194-603: Toro Negro State Forest (Spanish: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro ) is one of the 21 forests that make up the public forests system in Puerto Rico . It is also Puerto Rico's highest cloud forest . It is in the Cordillera Central region of the island and covers 8,204 cuerdas (7,968 acres; 3,224 ha; 32.24 km), of mountains. Toro Negro's mountains have heights reaching up to 4,400 feet (1,300 m) and include Cerro de Punta , Cerro Jayuya and Cerro Rosa ,
388-412: A U.S. state or Washington, D.C. can vote in presidential elections. Puerto Rico has eight senatorial districts , 40 representative districts , and 78 municipalities ; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the U.S. government. Municipalities are subdivided into wards or barrios , and those into sectors. Each municipality has a mayor and a municipal legislature elected for
582-570: A fig leaf , i.e., associated with the covering up of an act that is actually embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance. Puerto Rico remains a territory of the United States, exercising substantial internal self-government, but subordinated to the U.S. Constitution in areas such as foreign affairs or defense. For this reason, it is not considered to be a full-fledged associated state under either international or U.S. domestic law. The history of Puerto Rico began with
776-471: A referendum , not on a particular constitutional amendment as such, but on the general concept of switching from a bicameral to a unicameral system which was held on July 10, 2005. Attended by less than 25% of the islands' electorate, Puerto Rican voters approved the change to a unicameral legislature by 456,267 votes in favor, versus 88,720 against. ( Voter turnout was 22.6% of the electorate.) Almost four years later, incoming Governor Luis Fortuño (from
970-403: A Lookout tower [REDACTED] – Indicates Visitors' Center Named Camino El Bolo , it is the forest's longest trail, about 2 miles (3.2 km) long, and essentially a loop around Cerro El Bolo . This trail has its course along Cerro El Bolo (El Bolo Mountain), Puerto Rico's tenth tallest peak at 3,527 feet (1,075 m) above sea level. It is a low challenge trail. It is essentially
1164-436: A binding referendum. The bill does not decide PR's fate, it simply prepares the United States to respond the outcome of referendum. In the 5 November 2024 elections, there was three choices in a non-binding referendum which included Statehood, Independence, or Independence with Free Association on the ballot; Statehood won with 59%. In addition, on November 5, 2024, Jennifer Gonzalez won the office of Governor of Puerto Rico in
1358-523: A dense shade on the ground. The palm forest, nearly always a single species dominant is normally open and free from undergrowth of any kind. The globose fruits are somewhat more than one centimeter in diameter and produced in great abundance. At the highest elevations, near the top of Cerro de Punta , Cerro Maravilla and similar peaks, grows the Bosque enano forest , also known as dwarf forest, cloud forest , elfin forest and moss forest . This forest type
1552-513: A fiscal turnaround plan by January 28. Just before that deadline, the control board gave the Commonwealth government until February 28 to present a fiscal plan (including negotiations with creditors for restructuring debt) to solve the problems. A moratorium on lawsuits by debtors was extended to May 31. It is essential for Puerto Rico to reach restructuring deals to avoid a bankruptcy-like process under PROMESA . Statehood might be useful as
1746-467: A four-year term. The municipality of San Juan is the oldest, founded in 1521; the next earliest settlements are San Germán in 1570, Coamo in 1579, Arecibo in 1614, Aguada in 1692 and Ponce in 1692. Increased settlement in the 18th century saw 30 more communities established, following 34 in the 19th century. Six were founded in the 20th century, the most recent being Florida in 1971. Since 1952, Puerto Rico has had three main political parties:
1940-464: A great distance by the form and size of leaves and by the general pale green color of the foliage. Below 650 meters (2,130 ft) elevation the palms appear as scattered elements; however at higher elevations the sierra palm becomes a dominant species over a large area. The trunk of the sierra palm is straight, erect, cylindrical and attains heights of 10–15 metres (33–49 ft). The pinnate leaves are mostly 2.0–2.5 metres (6.6–8.2 ft) long and cast
2134-828: A key part of the Spanish Empire from the early years of the exploration, conquest and colonization of the New World . The island was a major military post during many wars between Spain and other European powers for control of the region in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. In 1593, Portuguese soldiers, sent from Lisbon by order of Phillip II, composed the first garrison of the San Felipe del Morro fortress in Puerto Rico. Some brought their wives, while others married Puerto Rican women, and today there are many Puerto Rican families with Portuguese last names. The smallest of
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#17327881123132328-434: A left from the parking area to head "East" on PR-143) about 0.25 miles, make a right into the forest at the sign (" Verada #6 - Piscina ") to get on Trail #6, hike the 0.8 mile of Trail #6 to its end, make a left into Trail #1 and hike about 0.3 mile to the beginning of Trail #3. Path Option 2: This is the second shortest route. Hikers take Trail #1 as described above under section "Trail #1" until they reach Trail #3 where there
2522-706: A long history of service in the U.S. Armed Forces and, since 1917, they have been included in the U.S. compulsory draft when it has been in effect. Though the Commonwealth government has its own tax laws, residents of Puerto Rico, contrary to a popular misconception, do pay U.S. federal taxes: customs taxes (which are subsequently returned to the Puerto Rico Treasury), import/export taxes, federal commodity taxes, social security taxes, etc. Residents pay federal payroll taxes , such as Social Security and Medicare , as well as Commonwealth of Puerto Rico income taxes. All federal employees, those who do business with
2716-598: A lookout tower to protect the south coast of the Island. Charcos are natural ponds, or swimming holes, formed by the mountain rivers as they fall as waterfalls onto the ground below. They are popular way of refreshing from the summer heat in the Toro Negro State Forest. The forest's "official" pool is accessed via Trail number 6, the La Piscina ("The Pool") trail. To reach trail 6, hikers start out from
2910-455: A loop that starts at the visitors' parking area on PR-143 and terminates on PR-143 about 1/4 mile north of the visitors' parking area, from where hikers simply walk the road back to the parking area. Starting off at the visitors' parking area, hikers cross PR-143 to head south on the trail. This section of the forest has many banana trees and flowers along its way and starts off with a steep uphill climb. Approximately 0.4 miles (0.64 km) into
3104-498: A lower canopy, and an under story. The second most prominent tree in this forest type, the Montillo ( Sloanea berteroana ), has large buttress roots, typical of many rain forest trees. Such roots help support the heavy canopy of large trees growing in very wet soil. The forest floor is only scarcely vegetated, but the forest canopy is rich with aerial plants: bromeliads, orchids, vines, and arboreal ferns. The tabonuco type dominates in
3298-584: A majority of both chambers. The current heads are Senator Eduardo Bhatia and Representative Jaime Perelló Borrás , respectively. Members are elected to both chambers in general elections held every four years, along with the elections for the Governor and the 78 municipal mayors . Each member of the Legislative Assembly represents an electoral district , with the exception of a number of legislators who are considered at-large and represent
3492-556: A means of dealing with the financial crisis, since it would allow for bankruptcy and the relevant protection. In the Puerto Rican status referendum, 2020 , the majority of voters approved of Puerto Rico becoming a state. However, the referendum was non-binding, and there has been little federal action since the referendum. According to the Government Development Bank, statehood might be the only solution to
3686-533: A number of other creeks, such as Quebrada Rosa. The observation tower, accessible only on foot via Trail #3, rises at 3,537 feet above sea level, making it the highest manmade point on the island. The observation tower sits atop Cerro Doña Juana , Puerto Rico's 11th highest peak at 3,474 feet (1,059 m) above sea level. The tower's coordinates are 18.17178°N, 66.48091°W ( 18°10′18.4074″N 66°28′51.2754″W / 18.171779833°N 66.480909833°W / 18.171779833; -66.480909833 ). The tower
3880-416: A point about 0.2 mile west of PR-546. This trail was about 0.3 mile long. It served the double purpose of acting as a nature trail while at the same time it connected Trails 5 and 9, thus making for a shortcut from Trail #5 back to the car parking area via Trail #9. DRNA considers this unnamed trail a part of (an offshoot of) Trail #5. The campgrounds (camping area) at Toro Negro is called Los Viveros . It
4074-588: A significant degree of federal control involved in its establishment and operations. In particular, the authority to establish the control board derives from the federal government's constitutional power to "make all needful rules and regulations" regarding U.S. territories; The president would appoint all seven voting members of the board; and the board would have broad sovereign powers to effectively overrule decisions by Puerto Rico's legislature, governor, and other public authorities. There would be another referendum in 2017 in Puerto Rico, in favor of statehood although it
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#17327881123134268-428: A total of 160 tree species distributed amongst 53 families. The largest families are: Melastomaceae (16 species), Lauraceae (11 species) and Myrtaceae (10 species). Ferns and orchids are abundant. Forty of the species found in this forest are endemic to Puerto Rico and thirteen are introduced species. The fern Thelypteris inabonensis , endemic to this forest and found only at the headwaters of Rio Inabon and at
4462-480: Is 0.8 miles. This trail is actually a paved forest road leading to the Los Viveros camping area, Toro Negro State Forest's only campground . It is located north of the parking area. The "trail" is only 0.1 mile long, wide and flat, thus a low challenge trail. The trail is also the connecting trail to Trail #8, which leads to Charco La Confesora (see below). Another use of this trail is that it leads to one of
4656-467: Is Spanish for "rich port". Puerto Ricans often call the island Borinquen , a derivation of Borikén , its Indigenous Taíno name, which is popularly said to mean "Land of the Valiant Lord". The terms boricua , borinqueño , and borincano are commonly used to identify someone of Puerto Rican heritage, and derive from Borikén and Borinquen respectively. The island
4850-656: Is a protected area under the law. The forest has a protected status of "IV" ("Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources") according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) convention. Ecological protection is managed and enforced by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources . Through the parcelero (from the Spanish root for " parcel ", or land lot) program, people who were living in
5044-477: Is a 0.1 mile long paved road), and hiking by the camping area, Trail #7 comes to an end at the Doña Juana Creek . There is a sign pointing West ( Charco Confesora ) near the picnic area next to the camping area that serves as a landmark. At this point hikers walk over a little bridge to cross the creek, where Trail #8 begins. The trail heads northwest along the creek (the creek is located to the left of
5238-755: Is a Subtropical Moist Zone (Zona Muy Húmeda Subtropical) and consists of the Tabonuco forest (Bosque de Tabonuco). The second is the Lower Mountain Wet Zone (Zona Muy Húmeda Montaña Abajo). This zone consists of three sub forests: the Micropholis Buchenavia forest (Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia), the Mountain Palm forest (Bosque de Palma de Sierra), and the Dwarf forest (Bosque Enano). E. L. Little and F. H. Wadsworth reported
5432-443: Is a heavy-bodied snake with tan to dark brown body color and dark blotches down its back. It will defend itself with a bite, but kills its prey by suffocation. It is a protected species due to over-harvesting to collect oil and skins. It is nocturnal and prefers to remain under cover during the day and hunt at night. The Puerto Rican racer ( Culebra Corredora ; Alsophis portoricensis ) grows to 3 feet (0.91 m). It slinks around in
5626-516: Is a medium challenge trail. Like Trail #5, it is located north of the parking area, and starts where Trail #7 end. Also, like trail #5, there is a significant amount of mud on this trail, though less so during the dry season months of December through March and June through July. To reach this trail from the visitors' parking area hikers must first head northbound to trek the entire length of Trail #7 (the Camping Area trail, 0.1 mile long) and cross
5820-520: Is a sign that reads "Observation Tower". Path Option 3: This is the longest route. Hikers head northeast bound (that is, "East" on PR-143) passed the sign stating "Trail #6 - La Piscina (this will be about 0.25 mile hike), and continue northeast bound for approximately another 0.25 mile until the sign stating "Trail #1 - Camino Bolo where hikers make a right into the forest and continue this trail about 0.9 mile until coming to Trail #3. Once on Trail #3, hikers climb this trail about 0.6 miles to its top where
6014-595: Is about 0.9 mile long and is a medium challenge trail. There is a significant amount of mud on this trail, but less so in the dry season months of December through March and June through July. To reach this trail from the visitors' parking area hikers must first head northbound to trek the entire length of Trail #7 (the Camping Area trail, 0.1 mile long), cross the bridge over the Doña Juana Creek and then hop on Trail #8. From this point on Trail #8, hikers head West for about 0.2 mile where Trail #5 begins; its entrance
Toro Negro State Forest - Misplaced Pages Continue
6208-682: Is also a common activity in the Toro Negro forest. The forest office, staffed by personnel from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources , provides maps of the forest and its trails and services, weather conditions information, and mud slides danger levels. Among the facilities available at Toro Negro are a camping area, a recreational area, a system of hiking trails and observation points. Officially there are 10 hiking trails covering 18 kilometers (11 mi). They are provided for hiking as well as to facilitate bird and landscape watching, meditation, and similar activities. While
6402-520: Is also popularly known in Spanish as La Isla del Encanto , meaning "the island of enchantment". Columbus named the island San Juan Bautista , in honor of Saint John the Baptist , while the capital city was named Ciudad de Puerto Rico ("Rich Port City"). Eventually traders and other maritime visitors came to refer to the entire island as Puerto Rico, while San Juan became the name used for
6596-881: Is an ongoing debate . Beginning in the mid-20th century, the U.S. government , together with the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company , launched a series of economic projects to develop Puerto Rico into an industrial high-income economy. It is classified by the International Monetary Fund as a developed jurisdiction with an advanced, high-income economy ; it ranks 40th on the Human Development Index . The major sectors of Puerto Rico's economy are manufacturing , primarily pharmaceuticals , petrochemicals , and electronics, followed by services , namely tourism and hospitality. Puerto Rico
6790-602: Is an ongoing debate . Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States by Spain at the end of the Spanish–American War by the Treaty of Paris of 1898 . The Foraker Act of 1900 provided for an organization of the civilian government. The Jones–Shafroth Act of 1917 re-organized the government. The United States government authorized Puerto Rico to draft its own constitution by Pub. L. 81–600 , 64 Stat. 319 , enacted July 3, 1950 . On June 4, 1951,
6984-404: Is another title primarily given by the media and the public, though it is considered unofficial. All cabinet-level Secretaries are first nominated by the Governor and are confirmed by the legislative assembly. Each department has different divisions , agencies , bureaus , offices , and services , each with specific duties, in order to provide the necessary services to the general public across
7178-526: Is appointed by the corporations’ Board of Directors . The directors are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the state legislative assembly. Although government-owned corporations are separate from the commonwealth government, who generate their income and expenses independently, several of those have faced financial troubles, and have constantly relied on so called “bail-outs” from the commonwealth to offset recurring losses and deficits, and have been unable to legally declare bankruptcy . Article III of
7372-614: Is between the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis. It is located northeast of the Doña Juana Recreation Area, on PR-564 at km 6.1. The Puerto Rico DRNA allows the use of kayaks in Lake Matrullas. The ambiance is cool and misty. Both lakes are all well stocked with Peacock and Largemouth bass . Creeks are abundant in the area, and in addition to the Quebrada Doña Juana, the forest also has
7566-401: Is by far the largest branch in the government as well as the largest employer in Puerto Rico with more than 150,000 workers. The head of government is the Governor of Puerto Rico, who is elected every four years in a general election. The position is similar in nature, responsibility, and power as those of a governor of a U.S. state . The position of Governor has the overall responsibility of
7760-523: Is carried out by the Puerto Rico Police (PPR). Puerto Rico's central government, which includes all three branches of government but excludes public corporations and municipalities, has an annual general budget that currently ranges from $ 8.5 billion to $ 9 billion in revenues and expenditures. The government also receives more than $ 4.2 billion annually in subsidies and federal aid from the United States. A substantial portion of this amount
7954-602: Is composed of very dense stands of small, stunted trees and shrubs. The cloud forest has many of the same tree species as the Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest, but growth is limited by adverse climate—heavy rain, strong winds, and almost constant cloud cover. The dwarf or cloud forest developed in the higher peaks of the Central Cordillera is quite different in general appearance from the cloud forest of Sierra Luquillo Mountains due to
Toro Negro State Forest - Misplaced Pages Continue
8148-548: Is divided into 78 municipalities , of which the most populous is the capital municipality of San Juan , followed by those within the San Juan metropolitan area . Spanish and English are the official languages of the government , though Spanish predominates. Puerto Rico was settled by a succession of Amerindian peoples beginning 2,000 to 4,000 years ago; these included the Ortoiroid , Saladoid , and Taíno . It
8342-518: Is earmarked for public welfare , including funding educational programs (such as Head Start ), subsidized housing programs (such as Section 8 and public housing projects ), and a food stamp system called the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico program. Government-owned corporations generate approximately $ 6.3 billion in general revenues by charging citizens for the services they provide. The largest government-owned corporation,
8536-581: Is headed by the governor , currently Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia . The legislative branch consists of the bicameral Legislative Assembly , made up of a Senate as its upper chamber and a House of Representatives as its lower chamber; the Senate is headed by a president , currently José Luis Dalmau , while the House is headed by the speaker of the House , currently Tatito Hernández . The governor and legislators are elected by popular vote every four years, with
8730-482: Is land and 1,900 sq mi (4,900 km ) is water. Puerto Rico is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island but smaller than Connecticut . The maximum length of the main island from east to west is 110 mi (180 km), and the maximum width from north to south is 40 mi (64 km). Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles . It is 80% of the size of Jamaica , just over 18% of
8924-594: Is listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN and protected by law. Between 1935 and 1943, 28 species of trees were planted in Toro Negro. Their plantings (either via seeding or via planting of saplings) consisted of both native and exotic species. Nineteen native species were planted as follows (the quantity planted/seeded is shown after the species; and X means experimental planting only): The nine exotic species were: There are 30 species of birds reported, including 6 endemic species and two that are endangered:
9118-403: Is located at 18.1713°N 66.4876°W ( 18°10′16.52″N 66°29′15.53″W / 18.1712556°N 66.4876472°W / 18.1712556; -66.4876472 ). A second river-fed swimming pool charco is located at Charco La Confesora . It is about 15 x 25 feet large and deep enough to dive feet first. This charco is accessed via Trail number 8, located at the end of Trail 7, the trail to
9312-542: Is located between the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis, west of the Doña Juana Recreation Area, on PR-143 at km 25.4. The lowest temperatures recorded on the Puerto Rico—some 40 °F (4 °C) -- were measured at Lake Guineo. Lake Matrullas is located at 18.2064°N 66.4798°W ( 18°12′23.0394″N 66°28′47.2794″W / 18.206399833°N 66.479799833°W / 18.206399833; -66.479799833 ), at an altitude of 2,464 feet above sea level. It too
9506-657: Is located in remote areas of the Cordillera Central mountain range. The forest office is at km. 32.4 of Route PR-143 , east of the intersection with Route PR-149 . The forest distribution encompasses a range from 18°07'30" N and 18°15'00" N to 66°30'00" W and 66°37'30" W. The forest ranger's office and visitors' area are located on Puerto Rico Highway 143 Km 32.4 in Barrio Ala de la Piedra, Orocovis at 18.17342°N, 66.49231°W ( 18°10′24.312″N 66°29′32.316″W / 18.17342000°N 66.49231000°W / 18.17342000; -66.49231000 ). The largest sections of
9700-630: Is located in this range. Another important peak is El Yunque , one of the highest in the Sierra de Luquillo at the El Yunque National Forest , with an elevation of 3,494 ft (1,065 m). Puerto Rico has 17 lakes, all man-made, and more than 50 rivers , most of which originate in the Cordillera Central. Rivers in the northern region of the island are typically longer and of higher water flow rates than those of
9894-433: Is located on PR-143, Km 32.5. Its coordinates are at 18.17502°N, 66.49202°W ( 18°10′30.0714″N 66°29′31.2714″W / 18.175019833°N 66.492019833°W / 18.175019833; -66.492019833 ). Camping is available for a maximum of 35 people. Camping facilities include restrooms and showers. A permit is required for camping and they are purchased in advance, as there are no permit sales on premises. In
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#173278811231310088-570: Is located on the right hand side. The trail heads North and leads to Puerto Rico Highway 564. The first segment of the trail runs downhill for 0.9 mile. The trail runs a thick tropical jungle of banana trees, sierra palms, tree ferns, flamboyant trees , and elephant ears . The trail is muddy, steep, and scantily-marked. Visibility is minimal through the dense foliage. There are several creeks near this trail and birds are abundant: black-throated blue warblers , northern parulas , green mangos , Cape May warblers , belted kingfishers , among others. After
10282-492: Is the coquí , a small frog easily identified by the sound of its call, from which it gets its name. Most coquí species (13 of 17) live in the El Yunque National Forest , the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest Service system, located in the northeast of the island. It was previously known as the Caribbean National Forest. El Yunque is home to more than 240 plants, 26 of which are endemic to
10476-538: Is used for observation of the landscape surrounding Toro Negro and, on clear mornings before the afternoon clouds roll in, both the northern and southern shores of Puerto Rico are visible. San Juan is also visible as a distant haze in the northeastern horizon. The observation tower affords views Lake El Guineo and Lake Guayabal as well as the Caribbean Sea. It was built by the Spaniards during colonial times as
10670-431: Is when these nocturnal critters are out foraging for food, primarily mosquitoes. The 13 species of bats living in the forest play an important ecological role in controlling mosquitoes, which not only carry diseases but also harass hikers. The three most prevalent bat species are the greater bulldog bat , Antillean ghost-faced bat and the sooty mustached bat . There are 20 species of reptiles and amphibians and, with
10864-596: The camarón bocu ( Macrobrachium crenulatum ), gata ( Atya lanipes ), and buruquena ( Epilobocera sinuatifrons ), all endemic to Puerto Rico. With the exception of the Salto de Doña Juana waterfall, all of the forest facilities, including all trails, are located within the municipality of Orocovis and they are collectively known as the Doña Juana Recreational Area . Guided tours are available or visitors explore on their own. Ziplining
11058-559: The American model , with separation of powers subject to the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United States. All governmental powers are delegated by the United States Congress , with the head of state being the president of the United States . As an unincorporated territory , Puerto Rico lacks full protection under the U.S. Constitution. The government of Puerto Rico is composed of three branches. The executive
11252-659: The Cabo Rojo , Desecheo , Culebra and Vieques National Wildlife Refuges , and in the Caja de Muertos and Mona and Monito Islands Nature Reserves . Examples of endemic species found in this ecoregion are the higo chumbo ( Harrisia portoricensis ), the Puerto Rican crested toad ( Peltophryne lemur ), and the Mona ground iguana ( Cyclura stejnegeri ), the largest land animal native to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has three of
11446-639: The Constitution of Puerto Rico and the laws of Puerto Rico are subject to the authority of the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the United States, which are enacted and amended by the Congress of the United States , executed and enforced by the President of the United States , and interpreted and validated by the Supreme Court of the United States . Puerto Rico is subject to
11640-549: The Constitution of Puerto Rico grants all legislative powers of the commonwealth government to the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico , which is divided into two chambers: a 27-member Senate and a 51-member House of Representatives . The chambers are presided over by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House , respectively. Both positions are occupied by an active member of each body, elected by
11834-646: The Court of First Instance consisting of the Superior Courts and the Municipal Courts. The Supreme Court, the commonwealth's highest court, holds its sessions in San Juan's Miramar district. Puerto Rico is divided into 78 municipalities, each headed by a mayor. The municipalities also have a municipal legislature, which is in charge of overseeing the mayor's operations, holding public meetings, and enacting municipal resolutions and ordinances. Both
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#173278811231312028-552: The Department of War . A U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Ortega v. Lara , 202 U.S. 339, 342 (1906), involving the Foraker Act and referring to the island as "the acquired country", soon affirmed that the U.S. Constitution applied within its territory and that any domestic Puerto Rican laws which did not conflict with it remained in force. The Jones Act of 1917, which made Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens , paved
12222-597: The Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture (1942–1970). Then, in 1970, the Federal Government exchanged with the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico the Toro Negro section of the Caribbean National Forest for some forested lands belonging to the Commonwealth and located adjacent to the much larger federal lands at Luquillo National Forest resulting in the creation at Luquillo of
12416-456: The Greater Antilles , Puerto Rico was a stepping-stone in the passage from Europe to Cuba, Mexico, Central America, and the northern territories of South America. Throughout most of the 19th century until the conclusion of the Spanish–American War , Puerto Rico and Cuba were the last two Spanish colonies in the New World; they served as Spain's final outposts in a strategy to regain control of
12610-471: The Köppen climate classification is mostly tropical rainforest . Temperatures are warm to hot year round, averaging near 85 °F (29 °C) in lower elevations and 70 °F (21 °C) in the mountains. Easterly trade winds pass across the island year round. Puerto Rico has a rainy season , which stretches from April into November, and a dry season stretching from December to March. The mountains of
12804-524: The New Progressive Party or New Party of Progress (NPP) ) discarded the alternative of unicameralism claiming that the NPP's platform, rather than advocating unicameralism, supported submitting to the people a constitutional amendment proposing a substantial reduction in seats in the existing bicameral legislature. In 2012, Governor Fortuño proposed, and by a two thirds majority in both houses,
12998-784: The Popular Democratic Party (PPD in Spanish), the New Progressive Party (PNP in Spanish) and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP). The three parties stand for different political status. The PPD, for example, seeks to maintain the island's status with the U.S. as a commonwealth , while the PNP seeks to make Puerto Rico a U.S. state . Meanwhile, the PIP seeks to make Puerto Rico a sovereign nation free from U.S. authority. In terms of party strength,
13192-470: The Puerto Rican government-debt crisis posed serious problems for the government which was saddled with outstanding bond debt that had climbed to $ 70 billion or $ 12,000 per capita at a time with a 45 percent poverty rate and 12.4% unemployment that is more than twice the mainland U.S. average. The debt had been increasing during a decade long recession. The Commonwealth had been defaulting on many debts, including bonds, since 2015. With debt payments due,
13386-510: The Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk (Vernacular Spanish: Falcón de sierra ; Taxonomy: Accipiter striatus venator ) and Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk (Vernacular Spanish: Guaragüao de bosque ; Taxonomy: Buteo platypterus brunnescens ). The Puerto Rican parrot (Vernacular Spanish: Cotorra puertorriqueña ; Taxonomy: Amazona vittata ), a critically endangered species, has also been seen in this forest. Recent studies have identified eight species of bats . They are most visible at dusk as this
13580-564: The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources . There are many other even smaller islets , like Monito , located near Mona, and Isla de Cabras and La Isleta de San Juan , both located on the San Juan Bay . The latter is the only inhabited islet with communities like Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra , which are connected to the main island by bridges. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has an area of 5,320 square miles (13,800 km ), of which 3,420 sq mi (8,900 km )
13774-640: The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), generates almost half of those revenues alone ($ 3 billion). However, government-owned corporations generate about $ 10.6 billion in expenses when combined, requiring substantial subsidies by the central government. In 2005, the central government provided more than $ 2.6 billion in subsidies, while the remaining expenditures were funded through interest and investment earnings. When considering all three branches of government, including all government-owned corporations and municipalities,
13968-538: The Secretary of State . Article IV of the Constitution of Puerto Rico establishes that the Secretary of State should serve as acting governor when the Governor is not available. The Constitution and Puerto Rican law establishes a governmental line of succession for special cases when neither the Governor nor the Secretary are available. Article IV of the Constitution of Puerto Rico establishes that
14162-421: The Spanish–American War , Puerto Rico was acquired by the United States . Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917 and can move freely between the archipelago and the mainland . However, residents of Puerto Rico are disenfranchised from federal elections and generally do not pay federal income tax . In common with four other territories , Puerto Rico sends a nonvoting representative to
14356-551: The U.S. Congress , called a Resident Commissioner , and participates in presidential primaries ; as it is not a state, Puerto Rico does not have a vote in the U.S. Congress , which oversees it under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950 . Congress approved a territorial constitution in 1952, allowing residents of the archipelago to elect a governor in addition to a senate and house of representatives . The political status of Puerto Rico
14550-589: The U.S. Treasury . Residents of Puerto Rico pay into Social Security, and are thus eligible for Social Security benefits upon retirement. They are excluded from the Supplemental Security Income , and the island receives a smaller fraction of the Medicaid funding it would receive if it were a U.S. state. Also, Medicare providers receive less-than-full state-like reimbursements for services rendered to beneficiaries in Puerto Rico, even though
14744-631: The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme : Luquillo Biosphere Reserve represented by El Yunque National Forest and the Guánica Biosphere Reserve . Species endemic to the archipelago number 239 plants, 16 birds and 39 amphibians / reptiles , recognized as of 1998. Most of these (234, 12 and 33 respectively) are found on the main island. The most recognizable endemic species and a symbol of Puerto Rican pride
14938-668: The United States under the designation of commonwealth . Located about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami , Florida , between the Dominican Republic in the Greater Antilles and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Lesser Antilles , it consists of the eponymous main island and numerous smaller islands, including Vieques , Culebra , and Mona . With approximately 3.2 million residents , it
15132-514: The coquí de la montaña ( Eleutherodactylus portoricensis ), a species denominated as vulnerable under Puerto Rico Law 6766. The Small Asian mongoose (Vernacular Spanish: Mangosta pequeña asiática ; Taxonomy: Herpestes javanicus ), has also been spotted inhabiting this forest. Toro Negro State Forest is home to 11 species of snakes, all non-venomous to humans. The Puerto Rican boa ( Chilabothrus inornatus ) grows to 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) in length and weighs about 2 pounds (0.91 kg). It
15326-558: The judicial branch as headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico , currently Maite Oronoz Rodríguez . The legal system is a mixture of the civil law and the common law systems. Members of the judicial branch are appointed by the governor with advice and consent from the Senate. The extent of the powers of the government of Puerto Rico and the rights of the citizens of Puerto Rico as enumerated in
15520-720: The jurisdiction of the federal government of the United States and the territorial sovereignty of the United States . Its head of state is the president of the United States, currently Joe Biden . As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign state nor a state of the United States . The federal government of the United States has enumerated powers , including monetary policy , foreign relations , and defense . The local government of Puerto Rico has reserved powers , including education , law enforcement , and elections . Both governments share concurrent powers , including taxation and fiscal policy . The political status of Puerto Rico
15714-404: The "road trail" meets PR-143. At State Route PR-143 hikers turn right to continue South on Trail #9. From this point hikers walk another 0.25 mile to arrive at the visitors' parking area on the right side of the road. Considering the hikes on Trail #7 and roads PR-564 and PR-143, Trail #9 is 0.75 mile long. Trails #2, #4 and #10 are no longer active trails. Trail #2 was called Camino Ortolaza and
15908-563: The 0.9 mile trek, the trail reaches PR-564. There is water pumping station on the left. From this point the "trail" turns right, as PR-564 is intended to be part of the trail. Hikers walk South on PR-564 for 0.6 mile where the northern terminus of Trail #9 (the Doña Petra trail) is located to the right. Continuing southbound on PR-564 for another 0.1 mile, the road trail meets PR-143, where hikers turn right to continue South on Trail #5. From this point hikers walk another 0.25 mile to arrive at
16102-892: The 2008 general election. Four years later, the 2012 election saw the emergence of the Movimiento Unión Soberanista (English: Sovereign Union Movement) and the Partido del Pueblo Trabajador (English: Working People's Party) but none obtained more than 1% of the vote. Other non-registered parties include the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party , the Socialist Workers Movement , and the Hostosian National Independence Movement . The nature of Puerto Rico's political relationship with
16296-416: The 2024 general election, with nearly 40% of the vote, who is pro-statehood. Puerto Rico consists of the main island of Puerto Rico and various smaller islands, including Vieques , Culebra , Mona , Desecheo , and Caja de Muertos . Of these five, only Culebra and Vieques are inhabited year-round. Mona, which has played a key role in maritime history, is uninhabited most of the year except for employees of
16490-555: The 3 November 2020 general elections; the ballot asked one question: "Should Puerto Rico be admitted immediately into the Union as a State ?" The results showed that 52 percent of Puerto Rico voters answered yes. In the United States in the early 2020s, the Puerto Rico Status Act was being worked on by Congress, and H.R. 8393 passed the House in 2022- though it has not passed the Senate; this bill would support PR making
16684-610: The American continents. Realizing that it was in danger of losing its two remaining Caribbean territories, the Spanish Crown revived the Royal Decree of Graces of 1815 . The decree was printed in Spanish, English and French in order to attract Europeans, with the hope that the independence movements would lose their popularity and strength with the arrival of new settlers. Free land was offered to those who wanted to populate
16878-610: The Area Recreacional Doña Juana was added to Toro Negro. In April 1970, a land exchange which included the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture purchase and transfer of 1,677 acres (1,727 cda) forest lands adjacent to Luquillo Experimental Forest in exchange for the complete transfer of Toro Negro forest lands to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The lower elevations of Toro Negro used to be important coffee-producing plantations, however,
17072-863: The Atlantic, is located about 71 mi (114 km) north of Puerto Rico at the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates. It is 170 mi (270 km) long. At its deepest point, named the Milwaukee Deep , it is almost 27,600 ft (8,400 m) deep. The Mona Canyon , located in the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, is another prominent oceanic landform with steep walls measuring between 1.25 and 2.17 miles (2.01 and 3.49 km) in height from bottom to top. The climate of Puerto Rico in
17266-517: The Cabinet serve at the pleasure of the Governor, who may dismiss them or reappoint them (to other posts) at will. The day-to-day enforcement and administration of laws is delegated by the Governor to 16 executive departments created by the Constitution or by statute to deal with specific areas of government. The heads of the departments, chosen by the governor and approved by the Senate (with
17460-509: The Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. On average, a quarter of its annual rainfall is contributed from tropical cyclones , which are more prevalent during periods of La Niña than El Niño . A cyclone of tropical storm strength passes near Puerto Rico, on average, every five years. A hurricane passes in the vicinity of the island, on average, every seven years. Since 1851, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (also known as
17654-481: The Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico reconvened and approved the conditions established by Pub. L. 82–447 . On July 25, 1952, Governor Luis Muñoz Marín proclaimed that the Constitution of Puerto Rico was in effect. The executive branch is responsible for administering public resources, as well as providing all necessary public services to the Puerto Rican general public. It
17848-414: The Cordillera Central create a rain shadow and are the main cause of the variations in the temperature and rainfall that occur over very short distances. The mountains can also cause wide variation in local wind speed and direction due to their sheltering and channeling effects, adding to the climatic variation. Daily temperature changes seasonally are quite small in the lowlands and coastal areas. Between
18042-777: The Governor shall be assisted by Secretaries who shall collectively constitute the Governor's advisory council and be designated as the Council of Secretaries although it's mostly referred to as the Cabinet . The Cabinet is composed by the Constitutional Cabinet , composed by the Secretaries established by the Constitution, and the Operational Cabinet , composed by the Secretaries established by extraconstitutional Puerto Rican law or appointed by
18236-426: The Governor was facing the risk of a government shutdown and failure to fund the managed care health system. "Without action before April, Puerto Rico’s ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations will be threatened, thereby putting at risk beginning July 1, 2017 the health care of up to 900,000 poor U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico", according to a letter sent to Congress by
18430-541: The Governor. These Cabinets do not exist as agencies, but are referred as such in transcripts, records, official documents, and conversations for brevity and easiness. All Cabinet members are nominated by the Governor and then presented to the Senate for advice and consent by a simple majority . If they are approved, they are sworn in and then begin their duties. All members receive the title of Secretary . Members of
18624-471: The Legislature approved submitting to the people a constitutional amendment reducing the size of the House from 51 to 39 seats and the Senate from 27 to 17 seats, essentially a 30% reduction in size. However, in an August 18, 2012 referendum, the constitutional proposition failed by a 54% to 46% margin. The judiciary of Puerto Rico consists of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico , Court of Appeals , and
