Federal Layoffs Impact Some USVI Conservation, Preservation Efforts

Federal workforce reductions are disrupting environmental and cultural preservation efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with key staff positions eliminated and critical projects facing uncertainty. On Saturday, about 20 federally employed and recently laid-off workers gathered outside the Christiansted National Historic Site on St. Croix to protest widespread terminations affecting agencies such as the National Park Service and NOAA.

Among those protesting was Pardis Zahedi, a cultural heritage specialist who was among 1,000 National Park Service employees terminated on February 14. Zahedi, who has lived on St. Croix for five years, said these cuts threaten the preservation of historical sites, environmental protections, and access to public resources. She noted that biologists, historic preservationists, and park staff—many working directly in the Virgin Islands—were among those impacted.

The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife has also lost four key personnel and contractors, creating additional challenges for local conservation efforts. Division Director Nicole Angeli confirmed that among those dismissed was the only U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services employee stationed in the USVI. That individual played a role in ensuring that federally funded construction projects, such as ongoing work at the Vincent Mason Pool, complied with environmental regulations protecting species like sea turtles and lizards.