Toro Negro State Forest

Toro Negro State Forest
Spanish: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro

Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro shown in the foreground
Geography
Map showing the location of Toro Negro State Forest

The map shows the location of ranger's office at Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro

Location PR-143, km. 32.4 and PR-149 km 39.0, Ponce[1]/Jayuya[1]/Orocovis[1]/Ciales[1]/Juana Diaz[1], Puerto Rico
Coordinates 18°10′24″N 66°29′32″W / 18.17342°N 66.49231°W / 18.17342; -66.49231Coordinates: 18°10′24″N 66°29′32″W / 18.17342°N 66.49231°W / 18.17342; -66.49231
Elevation 4,390 feet (1,340 m)
Area 8,204 cuerdas (7,968 acres)[2] (32.24 km2)
Status Public, Commonwealth
Established 1934[3] with 6,800 acres
Visitation 126,916[4] (2008)[4]
Events Cerro Maravilla murders
Governing body Puerto Rico DRNA
Website www.drna.gobierno.pr
Ecology
Ecosystem(s) Subtropical Moist Zone (31% of the forest):
-Tabonuco forest.
Lower Mountain Wet Zone (69% of the forest):
-Micropholis Buchenavia forest,
-Mountain palm forest,
-Cloud forest.
WWF Classification Puerto Rican moist forests
Disturbance -Hurricanes[5] and Landslides[6]
Forest cover 81% - 99%[7]
Dominant tree species Melastomaceae (16 species),
Lauraceae (11 species),
Myrtaceae (10 species)
Indicator plants Tabonuco (Dacryodes excelsa),
Ausubo (Manilkara bidentata),[note 1]
Montillo (Sloanea berteroana)[8]

Toro Negro State Forest (Spanish: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro) is one of the 21 forests that make up the public forests system in Puerto Rico.[2] It is also Puerto Rico's highest cloud forest. It is located in the Cordillera Central region of the island and covers 8,204 cuerdas (7,968 acres; 3,224 ha), i.e., 32.24 km2, of mountains. Toro Negro's mountains have heights reaching up to 4,400 feet and include Cerro de Punta,[9] Cerro Jayuya and Cerro Rosa, the three highest peaks in the island. Nested among these mountains is Lake Guineo, the island's highest lake.[10] The forest has 18 kilometers of trails, an observation tower, two natural swimming pools (Spanish:"charcos"), camping and picnic areas, nine rivers, and numerous creeks and waterfalls.[11] The forest spans areas within the municipalities of Ponce, Jayuya, Orocovis, Ciales, and Juana Díaz, and consists of seven non-contiguous tracts of land.[9][12] The largest contiguous segment of the forest is located in the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya.[13] Some 40% of the area of Toro Negro State Forest is located in Ponce's Barrio Anón.[14]

When created in 1935 as part of the Caribbean National Forest, the Toro Negro Forest Reserve was managed by the United States government, first via the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration of the Department of the Interior (1935-1942) and later through the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture (1942-1970). Then, in 1970, the Federal Government exchanged with the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico the Toro Negro section of the Caribbean National Forest for some forested lands belonging to the Commonwealth and located adjacent to the much larger federal lands at Luquillo National Forest resulting in the creation at Luquillo of the current El Yunque National Forest.[15][16] In 1970, the Government of Puerto Rico's Departmento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) opened the Toro Negro Forest Reserve as a Commonwealth state forest and renamed it Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro (Toro Negro State Forest).

History

Río Inabón as it makes its way out of the Toro Negro forest

In 1876, Spanish King Alfonso XII of Spain issued the first proclamation for the creation of forest reserves in Puerto Rico.[17] The land where Toro Negro sits was originally used for coffee plantations until the 1930s when a program of reforestation was commenced.[18]

