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Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 9 October 1976 VIRGIN ISLANDS FORESTRY RESEARCH A Problem Analysis = ied Se i 4 ae ee ah oe 3 eS * i Som 5 my eet ad ‘oa lay = t- +e > lB i ail A - eee +4 ae at’ as a | — . 7 & ~~ =f = La i = + BY | ow mL 4 tt y i >. ey i de b> Va = a” JAF 3; J a crs % Fa » Ee 1 =. = ri Pa i a | aj «. F- - i eg: all> Fi ae i | A: 4 “4 + pt Fe a m* st ) £4 a met a ie ae . ‘I “he oe + a 1% te 8 — ae Ae =. ae | 4) ee — . oe #? ae _ * cn pe -,. Mi yr i Wy =. * ” i = — + ell = a t. e aig ~*~ = “atl ak, Te a ay - . et ee hy, Ei St aie! = Oe +e _— ae me F) ‘i * a, a" Se oa . Mo eal taal ee ee ae “—¢ ae nS as a. ae ig i ae , -o -_— eg S. a” Cae J > =] a i? ae a Se ar A tig | = a Ne %e7 “he «* ST at od College of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Darshan S. Padda, Director St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station VIRGIN ISLANDS FORESTRY RESEARCH A Problem Analysis College of the Virgin Islands in Cooperation with Seymour I. Somberg & Associates, Ltd. Consulting Foresters, Engineers & Appraisers Wilmington, N.C. 28401 Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Darshan S. Padda, Director St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands Report No. 9 October 1976 i] CONTENTS Page No. Foreword .... ec cee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee iii Acknowledgements ......... es € G SEROGR CM wISUE SE HWRSN oe @ereNe we ew aners iV Summary and COUGUSONS 6 6 x pcx 2 & cece © & emis ww eeresne we rm eee & we meee v Introduction. ........ cee ee ee eee ee ee ee eee | Forest TReSOUICES: ose ececonace « & HS SE SWS EB MELINA & RORS BE ee @ & es | Band is = 2 crass © 6 RSS FOR seer He atatENs oH Rete © & eo & ReeTARE OH Wee l Plant associations .. 2... ee ee ee 2 BHAT. woo ecceecosce ow emblem © & ESieteS 2 CMOS FT RUSE G & EBA @ Beret wees 2 Competition for Land .. 2... 16. cc ee eee ee eee eens 3 The Forests scacacace wv scwcwce «4 epeeceen en eee ae eee es 2 eee FE BE w a Ee 4 Utilization of Forest Products in the Virgin Islands .............-- 002222 4 Forest Productiofi.s 2 escia ae cece oe ceme @ ® Hew wee bin ee ee ee eee 4 Virgin Islands Forest Industries... 2... 2 ee es 6 Requirements for Forest Area... 0... cc ee eee eee eens 7 Forestry Research in the Virgin Islands... 1... 1. ee ee ee ees 8 Forestry Research Needs by the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station ..... 10 Selected References... ....-.- ec eee eee ee ee ee ee ee ee eee ee 13 Other reports of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station ............. 14 FOREWORD This report on the Virgin Islands forestry research needs is part of a continuous effort of the Agricul- tural Experimental Station, College of the Virgin Islands to conduct short-range and long-range research projects for improving both the agriculture and forestry resources in the Virgin Islands. It is the ninth in a series of feasibility studies sponsored by the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station which was established in 1972. The work was conducted under MclIntire-Stennis project. VI-016 by contracting the services of Dr. Seymour I. Somberg. Forest trees have been used for a long time as windbreaks to protect and improve yields of agricul- tural crops. But, there is also a renewed interest in forestry as’a natural resource. Forest resources hold meaning for people in relation to their interests in freshwater supplies, outdoor recreation, homes and commercial buildings, furniture, watercraft, fuel, and many other goods and services which are derived from forests, In the Virgin Islands we must have forested areas to enjoy the benefits of forest recreation, wildlife, and forested watersheds. This project was designed with a broad scope to investigate situations in general and to answer ques- tions as to whether our forest research needs are being met by USDA’s institute of tropical forestry located in Puerto Rico or if some local research effort is needed. This study has identified areas in which forestry research should be conducted, while keeping in con- sideration our commercial and socioeconomic conditions. The Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station gratefully acknowledges the assistance provided by the forestry staff of the Cooperative State Research Service of the United States Department-of Agriculture. Darshan S. Padda, Director October 1976 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It is impossible for me to acknowledge all the persons who helped me with this assignment — from the man in the street to high government officials and those in between. Deserving of special mention are Dr. Darshan S. Padda, Director, College of the Virgin Islands Agri- cultural Experiment Station for affording me both the opportunity and his assistance during the investi- gation. I would also like to thank Dr. Frank H. Wadsworth, Director, Institute of Tropical Forestry (ITF), USDA Forest Serivce, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico for his assistance and Dr. Tom Shubert who fur- nished most of the photographs used in this report; Mrs. Joanne Feheley, Librarian, supplied me with volume after volume of material on the natural resources of the Virgin Islands and her help is gratefully acknowledged. Mr. Axel L. Frederiksen, Forest Technician, USDA Forest Service who spent many days with me in the field, driving and showing me the forestry resources of the islands. His help and assistance was greatly appreciated. Mr. William Saalman, USDA Soil Conservation Service who permitted me to use the SCS aerial photo- graphs. He also helped with the soils of the island and furnished photographs. Mr. Larry Bough, Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, was also very helpful in showing me the department's forestry efforts. Seymour I, Somberg SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS In March 1976, a problem analysis was con- ducted by a consulting forester. Presently, much of the United States Virgin Islands is covered with second growth and scrubby timber composed of noncommercial species. This is due in part to the past pattern of land use, especially the cultivation of sugar cane. The rainfall or the lack of adequate rainfall is also responsible for the type of timber found in the islands. These two factors, plus others such as compe- tition for alternate uses for land and advalorem taxes, preclude the possibility of commercial forestry in the islands. Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) is planted extensively in the islands. It is estimated that there is in excess of 500,000 board feet of merchantable mahogany. Since there is, for all practical purposes, no forest industry in the Virgin Islands this volume of merchantable mahogany could be exported. There is a demand for mahogany because it is one of the finest cabinet woods found in the world. Although there is no future in the islands for com- mercial forestry, forest research is strongly recom- mended for the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experi- ment Station. In addition to solving research prob- lems and informing the general public, results can be made available to many of the departments such as the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. The ex- change of information would benefit all in the islands. These research efforts would not supplement those by other departments or agencies rather they would complement. Recommended research efforts, not necessarily in order of priority, are: 1. The testing of some 50 species of native and exotic trees for use along highways and ad- jacent to dwellings. Especially among these trees is mango (Mangifera spp.). 2. It is thought that there is a natural hybrid: West Indies mahogany (Swietenia mahogani Jacq.) x Honduras mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King). This hybrid should be tested genetically to determine if it is in fact a hybrid. 3. Water is a very limited commodity in the is- lands. Research in water-shed production is needed. 4. Forest Recreation: The demand for recreation is constantly on the increase, and investigations should be conducted to determine which spe- cies would best be suited in conjunction with water oriented activities. 5. Because of past land-use patterns, there is little wildlife in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Research on natural habitat is needed. 6. There are no conifers in the islands. The tradi- tional Christmas trees, such as pines and firs are not found in the islands. To use these trees they would have to be imported. There is a tree called the Norfolk-Island pine which is not a true pine. (Araucaria spp.) It is used here and in other parts of the world as a Christmas tree. The feasibility of commercial production of this species in the islands should be tested. Cover Photo: 12-year old Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) atter 100 percent release. Estate Bodkin (2) St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Photo by Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Police ncey Cher Groes MAME LOLLIK | pats i gale buTcHeaF " “i Lirerd a Dvtcheap Cay Sasa “¢ of” WhietiingCny Ly” ey “s Shamepy Cresent Mt {WATCH Cay & gt oy" Pair, €5 Croton altace Content min Srl tf On, nee ~ é Lined Pp. ST.JOHN ¥& Ang, to ‘ah Prieptasar me! SAVANA 1 Muhlerbele Pt Panagan Flat Coys gy ww or geet Bay “2 1 Say St. Jones ete Lite Pal Deg I Ram Heed FL awn? = Buck | Gp Copeiia ls 4+4OMILE & White Horse be Harn Blatt we as Buek island Fe “ @ qet Mt. Eagle <9 kage % wat Pr Mt Waahi mg horn ay Chrigtionated Ss T C R O Crone Pe Frederikete cl Airport sandy 6: wt Cape al LTS \ x \V N \ y ys eS w, / \ WA \ 1 Z [\ VIRGIN I SLAND S VIRGIN ISLANDS FORESTRY RESEARCH A Problem Analysis SEYMOUR I. SOMBERG INTRODUCTION This work was supported in part from matching funds made available under the McIntire-Stennis Act (M-S), which provides for funds to be spent on forestry research. Inasmuch as there is no forestry re- search at the College of the Virgin Islands or at its experiment station, a M-S project was written to pro- vide for a problem analysis of the Virgin Islands For- estry Research Program. The project had four objec- tives. 1, Obtain information on Virgin Islands forest resources, forest products uses, and forest production potential. 2. Determine requirements in forest areas and forest products for the Virgin Islands based on commercial and social consideration. 3. Find out what research of other institutions and agencies lacks in meeting forestry informa- tion requirements of the Virgin Islands. 4. Determine forestry research needs by the Vir- gin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station. The report that follows provides the answers to these objectives. The U.S. Virgin Islands lie between 17°30’ to 18° 30’ north latitude and 65° 15” to 64° 40’ west longi- tude and include three major islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. There are in addition, over 50 smaller islands, cays and keys. This report is confined to the three major islands which have approximately 85,000 acres. St. Croix is the largest island with 54,563 acres representing 63.9 percent of the total land area of the three islands. St. Thomas is second with 17,985 acres and 21.1 percent of the total. The smallest of the three islands, St. John, is third with 12,835 acres and 15.0 percent of the total area. There is a national park administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior on St. John which occupies approximately three-fourths of the island. The population of the islands was estimated in 1974 to be 100,000. This total is expected to exceed 200,000 by 1978. The annual rainfall varies within the islands as well as among the islands. The annual rainfall on St. Croix varies from 20 to 30 inches on the eastern end to approximately 50 to 60 inches on the western end. On St. Thomas the annual rainfall varies from 35 to 40 inches on the east and west ends of the island to 40 to 55 inches in the central portion. The trade- winds are easterly. FOREST RESOURCES Land There are 85,382 acres in the three major U.S. Virgin Islands in six ecological life zones. According to Holdridge’s system of classification of world life zones or plant formations, only two are found in the US. Virgin Islands, subtropical dry forests and sub- tropical moist forests. The area occupied by these life zones is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Ecological Life Zones of the United States Virgin Islands a a = SUBTROPICAL SUBTROPICAL SQUARE DRY FORESTS MOIST FORESTS PERCENT OF ISLAND MILES ACRES (ACRES) (ACRES) TOTAL AREA ~ St, Croix 84 54, 563 45, 469 9, 094 63.9 St.Thomas 28 17, 984 7,001 10, 983 21.1 St. John 20 12, 835 8,214 4,621 15.0 TOTALS: 132 85, 382 60, 684 24, 698 PERCENT OF TOTALS: 71.1 28.9 100.0 Of the total land area in the islands, it is estimated that 35,300 acres or 45.1 percent is classified as for- ests, This includes 5,000 acres of commercial forests and 15,800 acres of noncommercial forests. The remaining 14,500 acres are unclassified and are moun- tainous. A good portion of this unclassified area is on steep slopes. Practically all of the forested area is in private ownerships. On St. Croix, private ownership repre- sents approximately 95 percent of all timberland; St. Thomas, 87 percent; and on St. John, 57 percent excluding the National Parks. With the exception of one or two large land- owners, the forest lands are in small acreages and would be classified as small wood lots in the United States. Over 500 native tree species plus several hundred introduced or exotic species are found in the islands. No inventory of the growing stock has been made. R.W. Nobles, USDA Forest Service, Institute of Tropical Forestry (ITF), estimates that there is in excess of 500,000 board feet of merchantable mahogany in the islands. Excellent protected hillside for planting mahogany (Swietenia spp.) Estate Cane Bay, St. Croix, USS. Virgin Islands. Photo, ITF, USDA, Forest Service, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Plant Associations The subtropical Dry Forest Zone occupies almost three-quarters of the land area of the islands and is the driest of the life zones. The vegetation of this life zone, according to Ewel and Whitmore, tends to form a complete ground cover and is almost deciduous on moist 2 soils, Plants found in this life zone and considered as indicators of this zone are: turpentine tree, al- macigo (Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg.); mesquite (Prosopis juliflora(Sw.) DC.); sebucan, dildo (Cephal- ocereus royenii (L.) Britton and Rose); tachuelo, fustic (Pictetia aculeata (Vahl) Urban); ucar, oxhorn bucida (Bucida buceras L.); guayacan, common lig- numvitae(Guaiacum officinale L.); guayacan blanco, holywood lignumvitae (Guaiacum sanctum L.); zar- cilla, tantan (Leucaena glauca (L.) Benth.); tama- tindo, tamarind (Jamarindus indica L.); tamarindo silvestre or steel acacia (Acacia macracantha Humb & Bonpl.); aroma, sweet acacia (Acacia farnesiana (L.) willd.); quenepa, kinep, Spanish-lime (Melicoccus bi- jugatus Jacq.); and five species of burro caper (Capparis spp.). Plant associations and indicators of the subtropical moist forest zone are: palma real, Puerto Rico royal- palm (Roystonea borinquena, O.F. Cook); roble blanco, “white cedar” (Tabebuia heterophylla (DC) Britton); laurels, (Nectandra spp.) and (Ocotea spp.); tulipan africano, African tulip tree (Spathodea cam- panulata Beauy.); bucayo gigante (Erythrina poeppt- giana (Walp.) O. F. Cook); guaba (Inga vera willd.); guaba, sweetpea (Jnga laurina (Sw.) willd.); cedro hembra, Spanish-cedar (Cedrela odorato L.); algar- robo, West Indian-locust, (Hymenaea courbaril L.); flamboyan, flamboyant-tree (Delonix regia (Boja) Raf.); jaguey blanco, shortleaf fig (Ficus laevigata Vahl); yagrumo hembra, trumpet-tree (Cecropia peltata L.); yagrumo macho, matchwood (Didymo- panax morototoni (Aub.) Decne. and Planche). Soils The soils of the Virgin Islands have been mapped by the USDA Soil Conservation Service located on St. Croix. Seven (7) soil associations are found on the islands. St. Croix contains six of the seven associations; St. Thomas two and St. John one. These soil associations are: St. Croix Descalabrado — Jacana Aguilita — Fredensborg — Sion Fraternidad — Aquirre — Glynn Southgate — Parasol Cramer — Isaac Cornhill — Coamo — San Anton Cramer — Isaac Dorothea — Victory — Magens St. Thomas St. John Cramer — Isaac Robert W. Nobles, ITF, U.S. Forest Service, re- cognizes four woodland suitability groups. They are: Woodland Group 1: Dorothea - Victory - Magens association. Steep to very steep, well-drained soils; clay to clay loam subsoil; on mountain sides, This association does not appear on St. Croix and occu- pies a small area in the North Central area of St. Thomas. These soils are used mostly for terraced cultivated crops and for pasture. Mahogany (Swie- tenia spp.) should be selected for planting. Annual growth is estimated at 150 to 250 board feet per acre, Woodland Group 2: Aguilita - Fredensborg - Sion association. Gently sloping to steep, well- drained soils; clay loam and silty clay loam material below the surface layer; shallow over soft, marly limestone; on hills, foot slopes, and terraces. This soil association is only found on St. Croix and occurs on alluvial fans. About 90 percent of the acreage in natural mahogany forests on St. Croix is on these soils, Mahogany should be favored in existing stands. In addition, teak (Tectoma grandis L.f.) may be planted. There is considerable compe- tition for use of these soils by agricultural crops. Woodland Group 3: Glynn - Lavalee - Parasol and San Anton series. Moderately fine textured, well-drained soils that are deep over stratified sedi- ments of varying textures. All are on alluvial fans and flood plains. These soils are generally not used for timber pro- duction but are excellent for mahogany and teak plantations. Annual growth is estimated at 250 to 350 board feet per acre. There is only a small area of these soils on St. Croix. None are present on St. Thomas or on St. John. Woodland Group 4: Soils in this group are Cramer, Isaac, Jacana and Southgate series. These soils occupy the largest area of St. Croix and St. Thomas and all of St. John. The soils are moderately fine textured, well-drained and are moderately deep and shallow over hard, volcanic rock. The slope gradient is from 2 to 60 percent. Annual growth is estimated at 150 board feet per acre on the upper slopes and 300 board feet per acre on the lower slopes. Mahogany is the preferred species for planting, but teak may be planted on the deep soils of the lower slopes. COMPETITION FOR LAND Land is the limiting factor of production in the islands with an area of only 85,382 acres. Consider- ing that almost all of St. John is a National Park and therefore withdrawn from competition, leaves only 72,542 acres for other uses. Tourism is the leading contributor to the Gross National Product of the U.S. Virgin Islands and usually, land use is geared to this purpose. Climate and life style are attractive and thus there is much demand for homesites. Land values are quite high. Land on St. Croix is currently being sold in Estate Cotton Grove from $6,000 to $10,000 per acre. In Estate Jealousy a recent sale of 128 acres brought $5,000 per acre. In Estate Bethlehem 30 acres sold for $70,000 or $3,500 per acre. In the area of the College of the Virgin Islands a recent sale brought $55,000 for 10 acres or $5,500 per acre. Prices are even higher on St. Thomas and St. John. In general, the land is in small ownership con- taining 50 to 100 acres, except on the west end of St. Croix where there are some extensive holdings. The subtropical moist ecological zone is present in this area. The current population is estimated at 100,000 inhabitants. The 1974 Governors’ Report to the Secretary of the Interior estimates that the popula- tion of the Virgin Islands will increase to approxi- mately 200,000 inhabitants by 1978. This will place an additional burden on the land for housing. The same report also indicated that