During hurricane maria kiani lagoon and its associated mangrove and upland forest were extensively damaged, leaving large areas prone to erosion and vulnerable to the effects of climate change

This federal Cooperative Agreement award of $230,282.00 was granted by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 under the CFDA 15.630 Coastal program. The award was made to the Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust, a non-profit organization, with a project period of October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026.

The key products and services to be delivered under this award include: 1) Assessing 97 acres at Kiani Lagoon to determine hydrological impacts and evaluate the mangrove forest condition, 2) Developing a comprehensive restoration plan for the Kiani Lagoon ecosystem, 3) Conducting small-scale restoration of 1-2 acres of mangrove habitat and 2 acres of upland forest, 4) Monitoring and enhancing the population of the federally-listed Stahlia monosperma plant species, and 5) Developing and installing interpretive signs and conducting educational outreach activities. The project leverages partnerships with organizations including TICATOVE and the Atlanta Botanical Garden to implement the restoration and educational components.

The kiani upland forest is only one of only two sites within the vieques national wildlife refuge where the federally-listed stahlia monosperma can be found, a species listed as threatened in 1990 the recovery plan was finalized in 1996.objectivesassess 97 acres at kiani lagoon to determine hydrological impacts, and evaluate the mangrove forest s condition, including mortality and new growth rates.develop a comprehensive restoration plan for the total ecosystem remediation needs, reforestation strategies and methodologies, work plan, potential costs, and time frame.conduct small-scale restoration of mangrove habitat in priority sites.restore upland forest in the proximity of the mangrove habitat to enhance the known population of stahlia monosperma.develop and install interpretive signs at priority sites.conduct outreach activities related to the restoration effort.deliverablesan assessment of damages in kiani lagoon.a comprehensive restoration plan for kiani lagoon ecosystems (phase II 3-5 years, phase III 5 years, pending future funding).restoration of 1 or 2 acres of forest bordering the kiani lagoon boardwalk.restoration of 2 acres of upland forest to enhance known stahlia monosperma stand.monitoring reports on this stahlia stand, collection of seeds or saplings.interpretive signs on kiani boardwalk highlighting the importance of mangroves and the kiani lagoon recovery effort.one yearly educational activity for the summer manta, ticatove and YCC programs.outcomesthe restoration of the mangrove forest and the stahlia monosperma habitat associated to kiani lagoon will be underway as per the restoration plan. The stahlia monosperma population in kiani upland forest will be monitored, seeds will be germinated and saplings will be growing in the vnwr greenhouse for the future establishment of other stands of this species in vieques.mangrove sites surrounding kiani boardwalk will have been reforested.interpretive signs at the boardwalk educate about the importance of mangroves, and the recovery of kiani lagoon.viequense youth with hands-on experience in mangrove restoration, field and greenhouse work.project partnersthe vieques conservation and historical trust (vcht)project manager, financial administrator. Provides a biologist, technical expertise in mangrove reforestation, nursery for mangrove propagation. Organizes the educational workshop for youth.ticatoveprovides the green crew to conduct site preparation and debris removal. Collects mangrove seeds and propagules. Prepares the stahlia monosperma upland site. Plants stahlia and mangroves under the guidance of the biologist. Maintains the refuge greenhouse. The atlanta botanical gardenprovides technical expertise for the kiani lagoon restoration plan. Assists with signage and in identifying potential funding for long-term restoration.USFWS-cesfo coastal programtechnical and botanical expertise for the planning and implementation of the restoration.USFWS-vnwrprovides technical expertise and date of previous mangrove recovery projects at the refute, UXO support to evaluate other mangrove communities within the restricted cercla sites if needed for the recovery plan. Provides vnwr biologists, heavy equipment and operators as needed hand and power tools for site preparation and planting pick-UPS and trailers to transport the green crew, tools and plants to and from the greenhouses to the field, and any other vehicles needed. Purchases signage. Manages the vnwr greenhouse to propagate mangroves and stahlia. Provides transportation for the youth workshop.