Grant de la UPR. 2011. Gaspar Pons, Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Re-published by Carlos Carrero. (November 2011). Accessed 7 June 2016.
  12. Per welcome sign at the entrance to the Reserve. See photo of sign in this article.
  13. Informe Final del Proyecto de Monitoreo Socioeconómico en las Áreas Protegidas Marinas y Costeras de Puerto Rico: Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas, Ponce, Puerto Rico. Rosemarie Vazquez Cruz, Carlos J. Carrero Morales, Jeannette Ramos Garcia, Andreica Maldonado. Carlos Carrero. NOAA, DRNA, Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Litoral (UPR-Mayaguez), Programa de Colegio Sea Grant de la UPR. 2011. Page 38. Gaspar Pons, Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Re-published by Carlos Carrero. (November 2011). Accessed 8 June 2016.
  14. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  15. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  16. Protected Natural Areas in Puerto Rico. (Large Map) William A. Gould, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, Waldemar Alcobas, and Caryl Alarcón. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry. PR Gap Analysis Project. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  17. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  18. BirdLife Data Zone: Government and local community are working together to restore life to the mangroves of Puerto Rico. BirdLife International. 2016. Accessed 10 June 2016.
  19. Protected Natural Areas in Puerto Rico. (Large Map) William A. Gould, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, Waldemar Alcobas, and Caryl Alarcón. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry. PR Gap Analysis Project. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  20. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  21. Restauran hábitat del lagartijo del seco Anolis cooki en la Isla de Cardona y Cayo Ratones. David Wege. 4 August 2010. Accessed 9 June 2016.
  22. Plan de Uso de Terrenos de Puerto Rico. Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico. Junta de Planificacion. 30 January 2014. Accessed 9 June 2016.
  23. Educación Ambiental: Herramienta para Proteger La Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Maria de los Angeles Cruz Torres and Natividad Cruz Torres. Universidad Metropolitana, Escuela Graduada de Asuntos Ambientales. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Page 6. 2 December 2009. (In Spanish) Accessed 8 June 2016.
  24. Laguna Las Salinas: De nuevo en el mapa sureño. (Update: Un Refugio Cerca de Todos. (Laguna Las Salinas: De nuevo en el Mapa Sureño.) Year 29. Issue 1436. 8–14 June 2016. Page 21. Accessed 8 June 2016.) Carmen Cila Rodríguez. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2011. Update accessed 8 June 2016. Archived.
  25. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  26. Laguna Las Salinas: De nuevo en el mapa sureño. (Update: Un Refuio Cerca de Todos. (Laguna Las Salinas: De nuevo en el Mapa Sureño.) Year 29. Issue 1436. 8–14 June 2016. Page 21. Accessed 8 June 2016.) Carmen Cila Rodríguez. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2011. Update accessed 8 June 2016.Archived.
  27. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  28. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  29. P PREPA Geographic Response Plan Map: PR-59: GRP - Oil Spill Sensitive Site Report for Sector: San Juan - Laguna de las Salinas, Ponce. Site ID: A42. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. 27 May 2011. Accessed 9 June 2016.
  30. Convierten en vertedero la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Amarilys Lozada Martínez. Primera Hora. 04/10/2013 (10 April 2013). Accessed 9 June 2016.
  31. BirdLife Data Zone: Government and local community are working together to restore life to the mangroves of Puerto Rico. BirdLife International. 2016. Accessed 10 June 2016.
  32. Construcción de Infraestructuras Mínimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluación Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Pages 14-20. October 2012. Accessed 9 June 2016. Archived.
  33. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  34. Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), PR011 - Salinas de Punta Cucharas. BirdLife International. Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc (Affiliate). 9 June 2016. Accessed 9 June 2016.
  35. Construcción de Infraestructuras Mínimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluación Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Pages 21-24. October 2012. Accessed 12 June 2016. Archived.
  36. Construcción de Infraestructuras Mínimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluación Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Page 20. October 2012. Accessed 11 June 2016. Archived.
  37. Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), PR011 - Salinas de Punta Cucharas. BirdLife International. Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc (Affiliate). 9 June 2016. Accessed 9 June 2016.
  38. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  39. Los Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Gobierno de Puerto Rico. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales. Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. Publication P-025. February 2008. Accessed 11 June 2016.
  40. Animales en Peligro de Extincion. Gobierno de Puerto Rico. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales. Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. Publication P-014. March 2007. Accessed 11 June 2016.
  41. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. August 9, 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  42. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  43. Convierten en vertedero la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas. Amarilys Lozada Martínez. Primera Hora. 04/10/2013 (10 April 2013). Accessed 9 June 2016.
  44. AN ACT To designate Punta Cucharas natural area of the Municipality of Ponce as a Natural Reserve Area of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to be administered pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 150 of August 4, 1988, as amended, known as the "Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Program Act." Legislature of Puerto Rico. Legislative Year 2008, Law No. 227. House Bill #3797. 9 August 2008. Accessed 8 June 2016.
  45. Construcción de Infraestructuras Mínimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluación Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Page 8. October 2012. Accessed 9 June 2016. Archived.
  46. Construcción de Infraestructuras Mínimas Recreativas y Educativas en la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas: Evaluación Ambiental: Punta Cucharas. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. Pages 32-34. October 2012. Accessed 9 June 2016. Archived.

Further reading