In 1934, those lands were acquired by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA).[3] The forest started with a total of 2,733 hectares (6,750 acres) in 1934.[19] In 1935, 1,900 acres (2,000 cda) of private lands were purchased by the PRRA.[20][21] The forest was not a separate entity at the time; it was part of the Caribbean National Forest, and was administered by the U.S. Forest Service as the Toro Negro Division of the Caribbean National Forest.[20][21] Additional lands brought the total size of the Toro Negro purchase that year to 6,620 acres (6,820 cda),[22] and at least an additional 1,385 acres (1,426 cda) were in the process of being acquired in 1936.[23] Between 1934 and 1945 over 3 million seedlings and approximately 19,000 pounds of seeds were sown on 1,856 acres (1,911 cda) of the forest. Twenty-eight species were planted in twenty-nine different plantations.[21] In 1942, the US Department of the Interior transferred the forest to the United States Department of Agriculture. From 1942 to 1961, it was administered by the US Forest Service. During these years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continued its acquisition of lands increasing the acreage of Toro Negro.[24]

In 1961, Toro Negro was transferred to the Government of Puerto Rico.[3] The transfer was finalized on 21 May 1962, when the 6,817 cuerdas (6,621 acres) of land that constituted the Toro Negro Unit of the Caribbean National Forest were signed away to the Government of Puerto Rico by the Federal Government. Of these 6,817 cuerdas (6,621 acres), 1,996 cuerdas (1,939 acres) were exchanged for 1,614 cuerdas (1,568 acres) located adjacent to the Luquillo Unit of the Caribbean National Forest. The remaining 4,821 cuerdas (4,682 acres) were ceded to Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture for forestry purposes. This resulted in the Toro Negro State Forest.[25] Since 1962, approximately 120 cuerdas have been planted to eucalyptus, mahoe, kadam and Honduran pine.[21] In 1962, Toro Negro had 6,817 cuerdas (6,621 acres), representing 11.32% of Puerto Rico's state forests.[26] In 1962 the Area Recreacional Doña Juana was added to Toro Negro.[27] In April 1970, a land exchange which included the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture purchase and transfer of 1,677 acres (1,727 cda) forest lands adjacent to Luquillo Experimental Forest in exchange for the complete transfer of Toro Negro forest lands to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.[15][21]

The lower elevations of Toro Negro used to be important coffee-producing plantations, however, the entire forest is especially critical for water and soil conservation.[21] Today, the amount of tree foliage coverage in the forest ranges from 81% in the moist forest zone to 99% in the lower montane wet forest zone.[7] The forest was named for the Río Toro Negro, one of nine rivers that flow out of the forest, and the name of one of the barrios in the Ciales portion of the forest.[28]

Protected area

Protected Areas at Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Location Puerto Rico
Ponce (Approx 40%),[14]
Jayuya (Approx 30%),
Orocovis (Approx 15%),
Ciales (Approx 10%),
and Juana Diaz (Approx 5%)
Nearest city Ponce
Area 7,967.6 acres (3,224.4 ha)
Established 1934[3]
Visitors 126,916[4] (in 2008[4])
Governing body Puerto Rico DRNA

Toro Negro is a protected area under the law.[29] The forest has a protected status of "IV" ("Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources") according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) convention.[19][30][31] Ecological protection is managed and enforced by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.

Through the parcelero (from the Spanish root for "parcel", or land lot) program, people who were living in the lands being incorporated into the reserve during the federal government land acquisitions of 1935 were allowed to stay in their places when forest protection went into effect.[32]

In January 1999, a bill in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives sought to increase the size of the protected area by unifying the Toro Negro, Guilarte, and Pueblo de Adjuntas State Forests.[33] In a March 2008 study by its International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture classified Toro Negro State Forest as a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico forest of "Status 2", s status it defines as "an area having permanent protection from conversion of natural land cover and a mandated management plan in operation to maintain a primarily natural state, but which may receive use or management practices that degrade the quality of existing natural communities."[34] As of 2013, there were ongoing governmental initiatives in place to acquire, from private owners, additional lands adjacent to the Toro Negro State Forest to increase the protected area of the forest as well as to create a wildlife forest corridor that would join Toro Negro with the nearby Tres Picachos and Guilarte state forests through plans such as the federal Forest Legacy Areas initiative.[35]

