$444k to protect natural resources

Press Release

The Commonwealth is receiving two grants totaling $443,685 funded by the Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources Program, the Department of Interior's Office of Insular Affairs announced Wednesday. $205,890 is going to the Division of Coastal Resources Management to revegetate deforested areas and provide wildfire surveillance in the Laolao watershed to improve soil stability and decrease the threat of sedimentation buildup on the coral reef and nearshore ecosystems. Funds will also be used to provide outdoor science education to fourth graders. And $237,795 is going to the Department of Natural Resources to eradicate the vine species Mucuna pruriens, also known as velvet bean. This invasive non-native vine has overrun several forested areas in Saipan and has been linked to allergic reactions and hospitalizations for individuals with certain skin conditions. Funded annually by Congress, the Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources program received $2,625,000 in FY2020.

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