El Yunque announces partial reopening after the impact of tropical storm Ernesto
Some recreation areas in the forest will be ready to receive visitors starting tomorrow, Sunday
The U.S. Forest Service today announced that starting tomorrow, Sunday, the public will be able to visit some areas of the El Yunque National Forest, which has remained closed following the recent impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto.
The Forest Service's offerings, while response work is being completed, will include the Angelito trail and the Puente Roto recreational area in Luquillo; El Portal de El Yunque visitor center, and the PR-191 recreational corridor, in Rio Grande, to the YokahĂş Tower, where a traffic control point with a safe turnaround area will be set up. People will be able to admire La Coca waterfall; however, the trail bearing the same name will remain closed until it is free of vegetative material or overhead elements that represent potential risks.
Thus, the public wishing to experience a tropical forest will have as available options, the trails “Explora y Descubre”, and “Ciencia e Investigación”, located in El Portal de El Yunque, as well as the Angelito trail. Those looking for an area to cool off and take a dip could do so at Puente Roto recreation area. And for those who wish to appreciate the breathtaking views of the rainforest from above, Yokahú is an alternative.
It is important to remind the public that main access to the Angelito trail and Puente Roto area, via PR 988, remains partially closed due to construction. Visitors should take the alternate route from PR-3, heading east, and take the ramp at kilometer 37.8 to PR-922. Continue on PR-922 to PR-983, and then to the intersection with PR-988 KM 6.6.
Response efforts at El Yunque began on Wednesday afternoon, August 14, when the rains associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto began to subside. Since then, El Yunque team has been working around the clock to reopen and ensure a safe visitor experience.
“Passionate, hardworking, empathetic, and integrated, there are no better words to describe the men and women who answered the call of duty to help El Yunque National Forest, our home, when we needed them. I sincerely thank each of them for making the sacrifice to help assess damage, eliminate hazards, and restore access to our crown jewel in Puerto Rico. Your efforts and love for El Yunque National Forest do not go unnoticed, and we could not have done it without them,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Mathias Wallace in recognition of the response team's work.
“To our returning visitors, please be careful and considerate of others as you return to your favorite national forest. Safety from a physical, social, and psychological perspective is always our number one priority,” he added.
For updates on the progress of work at El Yunque and its recreational areas, check its official Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/elyunquenf/ or the website https://www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque.