Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas
| Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas | |
|---|---|
| Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve | |
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
Sign at the entrance to Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas | |
| Location | Barrio Canas, Ponce, Puerto Rico |
| Nearest city | Ponce |
| Coordinates | PR 17°58′00″N 66°40′23″W / 17.96654°N 66.67292°W |
| Area | Total (Land): 698 cuerdas (678 acres) Total (Marine): 3,516 cuerdas (3,415 acres) Las Salinas Lagoon only: 347,898 m2 (86 acres) |
| Designation | 2008 |
| Governing body | Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources |
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| Fauna and Flora at Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico |
| Established | 2008 |
| Named for | Coastal geographical formation |
| Governing body | Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources |
| Website | Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources |
Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas (Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve) is a nature reserve in Barrio Canas, Ponce, Puerto Rico. It consists of both a land area component as well as an offshore marine area. The land component has an area of 698 cuerdas (678 acres) while the marine component has an expanse of 3,516 cuerdas (3,415 acres), for a total area of 4,214 cuerdas (4,093 acres). The Reserve consists of mangrove ecosystems, coastal sand dunes, a saline lagoon known as Laguna Las Salinas, open water, and a century-old local community. The lagoon occupies and area of 347,898 m2 (86 acres) Ecological protection is managed and enforced by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Eight activities are allowed at the Reserve: scuba diving, boating, fishing, hiking, sun bathing, photography, bird watching and canoeing. Activities prohibited are: Camping, crabbing/trapping, horseback riding, water crafting, and hunting. Pets, ATVs, and fireplaces are also prohibited.