by 1977 the demand for new low density housing on St. Croix will be 2,450 units, St. Thomas 1,950 units and St. John, 100 units. This totals 4,500 units. There are strict zoning regulations in the islands. In accordance with these regulations, a minimum of 10,000 square feet of land per 2 units (two homes) is required under R-2. R-1 requires a minimum of 20,000 square feet of land per 2 units (two homes). Taking the lower area required of one-quarter acre per two dwellings would require 562.5 acres. This is the minimum requirement. In all likelihood more acreage will be required. It was further estimated that from 1978-1990 an additional 2,000 units would be required on St. Croix, 1,600 for St. Thomas and 100 for St. John. This totals 3,700 units, and will require an additional 460 acres, Other land uses such as for- estry and agriculture cannot compete with housing, shopping centers and light industry for the use of the land. To illustrate that the above acreage is a minimum, a subdivision of 211 lots required 160 acres or slightly more than three-quarters of an acre per unit. Given the facts of landownership, alternate uses of 3 the land, soils, and topography, no commercial for- estry is foreseen for the U.S. Virgin Islands. THE FORESTS No inventory of the growing stock has been made on the Virgin Islands. A substantial portion of the 500,000 board feet of merchantable mahogany is in roadside and on urban plots. Aerial photographs taken in 1971 indicate that the forested areas are composed of second growth and short-bodied trees, Many have no commercial value at this time because they are of species not currently being used. In addition, a large portion of the forest is presently inaccessible and situated on steep slopes. In the mountainous areas of the islands the timber is found on the north and east slopes of the ridges. An inventory of the growing stock of the islands may prove costly because of the ownership patterns of small acreages, steep slopes, and scattered trees. To inventory, permission would be needed to pass over the private ownership. The Attorney General’s office advises, however, this might not be any prob- lem, and indicated that most landowners would coop- erate. There is also a question of land lines. An in- ventory would not be of much value unless volumes by ownership could be ascertained. This would be essential if the inventory was to be used as a basis for forest management. UTILIZATION OF WOOD PRODUCTS During the seven-year period from 1968-1974 the volume of domestic imports to the Virgin Islands declined. The dollar value of these imports has more or less remained the same. This is due in part to inflation and increased unit prices. See Table 2. During the two year period from 1968-1970 there was considerable building trade activity in the islands. Several large housing projects were initiated. This is reflected in the volume of plywood imported from the United States. The four-year period from 1968- 1971 brought approximately 9 million square feet of plywood to the islands. This is approximately 300,000 panels per year for four years or a total of slightly more than 1,200,000 4’ x 8’ shells of ply- wood. This does not take into consideration plywood imported from foreign nations such as Surinam and Taiwan. The data presented in Table 3 indicates that all domestic imports have declined. Plywood went from a high of 10,576,000 square feet in 1970 to 2,855,000 square feet in 1974. The 1974 statistic 4 represents a decrease of 73 percent in the consump- tion of softwood lumber. The same trend can be seen that from a high of 12,294,000 square feet in 1968, imports dropped to a low of 3,841,000 in 1973. However, this commodity rose slightly in 1974 to 4.6 million square feet representing a decline of approximately 63 percent from the 1968 high. On the other hand, the domestic imports of paper and paper products have steadily increased. The future requirements for lumber and wood products are difficult to project without additional historical data. Taking into consideration the pro- jected population increase and the projected housing requirements, needs in 1978-1980 should more than double and perhaps triple our current demand, This would -bring imports to the 1968 levels when there was considerable activity in housing developments. Table 2. Imports to the U.S. Virgin Islands of Wood and Wooden Articles from Foreign Sources, 1970 Value Largest Share Percent of Commodity (Dollars) ofthe Market Total Market Lumber 224,998 Canada 80.2. Floors, moulding 54,449 Denmark 27.9 Boxes, wood crates, packing 29,793 Italy 45.8 Household utensils of mahogany 39,255 Haiti 98.1 Household utensils. of wood other than mahogany 81,473 Denmark 48.1 Wood carvings 42,078 Haiti 34.6 Moulding 5,898 France 40.0 Other wood articles 34,263 Denmark 26.8 Articles of bamboo, rattan and willow 36,211 Mexico 74.7 Wood veneers 11,306 Taiwan 100.0 Plywood 170,341 Surinam 43.9 Wood particle board 44,310 Portugal 58.4 TOTAL $774,375 Source: External Trade with Foreign Countries, 1970. De- partment of Commerce, Division of Trade and Industry. FOREST PRODUCTION The future for commercial forest production in the islands is not very promising. The land suitable TABLE 3. IMPORTS OF FOREST PRODUCTS TO THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM THE UNITED STATES: 1968 to 1974. Unit 1968 1970 1972 1974 of Net Value Net Value Net Value Net Value COMMODITY Oty. Qty. ($,000) Qty. ($,000) Qty. ($,000) Qty. ($,000) WOOD PRODUCTS Charcoal, Fuel & Wood Waste LB _ 2.2 _ 49.0 66,473 3.5 39,173 5.3 Logs & Bolts in the Rough-Softwood MBF a ~ 553 79.2 82 11.4 390 =: 112.6 Logs & Bolts in the Rough-Hardwood MBF _ _ _ on 28 11.5 53 51.2 Timber, Posts, Nec. Rough _ mo 60.9 = 77.3 _ 51.4 _ 81.2 Cross Ties & Mine Ties MBF 8 1.5 = - 34 se _ - Lumber, Softwood MBF 13,294 1,873.0 10,336 1,846.1 3,870 838.3 4,600 1,359.5 Lumber, Hardwood MBF 197 40.8 155 36,3 1,594 364.9 96 35,6 Wood Pulp-Mech. & Semi Chem. STN _ = _ = = = 8 0.6 Wood Pulp-Chem, Dissolving Grade STN it ez - es ~ _ - - Veneer Sheets, Wood SFT 925,670 13.0 359,000 6.4 3,466,000 135.7 33,000 2.2 Plywood, Incl. Wd. Veneer Panels SFT 9,624,729 1,477.5 10,576,000 1,110.2 6,424,000 1,317.6 2,855,000 744.1 Wood: Impvd, or Reconstituted SFT 6,400 1.4 5,746 3] 78,855 28.4 139,856 26.0 Wood, Simply Shaped or Worked _ _ 89.3 _ 242.9 _ §5.2 = 112.4 Boxes, Cases, Crates, Wood _ os 2.5 = - _ 1.0 _ 2.3 Cooperage Products a _ 118.9 _ 64.0 z 8.2 i 43.3 Bldr’s. Woodwork & Prefab Bldgs. _ — 1,313.9 _ 1,308.4 _— 970.0 — 473.3 Domestic & Decor Articles, Wd. = BE 120.3 = 145.1 . 