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SOS: Rincón Needs Our Help!

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The people of Puerto Rico know how to protest peacefully & effectively — there is a long history of that — and I’m incredibly honored to be standing behind & beside this community right now fighting for the protection and conservation of sacred coastlines & ecologically sensitive land (more on that below).

But at the same time, it also feels like we’re fighting for a lot more: For the people and their ancestors that were stewards of this land long before us, as well as for all of their children and their children’s children that will walk this land long after us; For people that feel suffocated under a government more concerned with their own self-interests and protecting those interests, instead of actually serving the people as a whole; For all of nature and all of the beautiful, ecologically-rich (& wave-rich) places across the globe under threat of destruction and over-development; Fighting against a world of separation, disconnection, instant gratification, and greed…

And please don’t confuse my use of the word “fighting” with violence. Because protests in Puerto Rico are anything but violent. While some moments can be incredibly heavy and intense, most of the time it feels like a block party — singing, dancing, sharing, art, music, food — like a celebration of something bigger than us as individuals. A celebration of coming together and raising our collective voice as a way to protect the places, creatures, and people that we love.

So read on to learn more about what’s going on and ways you can help. Whether you live here, spend a lot of time here, or just come for vacation, I invite you to join the movement! We have a right to use our voice!

From PaseoResponsable.com:

The Scenic Route for Cyclists and Pedestrians (Paseo Ciclista y Peatonal) is a federally funded project currently underway, but its design—developed nearly 30 years ago—now poses a threat to sensitive coastal ecosystems and local economic resources. While the goal of improving pedestrian access is commendable, we are committed to ensuring a responsible redesign that protects Rincón’s coastline, beaches, and green spaces while promoting sustainable recreation for all.

The current design raises serious concerns. It threatens coastal habitats, protected ecosystems, and local biodiversity, including Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and Bosque Comunitario La Armonía. The plan lacks updated environmental reviews, overlooks recent coastal changes, and may violate federal laws like the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.

Beyond environmental risks, it could harm Rincón’s [local families, as well as its] tourism-based economy by limiting beach access, altering surf conditions, and reducing parking. A better, viable alternative is needed—one that protects the environment and preserves Rincón’s identity as a world-class surf destination.

Restricted Beach Access & Reduced Parking

The plan includes 6-foot walls along the coast, blocking access to Marias, Indicators, Domes, and Steps beaches, making it almost impossible to reach the shore and changing the natural landscape. It also removes the [majority of] parking at Domes Beach and all parking at Steps Beach, further limiting access.

Environmental Damage & Hurricane Protection

During big swells, hurricanes, and storms, trees on the coast offer protection from those waves coming to our streets. They prevent flooding and erosion. With their removal, the coastline is no longer protected and the bike path is at risk of destruction during these storms.

Threat to Protected Green & Coastal Spaces

The bike path plan puts at risk Bosque Comunitario La Armonía, a reforested area cared for by the community for 20 years. Now a thriving green space, it helps prevent erosion and serves as a popular pedestrian trail. The project also threatens Tres Palmas Marine Reserve (RMTP) and the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (ZMT)—protected areas essential for marine life, sea turtle nesting, and coastal stability.

How You Can Help

If you’re in or around Rincón, join us in peaceful protest on the street (currently between Maria’s & El Faro and in town in front of the Mayor’s Office) every day until the construction stops. Stop by for an hour or two, make signs, bring instruments to play, or food/water/good energy to share - UPDATE: SATURDAY MARCH 22 AT 10AM PROTEST MARCH FROM MARIA’S TO MAYOR’S OFFICE!

If you can’t make it in person, you can still support the movement by:

You can keep vigilant of the site at Maria’s by checking in on the Live Stream here, and be sure to follow the Instagram accounts linked below to stay updated as information unfolds:

Update: As of today, Tuesday March 18, all of the trees across the street from Maria’s & El Bosque Armonía have been ripped from the ground. Protestors saw many species of birds fleeing from their nests as their homes were getting destroyed. Protestors split up between Maria’s and a group march in front of the Mayor’s office in the Plaza. He had promised us a meeting and instead he hid (coward!) while he had his minions carried out a sneaky attack on the people and the land of Rincón.

 
 

My husband and I have been full-time residents of Rincón for nearly 12 years and I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy surfing Rincón’s waves and learning its reefs for over 20 years. I’ve also had the immense privilege of traveling to other beautiful surf destinations around the globe and have witnessed first-hand the destruction that poorly planned development can have on world-class waves and the people of those towns.

But, as I mentioned earlier, while this is about the waves and the beaches and the animals and the environment, this is also about much, much more…

Puerto Rico, te amo. No soy de aquí pero mi corazón está con esta isla y su gente.

¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!
The united people will never be defeated!