DLNR clears way for homestead subdivisions

In an effort to pave the way for homestead subdivisions and other developments, legal action may be filed against a number of grazers who refuse to vacate public land that has been designated Marpi Commonwealth Forest (MCF) and the Saipan Upland Mitigation Bank (SUMB).

DLNR contends that livestock grazing, land clearing, farming and human habitation that are now occurring within the designated land are diametrical and absolutely not compatible with forest development, preservation and conservation of endangered species. In addition, it is the position of US Fish and Wildlife Service that existing livestock grazing be removed from designated Wildlife Habitat area that is removal is also specifically stated in the Saipan Upland Mitigation Bank Agreement (SUMBA).

Public Law 10-84 sets aside a sizable portion of public land in the Marpi area for the establishment of the Marpi Commonwealth Forest. Within this reserved tract of land lies the SUMB, which was created to allow the Commonwealth and other parties to mitigate endangered species’ habitat that are affected by developments in other forested parts of the island. Some of these developments include the Marpi Landfill project, various public land development leases, and homestead development.

DLNR & AGO have repeatedly notified grazers over the last two years of the need to vacate the area. DLNR has also tried to assist the un-authorized grazers by offering them the opportunity to relocate to other public land sites, however their efforts have been ignored.

In the meantime, important projects such as the opening of new homestead subdivisions, the Koblerville Sports field, the Haas & Haynie Project, and Bird Island Development, are at a complete halt, pending the mitigation of endangered birds such as the Nightingale Reed Warbler that are inhabiting areas of proposed developments.

After repeated failed attempts to resolve this issue with the unauthorized grazers in the Forest and Mitigation bank DLNR felt compelled to file the lawsuits.

When the Upland Mitigation Bank and the Marpi Commonwealth Forest are cleared of grazers, the Commonwealth will be a step closer in finalizing and signing the Saipan Upland Mitigation Bank Agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The execution of this agreement would allow developers, both private and government to start their proposed development.