104.8 wi 75.1 Mfg. Articles of Wood Nec. _ _ 226.6 _ 167.6 _ 70.8 — 140.9 Furniture - — 4,087.5 — 5,278.5 _ 3,937.9 — 4,528.7 PAPER PRODUCTS Newsprint Paper LB 339,797 29.2 445,984 38.0 407,765 45.4 1,094,074 104.6 Paper, Print & Writ. Ex. News LB 172,686 36.7 374,660 112.9 615,864 159.0 1,077,000 482.5 Kraft Paper & Paperboard LB 90,668 16.4 117,792 28.8 1,024,742 93.3 17,103 13.2 Paper & Paperboard-Machine Grade LB _ _ 179,037 50.0 307,488 66.9 176,004 61.6 Bldg. Board & Wdplp. or Veg. LB 4,042,938 142.5 1,366,122 174.1 975,810 217.1 400,608 71.4 Papers, Handmade LB _ _ 26,635 ire 600 0.7 94,764 26.9 Papers & Paperboard, Mach.-Made LB 1,128,054 185.0 = at = = _ _ Paper/Paperbrd.in Rolls Nec. LB 342,832 74.9 625,908 123.1 1,877,288 454.7 946,143 303.8 Boxes & Other Contrs., Ppbrd. LB ,3,498,003 781.8 4,839,252 990.7 3,504,023 876.1 3,440,007 1,137.3 Paper, Correspondence, Nec. si a 60.8 = 39,4 i 39.1 = 36.8 Paper Statnry. Exc. Corres. Nec. LB 222,193 142.8 133,548 124.5 193,882 122.0 193,521 133.0 Articles of Paper, Etc., Nec. si _ 934.9 _ 879.7 _ 563.7 — 1,881.3 Source: U.S, Virgin Islands Department of Commerce for forestry production is limited due to competi- tion for alternative land uses such as housing, agri- culture, hotel complexes, recreation, water shed protection, shopping centers, schools and the value of the land. In addition, the advalorem taxes on land is high. The current tax rate is 1.25 percent of 60 percent of the actual appraised value of the land. Agricultural lands under law receive a 95 percent tax rebate. Thus an acre of land used for forests valued at $8,000 would have an annual tax of $60.00. There is a case pending in the Virgin Islands courts to determine if forest lands qualify for the agricul- tural land rebate. The current ruling is that only forest land used in cooperation with the U S. Forest Service for research are qualified to receive the 95 percent tax rebate. This does not mean that forestry research or other forestry activities cannot be conducted or practiced in the Virgin Islands. It does indicate that commercial forestry in the Virgin Islands is not feasible now or for the immediate future. 2 Logs sawn horizontally and reconstructed for air drying. Reconstruction permits matching of figure. VIRGIN ISLANDS FOREST INDUSTRIES The forest industry is very limited in the Virgin Is- lands. There are no sawmills, dry kilns or remanufac- ture plants. The forest industry on the islands consists of one manufacturer of free-formed furniture, one small charcoal kiln and one cold and hot-bath, fence post treating plant. The furniture operation, St. Croix Life & Environ- mental Arts Project, Inc. (St. C. LEAP), is not a manufacturing plant in the true sense of the word. They are presently using only three species of 6 Prag. Type of freeformed furniture manufactured by St. C LEAP. be oe | Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) disks attached for air drying, These disks will be used for small table tops and stools. wood: mahoganies (Swietenia spp.), licorice, saman (Pithecellobium saman) (Jacq.) Benth, and thibit (tibet) (Albizia lebbet) (L.) Benth. It is estimated that from 30 to 40 trunks or approximately 6- 8,000 board feet are used annually. St. C. LEAP is currently -using an Alaskan chain saw for primary breakdown. Trees are obtained in an unique way. Whenever a ‘tree is knocked down or being removed they go and get it, place it in the storage yard and when they receive an order for work, the log best suited for the design is selected. Se os ™. New Hampshire coal kiln utilizing casha, tan tan, and other weed species plus mahogany and teak culls. om - te oe sn ta as Sasa : tar oa ee ere re nahh ‘i = monarch ed ate = ie, = e a i x ‘ cs bath ee Stocking of debarked posts prior to cold and hot treatment. The U. S. Forest Service has a small charcoal kiln on the experimental forest. It uses materials developed from timber stand improvement (TSI) work and in some cases thinnings from the experi- mental plantings. No volume of the charcoal pro- duced could be ascertained. There is no schedule of operation and the kiln is used only when material is available. The third forest industry in the islands is a cold- and hot-bath treating facility. This plant is operated by the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the ITF, USDA Forest Service. The contribution of the ITF is two-fold. The hot-bath ce = 7 a ae i oe : ‘. A at Removing the bark from Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) posts prior to treating. et = Hot and cold treating plant, Virgin Islands Depart- ment of Agriculture, St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. elements were obtained through a Forest Service grant. The Forest Service provides the thinnings from the Experimental Forest. Production is approxi- mately 2,500 posts per year with a projected annual production of 4,000 treated posts. Currently the only product being treated is posts. REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREST AREA Requirements for forest area and for forest pro- duction is difficult to assess with regard to produc- 7 tion. Commercial forest production will not be likely achieved in the islands for the many reasons pre- viously stated. , There is no practical way of projecting the needs for forest land without further planning. Such uses as watershed protection, erosion control, recreation facilities as well as town forestry and forestry re- search must be predetermined. A proposed land-use scheme for the Islands has been issued. The results are included in Project Plan, U. §S. Virgin Islands Resources, Conservation, and Development Plan. Six land-uses are recognized. They are: Agricultural, Residential, Industrial, Business, Commercial, and Town. A vast acreage of the land in the islands is projected for residential use. No agricul- tural land is projected for St. John and very little for St. Thomas. The majority of land projected for agri- cultural use is on St. Croix. Where does forestry fit in? Some government agencies consider forestry to be included under agriculture. Others do not. Most of the land projected for agricultural use will be placed in pasture or in crops. If forestry is included in agri- culture, it will be confined to land north of Mahogany Road and west of Fountain Valley. FORESTRY RESEARCH IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS There are no professionally trained foresters prac- ticing forestry in the islands. All forestry research is on St. Croix. The Institute of Tropical Forestry USDA Forest Service, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico has a forest technician stationed on St. Croix. In addition, research scientists from ITF make frequent trips to St. Croix to conduct forestry research. The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture has a five-man team headed by a non-forester. They do forestry work in planting and in operating the post- treating plant. They provide manpower to ITF in re- search efforts. The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture does extension-type work in town forestry, but does not engage in forestry research. These are projects carried on by the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture: 1. Assist and work closely with the ITF by supply- ing labor, materials and sometimes equipment. 