Location

Toro Negro is located in the central mountainous region of Puerto Rico and it has a total area of 8,203.6977 cuerdas,[36] or 7,967.6109 acres.[37] It is located in remote areas of the Cordillera Central mountain range. The forest office is at km. 32.4 of Route PR-143, east of the intersection with Route PR-149.[3] The forest distribution encompasses a range from 18°07'30” N and 18°15'00” N to 66°30'00” W and 66°37'30” W.[38] The forest ranger's office and visitor's area are located on Puerto Rico Highway 143 Km 32.4 in Barrio Ala de la Piedra, Orocovis at 18.17342°N, 66.49231°W (18°10′24.312″N 66°29′32.316″W / 18.17342000°N 66.49231000°W / 18.17342000; -66.49231000).[39] The largest sections of the forest are located in the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya, both of which are municipalities in the Puerto Rico Tourism Company's Porta Caribe tourism zone.[40][41] Cerro de Punta 1,338 meters (4,390 ft), the highest peak in Puerto Rico, is located in the western section of the forest and the lowest elevation is found at the south edge of the forest near Salto de Inabón (Inabón Falls), an altitude of approximately 440 meters (1,440 ft).[21]

Forest types

Tree ferns like this Cyathea are abundant at Toro Negro
Bosque Estatal Toro Negro life zone-to-elevation relationships

Four vegetation associations have been delineated in two bioclimatic life zones.[21] The two climatic biome zones are: the subtropical moist forest life zone (31% of the forest) and the lower mountain wet forest life zone (the remaining 69% of the forest). The topography is accentuated by a large number of steep slopes and high waterfalls.[2] Toro Negro subforests are catalogued on the basis of their elevation and content. From Cerro Maravilla, one of the tallest peaks in the forest, four of Puerto Rico's distinct forest types can be seen: Bosque Tabonuco, Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia, Bosque Sierra de Palmas, and Bosque enano.

Bosque Tabonuco forest

At the lower elevations of the forest (below 2,000 feet above sea level) stands the Bosque Tabonuco forest which is dominated by the majestic Tabonuco tree (Dacryodes excelsa) that can reach up to 100 feet (30 m) and grows primarily in protected sites at low elevations. The Tabonuco forest has many of the characteristics for which tropical rain forests are noted. The forest canopy has three levels: an upper level that may be as much as 35% Tabonuco, a lower canopy, and an under story. The second most prominent tree in this forest type, the Montillo (Sloanea berteroana), has large buttress roots, typical of many rain forest trees. Such roots help support the heavy canopy of large trees growing in very wet soil. The forest floor is only scarcely vegetated, but the forest canopy is rich with aerial plants: bromeliads, orchids, vines, and arboreal ferns.[17] The tabonuco type dominates in the subtropical wet life zone.[21]

Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest

Above 2,000 feet (600m) is the Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest. Tree height in the Micropholis Buchenavia forest is less than 50 feet (15m), and the layers of the forest canopy are less distinct than in the Tabonuco type.[17] Micropholis and Buchenavia (Granadillo) are the dominant species in this lower montane zonal vegetation association.[21]

Sierra de Palmas forest

At about the same elevation as the Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest (above 2,000 feet), but on very steep slopes, are the Sierra de Palmas forests dominated by the sierra palm (Prestoea montana). Sometimes called palm-breaker, this forest type may reach 50 feet (15 m) in height.[17] The Sierra de Palmas covers the largest area of all forest types in Toro Negro. The palm forest is distinguishable at a great distance by the form and size of leaves and by the general pale green color of the foliage. Below 650 meters (2,130 ft) elevation the palms appear as scattered elements; however at higher elevations the sierra palm becomes a dominant species over a large area.[21] The trunk of the sierra palm is straight, erect, cylindrical and attains heights of 10–15 m. The pinnate leaves are mostly 2.0-2.5 meters long and cast a dense shade on the ground. The palm forest, nearly always a single species dominant is normally open and free from undergrowth of any kind. The globose fruits are somewhat more than one centimeter in diameter and produced in great abundance.[21]

Bosque Enano forest

At the highest elevations, near the top of Cerro de Punta, Cerro Maravilla and similar peaks, grows the Bosque enano forest, also known as dwarf forest, cloud forest, elfin forest and moss forest. This forest type is composed of very dense stands of small, stunted trees and shrubs. The cloud forest has many of the same tree species as the Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia forest, but growth is limited by adverse climate—heavy rain, strong winds, and almost constant cloud cover.[17]