18818-507: The Luquillo Unit of the Caribbean National Forest. The remaining 4,821 cuerdas (4,682 acres) were ceded to Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture for forestry purposes. This resulted in the Toro Negro State Forest. Since 1962, approximately 120 cuerdas have been planted to eucalyptus , mahoe , kadam and Honduran pine . In 1962, Toro Negro had 6,817 cuerdas (6,621 acres), representing 11.32% of Puerto Rico's state forests. In 1962
19012-530: The PPD and PNP usually hold about 47% of the vote each while the PIP holds about 5%. After 2007, other parties emerged on the island. The first, the Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party was registered that same year. The party claims that it seeks to address the islands' problems from a status-neutral platform. But it ceased to remain as a registered party when it failed to obtain the required number of votes in
19206-528: The Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk ( Buteo platypterus brunnescens ) and the elfin woods warbler ( Setophaga angelae ). The Northern Karst country of Puerto Rico is also home to one of the remaining rainforest tracts in the island, with the Río Abajo State Forest being the first focus for the reintroduction of the highly endangered Puerto Rican parrot outside of the Sierra de Luquillo. In
19400-473: The Puerto Rican people to exercise fully their inalienable right to self-determination and independence. In November 2012, a two-question referendum took place, simultaneous with the general elections. The first question, voted on in August, asked voters whether they wanted to maintain the current status under the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution. 54% voted against the status quo, effectively approving
19594-487: The Puerto Ricans voted to hold a constitutional convention in a referendum, and elected delegates on August 27, 1951. The convention adopted a constitution on 6 February 1952 and was ratified by Puerto Rico's electorate in a referendum on March 3, 1952 . The United States government approved an amended version by Pub. L. 82–447 , 66 Stat. 327 , enacted July 3, 1952 , and on July 10, 1952,
19788-646: The San Felipe Segundo hurricane in Puerto Rico) of September 1928 is the only hurricane to make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. In 2017, Puerto Rico was affected by Category 5 Hurricane Irma and Category 4 Hurricane Maria , causing widespread and devastating impacts , particularly to the electric grid. Puerto Rico is home to three terrestrial ecoregions: Puerto Rican moist forests , Puerto Rican dry forests , and Greater Antilles mangroves . Puerto Rico has two biosphere reserves recognized by
19982-458: The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. They also said that "Congress must enact measures recommended by both Republicans and Democrats that fix Puerto Rico’s inequitable health care financing structure and promote sustained economic growth." Initially, the oversight board created under PROMESA called for Puerto Rico's governor Ricardo Rosselló to deliver
20176-643: The Senate and, in a handful of cases, the House, as well. Similar to a U.S. State, the Governor has authority over the Puerto Rico National Guard. Although Puerto Rico does not have the position of Lieutenant Governor , sections 7 and 8 of the Constitution empower the Secretary of the Puerto Rico State Department to act as Acting Governor, should the governor be absent from Puerto Rico, become temporarily disabled or unable to discharge his/her duties, and as Governor for
20370-438: The Toro Negro State Forest to increase the protected area of the forest as well as to create a wildlife forest corridor that would join Toro Negro with the nearby Tres Picachos and Guilarte state forests through plans such as the federal Forest Legacy Areas initiative. Toro Negro is located in the central mountainous region of Puerto Rico and it has a total area of 8,203.6977 cuerdas (3,224.3778 ha; 7,967.6110 acres). It
20564-672: The Toro Negro's Cerro Rosa in Ciales, has been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an endangered species. Some of the more common trees are: tabonuco ( Dacryodes excelsa ), ausubo ( Manilkara bidentata ), jagüilla ( Magnolia portoricensis ), nuez moscada ( Ocotea moschata ), granadillo ( Buchenavia capitata ), maga ( Montezuma speciosissima ), higüerillo ( Vitex divaricata ), almedrón ( Prunus occidentalis ) and jácana ( Pouteria multiflora ). In addition Palmas de sierra ( Prestoea montana ) and helechos arbóreos ( Cyathea Sp.) are very abundant. Some of
20758-450: The U.S. Constitution . Laws enacted at the federal level in the U.S. apply to Puerto Rico as well, regardless of its political status. Their residents do not have voting representation in the U.S. Congress . Puerto Rico lacks "the full sovereignty of an independent nation", for example, the power to manage its "external relations with other nations", which is held by the U.S. federal government. The U.S. Supreme Court has indicated that once
20952-638: The U.S. Constitution has been extended to an area (by Congress or the courts), its coverage is irrevocable. To hold that the political branches may switch the Constitution on or off at will would lead to a regime in which they, not this Court, say "what the law is". Puerto Ricans "were collectively made U.S. citizens" in 1917 as a result of the Jones–Shafroth Act . U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections, though both major parties, Republican and Democratic, hold primary elections in Puerto Rico to choose delegates to vote on
21146-542: The U.S. Department of Agriculture classified Toro Negro State Forest as a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico forest of "Status 2", s status it defines as "an area having permanent protection from conversion of natural land cover and a mandated management plan in operation to maintain a primarily natural state, but which may receive use or management practices that degrade the quality of existing natural communities". As of 2013, there were ongoing governmental initiatives in place to acquire, from private owners, additional lands adjacent to
21340-472: The U.S. is the subject of ongoing debate in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Congress, and the United Nations . Specifically, the basic question is whether Puerto Rico should remain an unincorporated territory of the U.S., become a U.S. state, or become an independent country. Constitutionally, Puerto Rico is subject to the plenary powers of the U.S. Congress under the territorial clause of Article IV of
21534-412: The algae-covered ground rocks present on some of the trails. Some of the trails lead to or run near charcos . Charcos are natural swimming pools (swimming holes). The Toro Negro State Forest office is the starting point for several of the trails. However, most of the trails are not well marked, nor are they well kept, so they can be hard to locate and to follow in the dense forest. Under an agreement with
21728-495: The bridge over the Doña Juana Creek. Trail #9 begins at this bridge. Heading to the left from the bridge is the path for Trail #8, but heading straight up (northbound) gets hikers onto Trail #9, the Doña Petra Trail. (Like trail #5, the " Las Cuarenta " trail, Trail #9 will also bring the hiker to State Route PR-564, but being a shorter trail, it does not encounter PR-564 as far north as Trail #5 does.) The first segment of
21922-545: The camping area. The pool at Charco La Confesora is located at 18.176901, -66.495861. ( 18°10′36.8436″N 66°29′45.0996″W / 18.176901000°N 66.495861000°W / 18.176901000; -66.495861000 ). Puerto Rico Puerto Rico ( Spanish for 'rich port'; abbreviated PR ), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island organized as an unincorporated territory of
22116-675: The commissioner's power to vote in the Committee of the Whole , but the commissioner can vote in committee. Puerto Rican elections are governed by the Federal Election Commission and the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico . Residents of Puerto Rico, including other U.S. citizens, cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections, but can vote in primaries . Puerto Ricans who become residents of
22310-466: The cultural and demographic landscape of the archipelago. Within the Spanish Empire , Puerto Rico played a secondary but strategically significant role compared to larger and wealthier colonies like Peru and New Spain . By the late 19th century, a distinct Puerto Rican identity began to emerge, centered around a fusion of European , African , and indigenous elements. In 1898, following
22504-518: The current El Yunque National Forest . In 1970, the Government of Puerto Rico's Departmento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) opened the Toro Negro Forest Reserve as a Commonwealth state forest and renamed it Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro (Toro Negro State Forest). In 1876, Spanish King Alfonso XII of Spain issued the first proclamation for the creation of forest reserves in Puerto Rico. The land where Toro Negro sits
22698-516: The current Trail #1 eastern terminus. Trail #10 was called Camino El Tabonuco and was about 0.2 mile long. It was also a "one-way" trail. It originated at km 32.3 on PR-143 and headed north into the forest. An unnamed trail, but referenced and marked in the DRNA maps, is a trail that could be termed Trail #11 for referential purposes. It was located midway on Trail #9 (that is, about 0.2 mile west of PR-546) and headed north to Trail #5. It met Trail #9 at
22892-456: The current two-chamber system (House and Senate) prevalent in 49 of the 50 states of the nation to one-chamber ( unicameralism ). The reasons for this proposed change was based on the growing public opinion that members of the assembly are overpaid, and that a smaller assembly might achieve the same work results as the bicameral one with less public expenditures. However, an official report of 1995 indicates that this argument should not be considered
23086-468: The dry and wet seasons, there is a temperature change of around 6 °F (3.3 °C). This change is due mainly to the warm waters of the tropical Atlantic Ocean , which significantly modify cooler air moving in from the north and northwest. Coastal water temperatures during the year are about 75 °F (24 °C) in February and 85 °F (29 °C) in August. The highest temperature ever recorded
23280-515: The entire forest is especially critical for water and soil conservation. Today, the amount of tree foliage coverage in the forest ranges from 81% in the moist forest zone to 99% in the lower montane wet forest zone. The forest was named for the Río Toro Negro , one of nine rivers that flow out of the forest, and the name of one of the barrios in the Ciales portion of the forest. Toro Negro
23474-493: The entity in Spanish is Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico ("Free Associated State of Puerto Rico"), while its official English name is Commonwealth of Puerto Rico . The Spanish official name was suggested by its architect Luis Muñoz Marín and adopted by a constitutional assembly on July 25 1952. Some authorities have called it a euphemism and have charged that the official name in English of "Commonwealth" constitutes
