Río Abajo State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Río Abajo State ForestSpanish: Bosque Estatal de Río Abajo |
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View of Rio Abajo in Utuado
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| Geography | |
| Location | Arecibo, Utuado |
| Coordinates | 18°20′23″N 66°41′59″W / 18.33972°N 66.69972°W |
| Elevation | 1,391 feet (424 m) |
| Area | 3,486 cuerdas (3,386 acres) |
| Administration | |
| Status | Public, Commonwealth |
| Governing body | Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) |
| Ecology | |
| WWF Classification | Puerto Rican moist forests |
| Designated: | 1980 |
Rio Abajo State Forest is a special forest in Puerto Rico. It is owned by the Department of Natural Resources. This forest is one of 20 state forests on the island. In 1980, it was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it is a very important natural area.
The forest covers about 3,590 acres (14.5 square kilometers). It is mostly a subtropical wet and moist karst forest. This type of forest grows in warm, wet areas. It has unique rocky hills called mogotes and natural holes in the ground called sinkholes. The forest is located in the towns of Arecibo and Utuado. Besides its amazing nature, the forest also has old archaeological sites.
Contents
History of Rio Abajo Forest
Much of the work in the Rio Abajo State Forest happened in the 20th century. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped develop the area. The CCC was a program that put young men to work on conservation projects.
In 1943, this forest was one of five chosen by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration. This was done to protect the remaining forests on the island. The forest also helps protect a big part of the Arecibo River's water system. Old roads used by loggers and CCC workers are now walking trails.
In 1980, the United States Department of the Interior named it a National Natural Landmark. This was because it is a great example of the unique karst ecosystems in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Forest Geography
Rio Abajo State Forest is in the north-central part of Puerto Rico. It is located on rugged karstic land. This means the land is made of limestone and has many caves and sinkholes. The forest is found between the towns of Arecibo and Utuado. Specifically, it is in the areas of Hato Viejo and Río Arriba in Arecibo. It is also in Caguana and Río Abajo in Utuado.
Unique Forest Geology
The forest is part of the Montebello karst region. This area is known for its unique rock formations. The most famous landforms here are mogotes. These are steep, rounded hills made of limestone.
You can also find many caves, canyons, flat-topped hills (mesas), sinkholes, and deep valleys (ravines). These are all common in karst geology. Rio Abajo is the only place in Puerto Rico where you can clearly see the great Eocene-Oligocene unconformity. This is a special rock layer that shows a big change in Earth's history.
Ecology and Conservation Efforts
Rio Abajo State Forest is home to many animals. Some of these are endangered species. This means they are at risk of disappearing forever. The forest protects the Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk and the Puerto Rican boa. It also has a special group of critically endangered Puerto Rican parrots. These parrots are raised in captivity. They are slowly being released into the forest. This helps create a new wild population.
Forest Flora: Plant Life
The forest has over 175 different kinds of trees. About 47 of these are considered endangered or threatened. This means they are also at risk.
Some common trees include the ceiba (Ceiba pentandra), algarrobo (Samanea saman), and jobo (Spondias mombin). You can also find maga (Thespesia grandiflora), tabaiba (Sapium laurocerasus), and cohoba (Cojoba arborea). The white fiddlewood (Vitex divaricata) also grows here.
The forest is also home to rare plants. It has one of only four remaining groups of Daphnopsis hellerana. This plant only grows on limestone. Other rare plants include erubia (Solanum drymophilum), palo de rosa (Ottoschulzia rhodoxylon), and the critically endangered nigua (Cornutia obovata).
Forest Fauna: Animal Life
More than 34 types of birds have been seen in the forest. It is an important home for the endangered Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk. About 60 of these hawks are thought to live in the area.
Since 1983, Puerto Rican parrots have been brought back to the forest. This is part of a special program. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service run this program.
The forest also has the José Luis Vivaldi Lugo Aviary. This is a special place for breeding the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. The goal is to create a healthy wild population. As of 2007, 43 parrots had been released into the wild from this aviary.
Recreation and Activities
Rio Abajo State Forest is a popular place for camping. You need to make reservations to camp there. The forest offers many ways to explore. There are about 70 different walking trails. These trails help visitors see many plants and birds.
Some popular trails include the Frank H. Wadsworth trail and the Visitors Center trail. You can also walk the Cueva del Agua trail and the Tanamá River trail. Because of the karst land, the forest also has several caves. These include Cueva del Agua and Cueva Alta.
The state forest is also near other fun places. These include Cueva Ventana (Window Cave) and Dos Bocas Lake.
See also
In Spanish: Bosque estatal de Río Abajo para niños
