Preserving and managing Dominica's natural treasures since 1949
The Dominica Forest Service was established in 1949, almost in the middle of the twentieth century. The Forest Service started off as a "Section" within the Department of Agriculture at the time, but subsequently attained the status of a separate Department within the Ministry of Agriculture, by which time it was called the Forestry Department. In succeeding years, the name was changed twice, firstly to the Forestry and Wildlife Division (by Law), and today it is commonly referred to as the Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division.
The Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division within the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment, is the primary institution responsible for the administration and sustainable management of forests, wildlife, and protected areas in Dominica. The Division's management mandate encompasses 20% of the country's land area designated as protected areas, in addition to unallocated State lands (Crown Lands), the Waitukubuli National Trail, and thirteen (13) designated Ecotourism Sites including the Botanic Gardens.
The Conservation of Dominica's Natural Resources is made possible through the establishment of a System of Protected Areas, in the form of Forest Reserves and National Parks.
The island's legally defined forest reserves and national parks together incorporate twenty (20) percent of the county's forest base.
12,945 ac (5,238 ha) - Under the Forests Ordinance of 1958, restrictions or prohibitions were placed on activities within the forest reserves, e.g. forest product extraction, land clearing and hunting.
1,013 ac (410 ha) - Protected under the same regulations as the Northern Forest Reserve, ensuring sustainable forest management practices.
Dominica's first national park was established in 1975 and contains 16,980 ac (6,872ha) of legally protected forest in the south-central part of the island. The Morne Trois Pitons National was subsequently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
227 ac (91.8 ha); Dominica's second National Park was legally established in 1986. This park includes the ruins of an extensive British fortification, and dry scrub woodlands.
8,425 ac (3,409.5 ha) established in January 2000, protects prime rainforest habitat of the two species of endemic Amazon parrots, in addition to important watersheds in the north of the island.
The Waitukubuli National Trail, commonly known as the WNT, covers 114 miles, spanning the length of Dominica from Scotts Head in the south to Capuchin in the north, terminating at the Cabrits National Park. The trail winds from one end of Dominica to the other, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the island's diverse ecosystems and natural beauty.
