“This is another important step forward for the concept of a Rota National Park,” said Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.
“I very much appreciate the efforts of Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall and National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Raul Grijalva to support the concept of Rota Park.”
Sablan introduced the study bill, H.R. 4686, in February and a hearing was held on the measure in April. The bill will now be reported to the full House with the committee’s recommendation that it be passed.
During the committee mark-up, H.R. 4686 received one amendment. The study period has been extended from 18 to 36 months.
“My original bill did have a very short turnaround time,” said Sablan, “because we need development in the Northern Mariana Islands, especially on Rota. We have to keep things moving.
“A 36-month time period for ‘suitability and feasibility’ studies is the norm, however. So I agreed to the change.
“The extra time will certainly give the people of Rota more opportunity to consider what is best for their island and to communicate their views to the National Park Service, as it conducts the study.
“There are questions about land rights and other concerns that are unique to the Northern Mariana Islands because of our Covenant. And these will have to be completely understood.”
The Rota National Park bill recognizes the many historical, cultural, and natural resources that Rota possesses. At the April hearing on H.R. 4686, Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Ca., called the island of Rota “a jewel,” after listening to the testimony of Rota resident Teresita Santos.
Rota has the best-preserved village sites of the ancient Chamorro people in the Northern Mariana Islands and Rota’s native limestone forests provide habitat to locally and federally protected, rare bird species.
Rota is at a crossroads now,” Sablan said. “There are major land use changes taking place and the anticipated development by the U.S. military on the neighboring island of Guam will have an impact.
“A Rota National Park may be able to satisfy the need for habitat for endangered species, and in the process free up other public and private lands where development is delayed by habitat concerns.
“A Rota National Park could also be an essential element of Rota’s overall strategy of being the eco-tourism destination in the Northern Marianas. That would boost Rota tourism and, probably, tourism throughout our islands.”
Sablan also commended the Rota local government for its efforts to protect the island’s resources. However, he said, “I know more can be done by establishing a partnership between the federal government and the local government and by bringing federal resources and manpower to Rota.”