23668-488: The exception of Bufo marinus (Spanish: Sapo común ), all are endemic. Reptiles include the Lagarto verde ( Anolis cuvieri ), lagartijo pigmeo ( Anolis occultus ), and boa de Puerto Rico ( Chilabothrus inornatus ), which is in danger of extinction; amphibians include the siguana ( Ameiva exsul ) and the culebra ciega ( Amphisbaena caeca ). Amphibians include coquí común ( Eleutherodactylus coqui ) and
23862-428: The exception of the Secretary of State, who requires Senate and House confirmation), form a council of advisers generally known as the Governor's Cabinet. The Constitution provides for the creation of at least 8 departments: Departments of State , Justice , Education , Health , Treasury , Labor , Agriculture , Commerce , and Public Works . However, due to the increase in population, economy, and public needs over
24056-399: The federal government, Puerto Rico-based corporations that intend to send funds to the U.S., and some others, such as Puerto Rican residents that are members of the U.S. military, and Puerto Rico residents who earned income from sources outside Puerto Rico also pay federal income taxes. In addition, because the cutoff point for income taxation is lower than that of the U.S. IRS code, and because
24250-651: The forest are located in the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya, both of which are municipalities in the Puerto Rico Tourism Company's Porta Caribe tourism zone. Cerro de Punta 1,338 meters (4,390 ft), the highest peak in Puerto Rico, is located in the western section of the forest and the lowest elevation is found at the south edge of the forest near Salto de Inabón (Inabón Falls), an altitude of approximately 440 meters (1,440 ft). Four vegetation associations have been delineated in two bioclimatic life zones. The two climatic biome zones are:
24444-704: The forest is located in the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya. Some 40% of the area of Toro Negro State Forest is located in Ponce's Barrio Anón . When created in 1935 as part of the Caribbean National Forest , the Toro Negro Forest Reserve was managed by the United States government , first via the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration of the Department of the Interior (1935–1942) and later through
24638-400: The forest office/parking area and hike north on route PR-143 about 1/4 mile. Trail 6 is located on the right hand side of the road. This pool is a river-fed pool. It became deteriorated, in disrepair and closed to public use sometime prior to 2010 and, in February 2013, there were unconfirmed reports that it had been repaired and reopen. In 2008, it was reported that an agreement between DNRA and
24832-424: The forest's three official picnic areas. Its picnic area is the one closes to the visitors' parking area. The Doña Juana Creek runs next to the picnic area. This trail is 0.54 mile long, it is a medium challenge trail, and leads to El Charco ("The Pond"), a natural swimming hole. It is located north of the parking area, and starts at the end of Trail #7. After hiking north from the parking area on Trail #7 (Trail #7
25026-404: The forest. Río Toro Negro - after which the forest is named - separates the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis; it also forms Lago El Guineo. The forest's other lake, Lago Matrullas, is accessible via Puerto Rico Highway 564, which can be accessed via PR-143 , in the municipality of Orocovis. Toro Negro has four vegetation associations catalogued into two subtropical moist life zones: The first
25220-623: The forest. Twenty-eight species were planted in twenty-nine different plantations. In 1942, the US Department of the Interior transferred the forest to the United States Department of Agriculture . From 1942 to 1961, it was administered by the US Forest Service . During these years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continued its acquisition of lands increasing the acreage of Toro Negro. In 1961, Toro Negro
25414-617: The government eliminated the excise tax of 6.6% on imports (taxes on cigarettes, liquor, and cars are still in effect) and substituted it for a 5.5% islandwide Sales and Use Tax , plus a municipal sales tax of 1.5%, for a total of 7%, in what has been known as the Puerto Rico Tax Reform . This change was partly due to the government's growing expenditures and fiscal deficits which remained unchecked and uncorrected for several years, until several credit agencies warned public officials that all general-obligation bonds issued by
25608-413: The government of Puerto Rico is under the jurisdiction of the federal government of the United States . Article I of the Constitution of Puerto Rico defines the government of Puerto Rico as a republican form of government seated in San Juan with executive, legislative, and judicial powers within the archipelago and island of Puerto Rico. Article IV defines the executive branch as headed by
25802-449: The government of Puerto Rico's annual expenditures can reach to more than $ 28 billion. The central government's main source of revenue is income tax imposed on individual citizens and private companies, which can amount to approximately $ 5.5 billion. Other significant sources of revenue include excise taxes on imports, cigarettes, liquor, hotel rooms, cement, and vehicles ($ 2 billion); and lotteries ($ 870 million). On November 15, 2006,
25996-504: The government of Puerto Rico, the municipality of Orocovis is the entity responsible for trail maintenance. The 10 official trails are: Key to icons: [REDACTED] – Indicates a Hiking trail area [REDACTED] – Indicates Camping area [REDACTED] – Indicates a Picnic area [REDACTED] – Indicates Diving or Snorkeling area [REDACTED] – Indicates Fishing area [REDACTED] – Indicates Swimming area [REDACTED] – Indicates
26190-415: The government to move rapidly to provide for the general welfare contributed to political activism by opponents and eventually to the rise of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party . On 7 January 2020, the country experienced its largest earthquake since 1918, estimated at magnitude 6.4. Economic losses were estimated to be more than $ 3.1 billion. The Puerto Rico Trench , the largest and deepest trench in
26384-414: The government were to be downgraded if the problem was not corrected. The situation reached a turning point when the executive branch of the government was partially shutdown, the events now known as the 2006 Puerto Rico budget crisis . Thirty-three (33) agencies were closed and 95,762 employees were sent home without pay. Following public bickering between the two main political parties, the new sales tax
26578-464: The governor , currently Pedro Pierluisi , who is also the head of government . Article III defines the legislative branch as consisting of a bicameral legislature, namely the Legislative Assembly , composed by the Senate as its upper house and by the House of Representatives as its lower house . The governor and legislators are elected by popular vote every four years . Article V defines
26772-423: The island as a whole. Members representing specific districts are elected by the citizens residing within the district, while at-large legislators are elected by accumulation of all island votes. In recent years, two referendums have been held to propose constitutional changes to substantially modify the composition of the Legislative Assembly. Various organizations pushed for changing the legislative assembly from
26966-405: The island. Puerto Rico has also established several government-owned corporations in order to provide basic and public services to its citizens, including electricity, water, transportation, and education, among others. These are separate legal entities from the Commonwealth, but the government owns virtually all of these corporations' stock . Each corporation is headed by an executive director who
27160-514: The island. It is also home to 50 bird species, including the critically endangered Puerto Rican amazon . In addition to El Yunque National Forest, the Puerto Rican moist forest ecoregion is represented by protected areas such as the Maricao and Toro Negro state forests . These areas are home to endangered endemic species such as the Puerto Rican boa ( Chilabothrus inornatus ), the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk ( Accipiter striatus venator ),
27354-518: The islands on the condition that they swear their loyalty to the Spanish Crown and allegiance to the Catholic Church . In 1898, during the Spanish–American War , Puerto Rico was invaded and subsequently became a possession of the U.S. The first years of the 20th century were marked by the struggle to obtain greater democratic rights from the U.S. The Foraker Act of 1900 established a civil government, ending rule by American generals and
27548-531: The lands being incorporated into the reserve during the federal government land acquisitions of 1935 were allowed to stay in their places when forest protection went into effect. In January 1999, a bill in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives sought to increase the size of the protected area by unifying the Toro Negro, Guilarte , and Pueblo de Adjuntas State Forests. In a March 2008 study by its International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF),
27742-534: The last election held in November 2020 . The judicial branch is headed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico , currently Maite Oronoz Rodríguez . Members of the judiciary are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Puerto Rico is represented in the U.S. Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives, the resident commissioner , currently Jenniffer González . Current congressional rules have removed
27936-470: The latter paid fully into the system. Government of Puerto Rico The government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a republican democracy established by the Constitution of Puerto Rico in 1952. Under a system of separation of powers , the government is divided among three branches: the executive , the legislative , and the judicial . As a territory of the United States ,
28130-424: The less rigorous environment in Toro Negro. The physical effect of the wind is much reduced; the shrubs are neither bent nor shorn to an even surface, but are essentially erect and their crowns are rounded and uneven in outline. The mosses are reduced to a thin mantle on the more sheltered trunks and are absent in many places, while the great mats of Selaginella are completely lacking. In the Toro Negro forest, only
28324-419: The local community had been signed whereby the community would help repair the pool. Under an agreement with the government of Puerto Rico, the municipality of Orocovis is the entity responsible for pool maintenance. In any case, this pool opens only during the summer months. The pool's water temperature is very chilled, but refreshing, given the high humidity of the area, particularly in the afternoons. La Piscina
