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National Park Service Announces Closure of Buck Island Until Further Notice

The National Park Service — citing recent boating incidents along with the "rapid growth" of Covid-19 and public health advisories and guidance — has announced the immediate closure of Buck Island for public use of vessel anchoring and mooring until further notice. Along with the reasons cited above, the Park Service said it has scheduled maintenance repairs around both the anchoring and moorings areas, according to a release issued Thursday. This temporary closure will help mitigate the risks of park employees and/or contractors from potential exposure of the virus while operating at limited capacity and following CDC and territorial guidance, NPS said. "Only National Park Service staff, National Park Service concessionaires and contractors, U.S. Coast Guard, Government of the Virgin Islands emergency and law enforcement agencies, and other agency partners will be authorized during this temporary closure," said NPS. "Unauthorized vessels will be turned around and prevented from ente...