2. Maintain a nursery producing from 15,000 to 20,000 seedlings annually of the hybrid ma- hogany (medium-leaf mahogany), a natural cross between Honduras Mahogany (Swie- tenia marophylla) (King) and West Indies Mahogany (S. mahogani (Jacq.). Also, seed a small quantity of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.). 3, Plant seedlings on public lands and provide assistance on private lands. 4. Provide woodlot management and _ timber stand improvement work. 5. Operate a hot and cold bath fence post treat- ing plant in cooperation with ITF. 6. Town forestry of roadside planting. Main- tainance of established trees of all species. 7. Provide forestry services for the parks on the Islands. All forestry research in the Virgin Islands is con- ducted by ITF, USDA Forest Service. One of their major research efforts is the Estate Thomas Experi- mental Forest. Estate Thomas is a 147-acre rectangular tract located about 4 miles west of Christiansted and about 12 miles east of Frederiksted, St. Croix. It is bounded by Estates Princess (north), Bellevue (east), Constitution Hill (south), and Sion Hill (west). In 1917 when St. Croix was purchased from Denmark, Estate Thomas belonged to the St. Croix Sugar Factory, Inc. In 1928 it was sold to the West Indies Sugar Factory, in 1931 to the DeChabert family, and in 1934 to the Virgin Islands Corpora- tion (VICORP) of the U.S. Government. The U. S. Forest Service purchased the tract from VICORP in 1963. Elevations range from 250 to 450 feet. Geo- logically, the area is one of submarine limestone sediments which have risen above the sea and subse- quently eroded. The soil in the hills reaches a maxi- mum depth of 10 inches atop the limestone. The ’ i Growth study plot at Estate Thomas Experimental Forest, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands showing a well- formed stand of Swietenia mahogoni (Jacq.) after timber stand improvement. valley soils are alkaline and range from 7 to 8.5pH. Rainfall may total 40 inches a year. Two distinct sites are apparent within Estate Thomas. They are limestone hills, and the valley bottoms. Like virtually all of the other lands in these islands, this tract had in the past been cleared and planted to sugar cane. The hills were cultivated for this purpose until 1928 and the valleys until 1953. : Mahogany was first brought to St. Croix in the 1770’s, West Indies mahogany trees were planted on the ridge at Estate Bellevue and seed from these car- ried westward to Estate Thomas and the surrounding area — a total of about 300 acres of nearly pure mahogany. Mahogany from 8 inches in diameter up- ward is merchantable for a variety of uses, and brings about 50 cents per pound. There are no apparent serious insect or disease problems. The timber is well known and its figure is highly prized. A natural mahogany forest of the purity and timber value of this stand may well be the most productive use for 15,000 acres. It is a fact that timber increases in value nearly 25 times between the stump and delivery of finished products to the consumer. The teak plantation, dating from 1955, represents an asset on a site representative of much marginal land in central St. Croix. Teak timber today is worth four times as much as mahogany. Although slower in growth on St. Croix than on more humid and deeper soils in Puerto Rico, teak proves compatible with for- age production. Twelve-year old trees now average 8 inches in diameter and are 30 feet in height. Leaf of medium leaf mahogany (Swietenia macro- phylla x S. mahogani) on the bottom. Leaf of West Indies mahogany (S. mahogani Jacq.) on the top. On the upper right, a leaflet of Honduras mahogany (S. macrophylla King). Other research projects of the Institute of Tropical Forestry on the U.S. Virgin Islands are: 1. Growth studies of mahogany (Swietenia spp.) 2. Control of the shoot borer in Cedrela. 3. Species adaptability for the Virgin Islands (inactive). 4. Thinning of West Indies Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani Jacq.) . Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) seed source. . Plum pudding effects in mahogany. . Teak Providence trials (Tectoma grandis L.f.) . Establishment of a Cedrela gene bank. The ITF issues an annual newsletter. Excerpts from these reports for selected years, as they pertain to the activities of the ITF on the Virgin Islands are: 1971: The Virgin Islands Government, with the technical support of the Institute, was responsible for the maintenance of 265 acres of existing forest plan- tations on St. Croix and planted 10 additional acres during the year. A new Forestry Building was com- pleted by the Territory with the cooperation of the Institute. A number of publicity activities were undertaken including promotion of Earth Day by the Extension Service and the Institute where 100 teachers and students attended. Included also were field trips to the forests and the preparation of dis- plays. Both Territorial and Institute personnel at- tended a nurseryman’s conference in Maine, joining a representative of the Puerto Rico Government. 1972: Successful planting sites also increased with the total number of mahogany, teak and Cedrela trees planted approaching 250,000 for the 17-year lifetime of the Virgin Islands Forestry Program. The Division of Forestry completed a new build- ing, and installation of a fence post treating plant — the one abandoned by the Institute nearly ten years ago. aonnnm Seed source, insect control, growth studies, quality and other research continue at a steady pace with strong evidence of a growing interest in the newly identified hybrid mahogany. Cooperation with the Neighborhood Youth Corps is expanding and many man-hours of trainee labor is available for forestry activities on public lands. 