Learning how to be a caretaker of these islands

My name is Matthew Deleon Guerrero. I left the CNMI to pursue higher education several years ago and have missed the beauty of the islands every day since. Dreams of Saipan’s beautiful beaches and breathtaking natural environment have served me well in strengthening my spirit and determination while abroad. That is why I am so appreciative of the opportunity to give back to the islands through the Coral Reef Initiative Internship Program.

There are a total of 12 interns this summer, working with different fields of environmental protection. Interns are assigned to Coastal Resource Management Office, Division of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

I am employed as an intern with the Division of Environmental Quality working on the ARRA-funded LaoLao Bay Road and Coastal Management Improvement Plan under the supervision of project manager Tim Lang. My duties involve work toward the revegetation of a 14-acre deforested upland area to reduce sedimentation into LaoLao bay. Sedimentation occurs when storm water runoff from exposed soils enters the marine environment. The sediment coats corals and algae, limiting their growth and threatening the sustainability of this truly gorgeous area of Saipan.

This internship has allowed me to participate in almost every aspect of this project, and to see the benefit each action brings for the area. I have been able to see the road construction that will reduce the amount of sediment-laden stormwater going into the bay. I assist in water sample collections to measure the effects that erosion has on the delicate chemical balance of the area, and I have hiked great lengths of the upland areas to monitor plant growth and plan for continued revegetative efforts. So far, this has been the most physically demanding and rewarding job I have ever had.

To better plan for future revegetation efforts, I have been given the opportunity to learn and utilize the most up-to-date Geographic Information System software. Using the GIS software, we are able to map and locate potential planting areas and provide the best possible erosion barrier for the bay.

A huge part of the revegetation effort is the propagation of specific plants to be transplanted in the project site. Plants were selected by the quality and depth of their root systems, the potential for soil enrichment, and size. Some of the plants that have been successfully transplanted in the area include Da’ok, Sosugi, Pago, Nanasu, and Banalo, among others. Working on the propagation of these plants has been an amazing education about the vegetation present on our islands.

Throughout this project I have come to realize the monumental importance education and outreach has toward the sustainability of our environment. One cause for the sedimentation problem in LaoLao bay is the burning of the forest by deer hunters. The deforestation of the area caused the deterioration of the soil and destruction of erosion controls. Greater education about the negative impacts of these practices will make the community realize that our actions have broad implications on the environmental sustainability of our home.

The true strength of the Coral Reef Initiative program lies in the incredible commitment and dedication of the mentors and staff. The staff and employees of the LaoLao Bay project are an intelligent and exceptionally hardworking group. Their enthusiasm for the goals of this project is palpable, which makes the work environment energetic and fun. Seeing talented individuals working toward goals they believe in is a truly incredible experience.

On an island with limited resources, the health of a single ecological community, like LaoLao Bay, can serve to benefit the entire system as a whole. I am proud to be associated with this project because it provides me the rare opportunity to show my appreciation to this land. My father always told me that we are only caretakers of this land for our children. I believe that through this project I have done a small part toward ensuring that future generations will have the privilege to be stewards of the beautiful beaches and breathtaking terrain of our island home.