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MVA backs Susupe Lake tourist spot
The Marianas Visitors Authority supports a plan to create a new tourist attraction out of Susupe Lake and its environs.
MVA managing director Chris Concepcion said yesterday that MVA always supports the concept of enhancing the natural assets of the CNMI to elevate the visitor experience.
“We feel that opening up the Susupe Lake as a tourist site and recreation area might be a good idea,” said Concepcion.
He said the unique experience that can be found in Susupe Lake is unique and is not easily replicated elsewhere.
Susupe Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the CNMI. It is a wetland area as well, providing haven to wild flora, and fauna.
According to Concepcion, with proper planning and coordination with the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the Division of Parks and Recreation, Susupe Lake park may “turn into something we can all enjoy while ensuring the area remains protected.”
“With wooden boardwalks, scenic trails, interpretive signs and opportunities for limited water sports like kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating and other environmentally friendly activities, Susupe Lake can become an incredible attraction,” said Concepcion.
Concepcion warned, however, that proper funding and personnel of Parks and Recreation remains a concern.
“We caution against moving forward with this proposal without proper funding and personnel for the [division] as they will have ultimate jurisdiction over the maintenance of the area,” he said.
“The MVA provided $50,000 to [Parks & Recreatioin] for fuel and supplies in fiscal year 2017 and $200,000 to the Mayor of Saipan as our contribution to their beautification and maintenance efforts, allowing us to continue to concentrate on furthering our mandate, which is to market and promote the CNMI to visitors from around the world,” he added.
House Bill 20-13, authored by House Speaker Rafael S. Demapan (R-Saipan), is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Natural Resources, headed by Rep. Alice S. Igitol (R-Saipan).
It proposes to designate the Susupe Lake and its surrounding wetlands as a wildlife park.