1973: The role of the Institute in the Virgin Is- lands is to counsel the Territorial Government in forestry policies, provide technical guidance to on- going forestry programs, and develop forestry prac- tices through research. The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture has continued its nursery and planting program, pro- ducing 9,000 mahogany trees and establishing 37 9 acres of plantations on public and private lands. The Director of the Department of Conservation and Cul- tural Affairs was introduced to forestry work in Puerto Rico and provided with plans for outdoor recreational facilities. The research program included establishment of Cedrela gene banks in the Estate Thomas Experi- mental Forest and on three private estates. As a part of the program of development of the Experi- mental Forest, boys and girls from the Youth Conservation Corps and the National Youth Corps were being trained in conservation work. 1974; Plans were completed and financing was arranged for installation of a heating element in the Virgin Islands Agriculture Department’s fence post preservative treating plant at Lower Love, St. Croix. Addition of this heating element permits using the hot-cold process, and makes quality fence posts available to St. Croix farmers at a low cost, using thinnings from their own woodlands. A management plan was completed for the Estate Thomas Experimental Forest which included areas for demonstrating management of natural mahogany forest and planted forests suitable for the islands. The forestry section of the Virgin Islands Resource Conservation and Development Plan was revised to include practices in roadside tree improvement, Christmas tree production, stand improvement, tree planting and fence post preservative treatment. A Cooperative Forestation project under the CM4 Program was developed for installation of nursery irrigation equipment at Lower Love. The Youth Conservation Program was continued and 5 enrollees worked on environmental projects on St. Croix. In addition, a grant to the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs permitted the initiation of a Virgin Islands YCC program which operated on all three islands with an enrollment of 65. FORESTRY RESEARCH NEEDS BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The need for forestry research in the U. S. Virgin Islands is great. The priorities will be determined by the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Virgin Islands. Research efforts by the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station will augment research by other V. I. Government Agencies and Federal Agencies. The results of forestry research could for example, make recommendations for the 10 V. 1. Department of Public Works to develop a pro- gram to plant various species of trees. Similar re- commendations could be made to the V. I. Depart- ment of Conservation and Cultural Affairs, the V. I. Department of Agriculture and others. Six needs have been identified: 1. Town Forestry: Research is needed in the area of town forestry. Research of this nature would benefit not only residents but also contribute to the tourist effort which is economically important to the islands. A sample project within this research endeavor could be species trials for indigenous and exotic ornamentals, showy, and food trees. The mango (Mangifera spp.) should be given special consideration. It is an excellent ornamental and once established requires little attention. The mango requires a minimum of water. This is an important factor in the U. S. Virgin Islands, especially on St. Croix. In addition, the mango provides a fruit that ranks among the best known and most widely consumed fruits in the tropics. Residents of the islands would benefit from such a project in entrapment of water as well as prevention of soil erosion. Research could be constructed along the lines of what are the best sites for selected species in the various ecologi- cal life zones and soil types found in the is- lands. In support of this type of research pro- ject, the Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA, Forest Service has suggested 50 species of trees that should be investigated for town forestry needs. The list appears in Table 4. 2. Work on medium-leaf mahogany: (Swietenia macrophylla X S. mahogani) thought to be a natural ‘hybrid between Honduras mahogany (S. macrophylla King) and West Indies Mahogany (S. mahogani Jacq.). It has been established by ITF and others that this species is well adapted to the islands. The hybrid dis- plays characteristics of both parents. It takes on the form of the Honduras mahogany and the wood of the West Indies mahogany. It grows at a faster rate than either parent. At present, phenotypic characteristics, such as leaflet and seed pod size, are being used to identify the species. Genetic research is needed to determine if the medium leaf mahogany is a separate and distinct species or if it is an extennor of the Honduras or West Indies mahoganies. TABLE 4: FIFTY TREES FOR TOWN FORESTRY IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Names Page daptability2 Size? Form* Flowers 10. 11. 12, LS: 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20). 21. 22. 23: 24. 25, 26, 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. a3; 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. Almond, Indian, Terminalia catappa Bamboo, Bambusa vulgaris Bauhinia, Bauhinia monandra Bayrum-tree, Pimenta racemosa* Box-briar, Randia aculeata* Calabash-tree, Crescentia cujete Caper, Capparis cyanophallophora* Cashew, Anacardium occidentale * Cassia, pink Cassia javanica Cassia, Siamese, Cassia siamea Casuarina, Casuarina equisetifolia Cedar, white, Tabebuia heterophylla* Chinaberry, Melia azedarach Coconut, Cocos nucifera Fig, Indialaurel, Ficus retusa Fig, India-rubber, Ficus indica Flamboyant-tree, Delonix regia Flamboyant, yellow, Peltophorum inerme Frangipani, Plumeria rubra Ginger-thomas, Tecoma stans* Golden-shower, Cassia fistula Gregra, Bucida buceras* Guava, Psidium guajava Jerusalem-thorn, Parkinsonia aculeate L. Kinep, Melicoccus bijugatus Lignumvitae, Guaiacum officinale* Locust, West Indian, Hymenaea courbaril* Mahogany, Honduras, Swietenia macrophylla Mahogany, West Indies, Swietenia mahogani Malay-apple, Eugenia malaccensis Mammee-apple; Mammea americana* Mammee, wild, Clusia rosea* Mango, Mangifera indica Manjack, Cordia collococca* Milktree, Plumeria alba* Mother-of-cocoa, Gliricidia sepium Otaheita, Thespesia populnea Palm, Royal, Roystonea borinquena* Queen-of-flowers, Lagerstroemia speciosa Raintree, Pithecellobium saman Santa-maria, Calophyllum brasiliense* Seagrape, Coccoloba uvifera* Silk-cotton-tree, Ceiba pentandra* Star-apple, Chrysophyllum cainito* Tamarind, Tamarindus indica Teak, Tectona grandis Tibet, Albizia lebbek Turpentine-tree, Bursera simaruba* Tuliptree, African, Spathodea campanulata Ylang-ylang, Cananga odorata 184 3 71 194 247 232 53 130 73 74 11 236 110 23 21 75 78 218 238 72 181 195 77 140 93 76 111 112 189 164 163 131 223 217 85 152 178 69 161 28 153 206 80 229 60 105 234 40 5 OOoYfoo o TAMNNNONYD WH o = BS o o o 5,D 5, D UYOo “A o nw o 50 own o SSRRURROYVSMEEYAMUMOISTCZMOOHENNZESMNMNNMSSrSSSTrOSTUANAUNBZUHE AAAOHAAMANDAARDAAAAYAAADYLOAR RA AAAZPYANDDAAYDAONDONOCKRHARDRDONND White White Pink Yellow Pink Purple Red or yellow Yellow Red or white Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue White Red White Pink White White Pink Purple and yellow Cream Purple or pink Pink Yellow White Red Green * Native to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Not introduced. d Numbers correspond to “Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands"’, Agricultural Handbook No. 249. 