Happy family

Find a legal form in minutes

Browse US Legal Forms’ largest database of 85k state and industry-specific legal forms.

Virgin Islands Department of Natural Resources

In Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (“DPNR”) was established in 1987 under the Government Reorganization and Consolidation Act.  The DPNR serves as the agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of all laws pertaining to the preservation and conservation of fish and wildlife, trees and vegetation, coastal zones, cultural and historical resources, water resources, and air, water and oil pollution.  It is also responsible for oversight and compliance of land survey, land subdivision, development and building permits, earth change permits, zoning administration, boat registration, and mooring and anchoring of vessels within territorial waters.  Simultaneously, the DPNR formulates long-range comprehensive and functional development plans for the human, economic and physical resources of the territory.

The DPNR is mandated to promote, implement, support, maintain and coordinate library and information services and museums, and preserve items of historical significance in the archives of the Virgin Islands.  The DPNR is further obligated to formulate functional development plans for the territory’s human, economic and physical resources.

The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources (“Commissioner”) acts as the head of the DPNR.  The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the legislature.  The Commissioner holds office during the continuance in office of the governor by whom s/he is appointed and until his successor is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the Governor.  The DPNR is administered under the supervision and direction of the Commissioner.  The Governor organizes the DPNR to provide the most efficient, cost-effective and coordinated delivery of services and programs within its jurisdiction[i].

The DPNR has 11 primary operating divisions, each with its own unique set of administrative and regulatory mandates.  Some of its divisions are:

  • The Division of Business and Administrative Services – It  has oversight responsibility for all fiscal matters pertaining to budgeting, personnel and payroll and for revenue collection involving general, federal and other special funds for all divisions within the DPNR;
  • The Division of Capital and Development Planning – It plans for facilitating  the improvement of neighborhood and community services and facilities, especially those for the benefit of low-to-moderate income persons and disaffected segments of the U.S.Virgin Islands population (such as the elderly, the disabled and the homeless, as well as victims of domestic violence);
  • The Division of Environmental Enforcement – It serves as the law enforcement arm of the Department of Planning & Natural Resources. Its primary function is to enforce all laws applicable to the protection, preservation and conservation of the natural resources and overall environment of the U.S.Virgin Islands;
  • The Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)- It is charged with monitoring, assessing and implementing public awareness and other activities that help to enhance and safeguard fish and wildlife resources in the USVI.

 

The DPNR provides comprehensive long-range planning services for all territorial departments and agencies.  Pursuant to 3 V.I.C. § 401, the DPNR also fosters, promotes and undertakes programs and projects for the conservation and development of the natural resources of the U.S. Virgin Islands.  It also conducts surveys, and maintains real and personal property appropriate to the goal of promoting the fullest public appreciation of the archaeological, architectural, cultural and historical heritage of the people of the U.S.Virgin Islands;

In addition, the DPNR erects and maintains  historic signs or markers within the right-of-way of any territorial roadway or highway or any other property under its jurisdiction and control under such conditions or limitations as may be appropriate.

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources

[i] 3 V.I.C. § 400.


Inside Virgin Islands Department of Natural Resources