Visitation and Resource Management is critical to the future evolution of Virgin Islands National Park. Over the years, Friends has commissioned a number of studies to assess issues like visitation demographics, traffic, light pollution, and waste management in order to advocate for long term solutions. These studies together with others provide context and inform future planning and decision making.
Visitor Use Study
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), conducted a Visitor Use Study in 2026 to measure and characterize visitation to Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, hereafter called “the Park.” The need for the study arose from a shared recognition by NPS and FVINP that the current methodology for estimating visitation to the Park (i.e., Visitor Use Reporting and Counting Instructions) is outdated.1 The purpose of the Visitor Use Study was to update this methodology and to produce a current estimate of Park visitation.
Economic Studies
- IMPACT OF VISITOR SPENDING AND PARK OPERATIONS ON THE REGIONAL ECONOMY: VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK (2004)
- ECONOMIC PROFILE OF ST. JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS (2023)
In 2001 during Mr. Robert Stanton’s tenure as the 15th Director of the National Park Service, a comprehensive business plan was developed for Virgin Islands National Park. Several years later, in 2004 Friends commissioned an independent study entitled “Impact of Visitor Spending and Park Operations on the Regional Economy: Virgin Islands National Park”. The goal was to give context to the business plan at the local level, as much of the park’s business plan focused on the park’s fiscal and operational needs within the framework of the National Park Service. The study commissioned in 2023 aims to provide an update and a baseline for future economic and visitation studies and business plans.
Future Envisioning
To give voice to the future vision of the community, the Virgin Islands National Park Futures Project was commissioned by the park staff just after the park’s 40th anniversary. The project’s purpose was to give members of the community an opportunity to describe their visions for the future of Virgin Islands National Park. Authors: Gary E. Machlis, National Park Service; J. Taylor Pittman, University of Idaho; Jean E. McKendry, University of Idaho
Park Business Plan
In 2001, Virgin Islands National Park was elected as one of the 13 parks to participate in the National Park Service's Business Plan Initiative that year. The National Park Service’s Business Plan Initiative represents a unique partnership between the National Park Service (NPS), the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), and a consortium of philanthropic organizations. The Initiative’s purpose is to increase the financial management capabilities in park units, thus enabling the Service to more clearly communicate its financial status to Congress and other primary stakeholders. The plan answers questions such as: What is the business of this park unit? How much money does this Park need to operate within appropriate standards? This plan analyzes the functional responsibilities, operational standards, financial picture, and funding needs of Virgin Islands National Park.
Transportation Study
National Park Foundation Transportation Scholar Final Report / December 2009 / Submitted by: Beth Isler,P.E.
Abstract: Over a six-month period in 2009, National Park Foundation Transportation Scholar Beth Isler worked with stakeholders in the US Virgin Islands to develop transportation alternatives for Virgin Islands National Park (VINP) on St. John. Public input during the six month period revealed that many ideas for improving transportation on the island have persisted through the years, but never come to fruition. These projects, as well as observations by the Transportation Scholar, formed the basis for the plan's recommendations. A steering committee made up of representatives from the USVI Governor's Office, Public Works Department, Taxi Cab Commission, transit authority, Departmentof Tourism, local resorts, and the Park was assembled to build and strengthen partnerships. The committee was tasked with developing a vision and goals for improving transportation and reducing parking demand in VIN, as well as developing a prioritized implementation plan for moving the recommendations forward.