28518-535: The lower elevations of the forest (below 2,000 feet [610 m] above sea level) stands the Bosque Tabonuco forest which is dominated by the majestic Tabonuco tree ( Dacryodes excelsa ) that can reach up to 100 feet (30 m) and grows primarily in protected sites at low elevations. The Tabonuco forest has many of the characteristics for which tropical rain forests are noted. The forest canopy has three levels: an upper level that may be as much as 35% Tabonuco,
28712-547: The main trading/shipping port and the capital city. The island's name was changed to Porto Rico by the United States after the Treaty of Paris of 1898 . The anglicized name was used by the U.S. government and private enterprises (also Porto in Italian, French, and Portuguese). The name was changed back to Puerto Rico in 1931 by a joint resolution in Congress introduced by Félix Córdova Dávila . The official name of
28906-529: The mayor and the municipal legislators are elected at-large by the municipality's citizens in general elections held every four years. Unlike most towns, cities and states in the United States, Puerto Rico does not have local or state sheriffs; sheriff duties are instead performed by the Puerto Rico Commonwealth Marshal's Office. Many municipalities have established municipal police departments, although most law enforcement activity
29100-588: The most dangerous geologic hazards in the island and in the northeastern Caribbean. The 1918 San Fermín earthquake occurred on 11 October , 1918 and had an estimated magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale . It originated off the coast of Aguadilla , several kilometers off the northern coast, and was accompanied by a tsunami . It caused extensive property damage and widespread losses, damaging infrastructure, especially bridges. It resulted in an estimated 116 deaths and $ 4 million in property damage. The failure of
29294-604: The most inaccessible mountain tops have never been cleared. Most of the lower areas are subject to the familiar routine of logging, clearing, burning, and grazing or semi-permanent cultivation. Most of the forest lands in Toro Negro rise above the upper limit of successful coffee cultivation. Toro Negro State Forest has both deep soils and surface soils. Deep soils are derived from volcanic igneous rock , fine-grained. These contain high amounts of permeable clay, low amounts of sand, silt, and high amounts of iron and aluminum, but little silica. The surface soils are acidic and brittle while
29488-405: The observation tower is located. The trail to the observation tower lookout hill is not for the faint of heart. It is very steep and very slippery. It is a one-way trail (in the sense that the same trail is used in the return trip) and the trail feels even more slippery in the downhill return hike. This trail is made of rocks but, because of the high humidity and low traffic, algae have overtaken
29682-507: The official number of trails is stated as 10, some of the trails are actually dirt roads for park ranger vehicles. Also, some of the "trails" require the hiker to walk a segment on a paved Commonwealth road or county road. Trails are generally quite wide, but being a forest in mountains with high humidity and rain precipitation, many of the trails are muddy in at least some areas. Hikers are often seen with walking sticks , which help maintain balance when walking on slippery surfaces, particularly
29876-445: The parties' presidential candidates. Since Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory and not a U.S. state, the U.S. Constitution does not fully enfranchise U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico. Only fundamental rights under the American federal constitution and adjudications are applied to Puerto Ricans. Various other U.S. Supreme Court decisions have held which rights apply in Puerto Rico and which ones do not. Puerto Ricans have
30070-476: The per-capita income in Puerto Rico is much lower than the average per-capita income on the mainland, more Puerto Rico residents pay income taxes to the local taxation authority than if the IRS code were applied to the island. This occurs because "the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico government has a wider set of responsibilities than do U.S. State and local governments." In 2009, Puerto Rico paid $ 3.742 billion into
30264-507: The population applying for assistance after the storms. See also Effects of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico It is thought that a combination of the debt crisis and two major hurricanes in the late 2010s, caused further departures from the island. Overall the population has decreased by about half a million in the 21st century, with many seeking better opportunities on the mainland. Puerto Rico held its statehood referendum during
30458-491: The primary objective because the savings are not significant. The legislative spending in Puerto Rico, compared with the consolidated government budget is less than 1% of total government spending. Lacking the two-thirds majority necessary in both houses of the Legislature to submit constitutional amendments to the electorate, in 2004 the Popular Democratic Party's then-majority approved legislation to hold
30652-587: The proximity of the campgrounds there is also a picnic area. It has six picnic shelters with covered BBQ , on-site water, and a spot for a campfire. Lake El Guineo and Lake Matrullas are both man-made reservoirs. Fishing, boating and kayaking is allowed at the El Guineo and Matrullas reservoirs. Lake El Guineo is located at 18.1579°N 66.5284°W ( 18°9′28.44″N 66°31′42.24″W / 18.1579000°N 66.5284000°W / 18.1579000; -66.5284000 ), at an altitude of 3,002 feet above sea level. It
30846-412: The remainder of the term should a permanent vacancy occur. Puerto Rico does not have a post for lieutenant governor but it has a Secretary of State which performs a similar role. The Secretary of State is the successor of the Governor and is empowered to act as acting governor — the Constitution of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican law establishes a governmental line of succession starting with
31040-409: The rocks to make the trail very slippery. Walking around the rocks does not always help as the area is muddy - though albeit less slippery. The view and fresh air and breeze make the trek quite rewarding. The views are unobstructed and panoramic 360° views are possible. The tower is 3,537 feet above sea level. Altogether the distance from the visitors' parking area to the tower is 2.14 miles. Trail #5
31234-412: The same elevation as the Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest (above 2,000 feet [610 m]), but on very steep slopes, are the Sierra de Palmas forests dominated by the sierra palm ( Prestoea montana ). Sometimes called palm-breaker, this forest type may reach 50 feet (15 m) in height. The Sierra de Palmas covers the largest area of all forest types in Toro Negro. The palm forest is distinguishable at
31428-418: The second question to be voted on in November. The second question posed three alternate status options: statehood, independence, or free association . 61.16% voted for statehood, 33.34% for a sovereign free-associated state, and 5.49% for independence. In 2016, President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 5278: PROMESA , establishing a Control Board over the Puerto Rican government. This board will have
31622-496: The settlement of the Ortoiroid people before 430 BC. At the time of Christopher Columbus 's arrival in the New World in 1493, the dominant indigenous culture was that of the Taínos . The Taíno people's numbers went dangerously low during the later half of the 16th century because of new infectious diseases carried by Europeans, exploitation by Spanish settlers, and warfare. Located in the northeastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico formed
31816-670: The seven year-long bioluminescent bays in the Caribbean: Laguna Grande in Fajardo , La Parguera in Lajas and Puerto Mosquito in Vieques . These are unique bodies of water surrounded by mangroves that are inhabited by the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense . However, tourism, pollution, and hurricanes have highly threatened these unique ecosystems. Puerto Rico has a republican form of government based on
32010-441: The size of Hispaniola and 8% of the size of Cuba, the largest of the Greater Antilles. The topography of the island is mostly mountainous with large flat areas in the northern and southern coasts. The main mountain range that crosses the island from east to west is called the Cordillera Central (also known as the Central Mountain Range in English). The highest elevation in Puerto Rico, Cerro de Punta 4,390 feet (1,340 m),
32204-465: The south, since the south receives less rain than the central and northern regions. Puerto Rico is composed of Cretaceous to Eocene volcanic and plutonic rocks, overlain by younger Oligocene and more recent carbonates and other sedimentary rocks . Most of the caverns and karst topography on the island occurs in the northern region. The oldest rocks are approximately 190 million years old ( Jurassic ) and are located at Sierra Bermeja in
32398-422: The southwest part of the island. They may represent part of the oceanic crust and are believed to come from the Pacific Ocean realm. Puerto Rico lies at the boundary between the Caribbean and North American Plates and is being deformed by the tectonic stresses caused by their interaction. These stresses may cause earthquakes and tsunamis . These seismic events, along with landslides , represent some of
32592-442: The southwest, the Guánica State Forest and Biosphere Reserve contain over 600 uncommon species of plants and animals, including 48 endangered species and 16 that are endemic to Puerto Rico, and is considered a prime example of the Puerto Rican dry forest ecoregion and the best-preserved dry forest in the Caribbean. Other protected dry forests in Puerto Rico can be formed within the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge complex at
32786-429: The species that were introduced to this forest are mahoe ( Hibiscus elatus Sw.), caoba hondureña ( Swietenia macrophylla ), pino hondureño ( Pinus caribaea ), eucalipto ( Eucalyptus robusta ) and kadam ( Anthocephalus chinensis ). Ilex cookii , commonly known as Cook's Holly or te, is a small evergreen holly shrub known to exist only in the Toro Negro State Forest and only in extremely limited amounts. It
32980-410: The state of the commonwealth, equivalent to the state of the union in the U.S. The official residence of the governor is La Fortaleza , the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. The Governor has the authority to nominate agency heads, trial and appellate judges , as well as Supreme Court justices and directors of public corporations, although these must be confirmed by
33174-399: The subsoil is acidic and heavy, but permeable. Its hills are mostly steep. Usually the top soil is lost by erosion. There are nine rivers that flow south ( Río Indalecia , Río Guayo , Río Inabón , Río Blanco , Río Anón and Río Prieto ), and three that flow north ( Río Saliente , Río Toro Negro , and Río Matrullas ) from the forest. The Matrullas and Guineo reservoirs are also part of