2 All species jisted are adapted to more moist, fertile, and protected areas of the Virgin Islands. Those marked ‘'S” are in addition adapted to exposure near the sea. “D" are adapted to dry and windy sites inland. 3 “|” reaches 50 feet tall or more. ““M" reaches 25 to 50 feet tall, and “S” reaches less than 25 feet. 4c” means columnar, “R" means round or spherical, and '‘S" means spreading. 1] 12 3. Forest recreation: Tourism accounts for more than 55 percent of the Island’s Gross National Product. Residents of the islands as well as tourists seek recreation. Currently, all reécrea- tion facilities are oriented towards water activities. There are two well-developed recrea- tional facilities in the islands: Cramer Park on St. Croix and a much larger more developed facility on St. Thomas at Magens Bay. St. Thomas has more tourists than St. Croix, mainly because of their harbour and port facili- ties. Occasionally, a cruise ship will put in at St. Croix. There are plans to provide St. Croix with better port facilities so that cruise ships will include St. Croix as a regular port-of-call. For example, 793 cruise ships made St. Thomas a port of call. Slightly more than half (51.9 percent) of all tourists’ arrivals in the island is made by air. Of the 1,200,782 tourists that visited the islands in FY 1974, 622,647 were air arrivals. Thus, there are approximately 650,000 persons who are potential forest recreation users. The use of National and State forests in the United States for camping, picnicking, nature trails and esthetic use are increasing at astronomical rates. Research in this area could show the need for such facilities for overnight and prolonged visits and at the same time be able to engage in Caribbean water activities. This might induce visitors to remain in the islands for a longer period and provide recreation for residents with its attended social and economic benefits. 4. Watershed Protection: It is generally accepted that a forest is a desirable cover for a water- shed. The trees help to reduce soil erosion, assist in infiltration and storage of fresh water. Past practices, such as clearing the lands for sugar cane and other agricultural uses, has de- nuded the land of the original forest growth. Because the islands have limited rainfall and high evaporation, drought conditions often exist in the islands. The aquifer of the islands is being depleted due to the use of subterran- ean reserves. Many wells are dry. There are no permanent rivers or streams in the islands, and all water comes from rainfall. It can be assured that past soil management practices aided in the depletion of the under- ground water supply. Research is needed to determine how the forests of the U. S. Virgin Islands can effectively be used to restore at least a portion of the underground water supply. 5. Wildlife: There is a little wildlife in the islands due to past and present land-use practices. The introduction of the mongoose has also deterred relative wildlife, especially birds and water fowl. There is an open season for hunting dove and deer. Studies relating to the habitat and habits of indigenous and ‘introduced species are needed to maintain the ecological balance. Implementation of these research efforts should provide far more game birds and mammals, 6. There are no native conebearing species in the islands. There is one introduced species. Nor- folk-Island-Pine (Araucaria heterophylla Salesk). This species should be investigated as a living Christmas tree. Since there are no native cone- bearing trees, such traditional Christmas trees as pines, spruces, and firs are not available to residents. Foliage and fruit of three mahoganies. West Indies mahogany. (Swietenia mahogani Jacq.) top, medium leaf mahogany (S. macrophylla x S. mahogani) center, and Honduras mahogany (S. macrophylla King) on the bottom. REFERENCES Annon, Estate Thomas Experimental Forest, USDA Forest Service, Institute of Tropical Forestry, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ewel, J. J. and Whitmore, J. L., 1973, The Ecological Life Zones of Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands. U.S.F.S. Research Paper ITF-18, USDA Forest Service. Government of the U S. Virgin Islands, 1970. Trade Statistics with’ Foreign Countries 1970, Department of Commerce, Division of Trade and Industry. , 1973. Department of Commerce Annual Report, July 1, 1972 to June 30, 1973. , 1973. Resource Conservation and Development Project. , 1974. Department of Commerce Annual Report, July 1, 1973 to June 30, 1974. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, 1974. Annual Report to the Secretary of the Interior for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1974. Holderidge, L. R. 1967. Life Zone Ecology. Tropical Service Center, San Jose, Costa Rica. Little, Elbert L. Jr. and Wadsworth, Frank H., 1964. Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Agricultural Handbook No. 249, USDA Forest Service. , Woodbury, Roy O. and Wadsworth, Frank H., 1974. Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, second volume, Agricultural Handbook No. 449, USDA Forest Service. United States Department of Agriculture, 1970. Soil Survey of the Virgin Islands of the United States, USDA Soil Conservation Service. 13 OTHER REPORTS OF THE V. I. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 1. Grain Sorghum and Forage: Production and Utilization Potential in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 2. Fruits and Vegetables: Production and Consumption Potentials and Marketing Problems in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 3. Profitability of Beef Production in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 4. Profitability of Dairy Farming in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 5. Profitability of Poultry Production in the U. S. Virgin Islands. 6. Profitability of Hog Production in the U. S. Virgin Islands. 7. Potential Returns from Goat and Sheep Enterprises in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 8. Marketing Potential for Livestock Products in the. U. S. Virgin Islands. These reports are available free of charge by writing to the V. I. Agricultural Experiment Station, P.O. Box 920, Kingshill, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. 00850. 14