The dwarf or cloud forest developed in the higher peaks of the Central Cordillera is quite different in general appearance from the cloud forest of Sierra Luquillo Mountains due to the less rigorous environment in Toro Negro. The physical effect of the wind is much reduced; the shrubs are neither bent nor shorn to an even surface, but are essentially erect and their crowns are rounded and uneven in outline. The mosses are reduced to a thin mantle on the more sheltered trunks and are absent in many places, while the great mats of Selaginella are completely lacking.[21]

In the Toro Negro forest, only the most inaccessible mountain tops have never been cleared. Most of the lower areas are subject to the familiar routine of logging, clearing, burning, and grazing or semi-permanent cultivation. Most of the forest lands in Toro Negro rise above the upper limit of successful coffee cultivation.[21]

Geology

Toro Negro State Forest has both deep soils and surface soils. Deep soils are derived from volcanic igneous rock, fine-grained. These contain high amounts of permeable clay, low amounts of sand, silt, and high amounts of iron and aluminum, but little silica. The surface soils are acidic and brittle while the subsoil is acidic and heavy, but permeable. Its hills are mostly steep. Usually the top soil is lost by erosion.[2][42]

There are nine rivers that flow south (Río Indalecia, Río Guayo, Río Inabón, Río Blanco, Río Anón and Río Prieto), and three that flow north (Río Saliente, Río Toro Negro, and Río Matrullas) from the forest. The Matrullas and Guineo reservoirs are also part of the forest. Río Toro Negro - after which the forest is named - separates the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis; it also forms Lago El Guineo. The forest's other lake, Lago Matrullas, is accessible via Puerto Rico Highway 564, which can be accessed via PR-143, in the municipality of Orocovis.[43]

Flora

Fauna and Flora at Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro
Puerto Rico State Forests
Named for: Toro Negro River
Country Puerto Rico
County Ponce / Jayuya / Orocovis / Ciales / Juana Diaz
City Ponce
Location Ponce , plus smaller sections in Jayuya, Orocovis, Ciales, and Juana Diaz

 - elevation 4,390 ft (1,338 m) Highest peak in Puerto Rico
Highest point Cerro de Punta
 - location Ponce / Jayuya Highest Peak in Puerto Rico

Lowest point Salto de Inabón (Inabón Falls)
 - location Ponce Lowest elevation at Toro Negro State Forest

Area 6,945 acres (2,811 ha)
Biome Tropical cloud forest
Geology Igneous rock
Plant Plant families:
-Melastomaceae
-Lauraceae
-Myrtaceae

Palms and ferns:
-Palmas de sierra (Prestoea montana)
-Helechos arbóreos (Cyathea Sp.)
Endangered:
-Thelypteris inabonensis
Trees - native:
-Tabonuco (Dacryodes excelsa)
-Ausubo (Manilkara bidentata)
-Jagüilla (Magnolia portoricensis)
-Nuez moscada (Ocotea moschata)
-Granadillo (Buchenavia capitata)
-Maga (Montezuma speciosissima)
-Higüerillo (Vitex divaricata)
-Almedrón (Prunus occidentalis)
-Jácana (Pouteria multiflora)
Trees - introduced:
-Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus)
-Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
-Honduran pine [pichipén[44]] (Pinus caribaea)
-Eucalipto (Eucalyptus robusta)
-Kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis)
Endangered:
-Ilex cookii

Animal Birds:
Endangered:
-Falcón de sierra (Accipiter striatus venator)
-Guaragüao de bosque (Buteo platypterus brunnescens)
Critically endangered:
-Cotorra puertorriqueña (Amazona vittata)