33368-532: The subtropical moist forest life zone (31% of the forest) and the lower mountain wet forest life zone (the remaining 69% of the forest). The topography is accentuated by a large number of steep slopes and high waterfalls. Toro Negro subforests are catalogued on the basis of their elevation and content. From Cerro Maravilla , one of the tallest peaks in the forest, four of Puerto Rico's distinct forest types can be seen: Bosque Tabonuco , Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia , Bosque Sierra de Palmas , and Bosque enano . At
33562-405: The subtropical wet life zone. Above 2,000 feet (610 m) is the Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest. Tree height in the Micropholis Buchenavia forest is less than 50 feet (15 m), and the layers of the forest canopy are less distinct than in the Tabonuco type. Micropholis and Buchenavia ( Granadillo ) are the dominant species in this lower montane zonal vegetation association. At about
33756-515: The three highest peaks in the island. Nested among these mountains is Lake Guineo, the island's highest lake. The forest has 18 kilometers (11 mi) of trails, an observation tower, two natural swimming pools ( Spanish :" charcos "), camping and picnic areas, nine rivers, and numerous creeks and waterfalls. The forest spans areas within the municipalities of Ponce , Jayuya , Orocovis , Ciales , and Juana Díaz , and consists of seven non-contiguous tracts of land. The largest contiguous segment of
33950-448: The trail runs downhill for 0.2 mile, where according to ranger office maps, there used to be a trail to the left (i.e., westbound) leading to Trail #5. However, vegetation apparently overran such connecting trail because it is no longer visible. The trail then continues another 0.2 mile where it reaches PR-564. From this point the "trail" turns right, as PR-564 is intended to be part of the trail. Hikers walk South on PR-564 for 0.1 mile where
34144-465: The trail starts to head North on a downhill grade but in less than 0.1 miles (0.16 km) it connects to Trail #3 which leads to the Observation Tower, where there is a sign that reads La Torre ("The Tower"). The trail continuous downhill North-Northwest about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) until it reaches paved road PR-143, in the vicinity of km 32.6. From this point hikers make a left to walk southwest bound on PR-143 (that is, "West" on PR-143) until reaching
34338-413: The trail) and the trail is abundant with wild flowers. It is a downhill trail and a bit muddy. A section of the trail consists of concrete steps. At the end of the trail is Charco La Confesora, a natural "pool", with a waterfall as a backdrop. swimming is allowed at this charco . The return path is the same as the path to the charco as the trail terminates at the charco . This trail is 0.4 mile long, it
34532-434: The trail, the trail starts to head East and flattens out as it becomes a rocky at first and then grassy further on. Another 0.4 miles (0.64 km) heading East the trail connects to Trail #6 which leads to the swimming pool. Continuing East another 0.2 miles (0.32 km), the trail becomes uphill again as it connects to the northernmost point of a paved road, Puerto Rico Highway 561, on the right hand side. From this point on
34726-441: The trail. Continuing southbound and uphill, the trail goes through two flat and open areas with picnic tables. After this, the trail continues uphill and southbound for about 0.6 miles where it comes to its end, reaching Trail #1. Once at Trail #1, hikers either make a left or a right to get onto Trail #1 (trail #1 is a loop trail) or, of course, may turn around to return to the parking area via Trail #6. The entire length of Trail #6
34920-652: The trees of the Toro Negro Forest. His body sports a solid brown color with each of his scales edged by a darker brown. Like the forest's other various garden snakes, it is a daytime hunter. The forest also features blind snakes . They spend nearly their entire lives underground but do sometimes take cover under rotting trees. They do not bite as they do not have teeth. Its rivers and lakes are home to several species of fish and crustaceans . Fish found here include Dajao (Vernacular English: Mountain Mullet ; Taxonomy: Agonostomus monticola ) and Olivo ( Sicydium plumieri ), also known as Ceti . Some crustaceans are
35114-417: The visitors' area at km 32.4. This trail leads to the Observation Tower. This trail if for advanced hikers. Trail #3 does not start at the visitors' parking area, so hikers must first hike on other trails to get to Trail #3. Starting from the visitors' parking area, there are three ways to get to Trail #3. Path Option 1: This is the shortest route. Hikers get on PR-143, walking northeast bound (that is, making
35308-417: The visitors' parking area on the right side of the road. Considering the hikes on Trails #7 and #8 plus the hikes on roads PR-564 and PR-143, Trail #5 is 2.95 miles long, making it the second longest hike of all of Toro Negro's trails. This trail is about 0.5 miles long and a low challenge trail. The trail is well maintained, but the natural pool that it leads to is open during summer months only. Starting from
35502-440: The visitors' parking area, hikers get on PR-143 walking northeast bound (that is, making a left from the parking area to head "East" on PR-143) about 0.25 miles, then make a right into the forest at the sign (" Verada #6 - Piscina ") to get on Trail #6. This trail runs along a river for about 1/4 mile before it comes to the sign "Piscina" pointing left. Continuing south on the trail, there are two eye-catching waterfalls visible from
35696-409: The way for the drafting of Puerto Rico's Constitution and its approval by Congress and Puerto Rican voters in 1952. Puerto Rico is one of five territories with less representation in the Federal government, along with the Federal District. In 2009, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization approved a draft resolution calling on the U.S. government to expedite a process that would allow
35890-429: The years, the Puerto Rico government has expanded the executive branch by establishing additional executive departments not specified in the Constitution. These additional departments are established by public law or so-called "reorganization plans", as approved by the legislative assembly. The title of Secretary is given to the heads of the executive departments, whose position is also created by statute. Cabinet member
36084-455: Was 0.5 mile long. It was a "one-way" trail (i.e., same entrance and exit) and ran from PR-143 to the Doña Juana Creek. It started on PR-143 some 0.25 mile west of the entrance to the Area Recreativa/visitors' parking area and headed North ending at the Doña Juana Creek, about 0.2 mile west of Charco La Confesora . Trail #4 was called Camino Vega Grande and was 0.4 mile long. It was another "one-way" trail and began on PR-143 about 0.1 mile east of
36278-410: Was 110 °F (43 °C) at Arecibo , while the lowest temperature ever recorded was 40 °F (4 °C) in the mountains at Adjuntas , Aibonito , and Corozal . The average yearly precipitation is 66 in (1,676 mm). Climate change in Puerto Rico has had a large impact on the ecosystems and landscapes. Puerto Rico experiences the Atlantic hurricane season , similar to the rest of
36472-626: Was approved in favor of the excise tax on imports on May 10, 2006, ending the budget crisis. The largest types of expenditures made by the government are those related to education. In 2005 alone, the government expended more than $ 5 billion in public education and education-related programs, representing approx. 28% of total government expenditures (excluding public corporations). Other significant expenditures include public housing and welfare ($ 3.4 billion or 19%), public safety ($ 2.5 billion or 14%) and public health ($ 2.3 billion or 13%). In May 2007, local economists expressed serious concerns when it
36666-545: Was boycotted by some political opponents of it. (see 2017 Puerto Rican status referendum ) In 2017, Puerto Rico suffered back-to-back large hurricanes: the Category 5 Hurricane Irma (September 7, 2017) and the Category 4 Hurricane Maria (September 20, 2017). The storms caused an extreme amount of damage to the island, causing the following effects: all power was knocked out, 95% cell service, 43% of waste water treatment plants, 40 thousand land slides, 97% of roads blocked, 28% of health facilities damaged, leading to over 90% of
36860-454: Was claimed by Spain following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493 and subsequently colonized by Juan Ponce de León in 1508. Puerto Rico was contested by other European powers into the 18th century but remained a Spanish possession for the next 400 years. The decline of the indigenous population , followed by an influx of Spanish settlers, primarily from the Canary Islands and Andalusia , and African slaves vastly changed
37054-410: Was originally used for coffee plantations until the 1930s when a program of reforestation was commenced. In 1934, those lands were acquired by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA). The forest started with a total of 2,733 hectares (6,750 acres) in 1934. In 1935, 1,900 acres (2,000 cda) of private lands were purchased by the PRRA. The forest was not a separate entity at the time; it
37248-499: Was part of the Caribbean National Forest , and was administered by the U.S. Forest Service as the Toro Negro Division of the Caribbean National Forest. Additional lands brought the total size of the Toro Negro purchase that year to 6,620 acres (6,820 cda), and at least an additional 1,385 acres (1,426 cda) were in the process of being acquired in 1936. Between 1934 and 1945 over 3 million seedlings and approximately 19,000 pounds of seeds were sown on 1,856 acres (1,911 cda) of
37442-684: Was revealed that the Puerto Rico public debt equaled to 76% of its gross national product (GNP), making it one of the most indebted countries by percentage in the world, even more than the United States. Economists have criticized the government's fiscal policy, whose level of expenditures and indebtedness has increased significantly within the past decade while the economy was grown at a much slower pace. Between 2000 and 2006 alone, Puerto Rico's GNP rose 5.37%, while its public debt's relation to GNP rose 18%. By comparison, many other Latin American countries have seen reductions in their GNP-public debt percentages during that same time period. By early 2017,
37636-419: Was transferred to the Government of Puerto Rico . The transfer was finalized on 21 May 1962, when the 6,817 cuerdas (6,621 acres) of land that constituted the Toro Negro Unit of the Caribbean National Forest were signed away to the Government of Puerto Rico by the Federal Government. Of these 6,817 cuerdas (6,621 acres), 1,996 cuerdas (1,939 acres) were exchanged for 1,614 cuerdas (1,568 acres) located adjacent to
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