Feb. 5, 2004 – The people who will be camped out on Stevens Cay from next Tuesday through Feb. 22 are scientists evaluating habitat and wildlife, not illegal aliens or otherwise unauthorized squatters.
Judy Pierce, chief of wildlife with the Planning and Natural Resources Department's Fish and Wildlife Division, wants the public to know that.
Four researchers led by Peter Tolson of the Toledo Zoological Society will be there continuing the work they started on the cay last year. "They will also do work on other islands as part of this federally funded project," Pierce said.
The group will use Stevens Cay, which is located off Cruz Bay, as its base, she said, with Fish and Wildlife personnel providing transportation.
While the researchers were camped out last year, Pierce said, she received numerous calls from people who could see their tents from Cruz Bay or spotted them from the ferry between Red Hook on St. Thomas and Cruz Bay.
Pierce said the cay is owned by the V.I. government and is included in its offshore refuge program.
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