(Washington, DC, September 22, 2004)—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen’s bill to study the feasibility of Castle Nugent Farms becoming a part of the National Park System passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening.

H.R. 2663, would have the National Park Service consider whether the 1350-acre property on the southeast shore of St. Croix should be adopted into its system. Delegate Christensen has said that the property contains natural and cultural resources, which can provide an unparalleled insight into the history of the St. Croix.

“The property owners not only support a park study of the site but are enthusiastic about the opportunity to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the farm,” said Christensen. “It is my hope that the park study will provide the blueprint by which we can preserve and interpret this unique piece of island history for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Castle Nugent Farms is presently operated as a cattle ranch and contains more than four miles of pristine oceanfront with a large and healthy fringing coral reef. The interior of the property consists of Caribbean dry forest and pasture lands with cultural resources from both pre-Columbian and post-European settlement. A large Danish estate house, dating to the 1730s, sits on the property. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its current use as a cattle ranch involves raising unique Senepol cattle, a breed which is well suited to the climate and vegetation of the area.

The Department of Interior and the National Park Service have expressed support for the bill.