Bats:
Greater bulldog bat (Noctilio leporinus)
Antillean ghost-faced bat (Mormoops blainvillei)
Sooty mustached bat (Pteronotus quadridens)
Reptiles:
Lagarto verde[note 2] (Anolis cuvieri)
Lagartijo pigmeo (Anolis occultus)
Endangered:
-Boa de Puerto Rico (Epicrates inornatus)
Amphibians:
Sapo común (Bufo marinus)
Siguana (Ameiva exsul)
Culebra ciega (Amphisbaena caeca)
Coquí común (Eleutherodactylus coqui)
Coquí de la montaña (Eleutherodactylus portoricensis)[45]
Mammals:
Mangosta pequeña asiática (Herpestes javanicus)
Snakes:
Protected:
-Boa de Puerto Rico (Epicrates inornatus)
-Culebra Corredora (Alsophis portoricensis)
Fish:
Dajao (Agonostomus monticola)
Olivo (aka, Ceti) (Sicydium plumieri)
Crustaceans:
Camarón bocu (Macrobrachium crenulatum)
Gata (Atya lanipes)
Buruquena (Epilobocera sinuatifrons).

Established 1934[3]
Management Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
Visitation 126,916[4] (67% island residents and 33% international visitors)[4]
IUCN category IV - Habitat/Species government Area
Website: Toro Negro State Forest

Toro Negro has four vegetation associations catalogued into two subtropical moist life zones: The first is a Subtropical Moist Zone (Zona Muy Húmeda Subtropical) and consists of the Tabonuco forest (Bosque de Tabonuco). The second is the Lower Mountain Wet Zone (Zona Muy Húmeda Montaña Abajo). This zone consists of three sub forests: the Micropholis Buchenavia forest (Bosque Micropholis Buchenavia), the Mountain Palm forest (Bosque de Palma de Sierra), and the Dwarf forest (Bosque Enano).[2]

E. L. Little and F. H. Wadsworth reported a total of 160 tree species distributed amongst 53 families.[46] The largest families are: Melastomaceae (16 species), Lauraceae (11 species) and Myrtaceae (10 species).[47]

Ferns and orchids are abundant. Forty of the species found in this forest are endemic to Puerto Rico and thirteen are introduced species.[2] The fern Thelypteris inabonensis, endemic to this forest and found only at the headwaters of Rio Inabon and at the Toro Negro's Cerro Rosa in Ciales, has been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an endangered species.[48]

Some of the more common trees are: tabonuco (Dacryodes excelsa), ausubo (Manilkara bidentata), jagüilla (Magnolia portoricensis), nuez moscada (Ocotea moschata), granadillo (Buchenavia capitata), maga (Montezuma speciosissima), higüerillo (Vitex divaricata), almedrón (Prunus occidentalis) and jácana (Pouteria multiflora).[2] In addition Palmas de sierra (Prestoea montana) and helechos arbóreos (Cyathea Sp.) are very abundant. Some of the species that were introduced to this forest are mahoe (Hibiscus elatus Sw.), caoba hondureña (Swietenia macrophylla), pino hondureño (Pinus caribaea), eucalipto (Eucalyptus robusta) and kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis).[2]

Ilex cookii, commonly known as Cook's Holly or te, is a small evergreen holly shrub[49] known to exist only in the Toro Negro State Forest and only in extremely limited amounts.[50] It is listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN and protected by law.[49]

Between 1935 and 1943,[51] 28 species of trees were planted in Toro Negro. Their plantings (either via seeding or via planting of saplings) consisted of both native and exotic species.[52] Nineteen native species were planted as follows (the quantity planted/seeded is shown after the species; and X means experimental planting only):

The nine exotic species were:

Fauna

Puerto Rican broad-winged hawks (Buteo platypterus brunnescens) like this one are part of Toro Negro's fauna

There are 30 species of birds reported, including 6 endemic species and two that are endangered: the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk (Vernacular Spanish: Falcón de sierra; Taxonomy: Accipiter striatus venator) and Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk (Vernacular Spanish: Guaragüao de bosque; Taxonomy: Buteo platypterus brunnescens).[2] The Puerto Rican parrot (Vernacular Spanish: Cotorra puertorriqueña; Taxonomy: Amazona vittata), a critically endangered species, has also been seen in this forest.[53]

Recent studies have identified eight species of bats. They are most visible at dusk as this is when these nocturnal critters are out foraging for food, primarily mosquitoes. The 13 species of bats living in the forest play an important ecological role in controlling mosquitoes, which not only carry diseases but also harass hikers. The three most prevalent bat species are the greater bulldog bat, Antillean ghost-faced bat and the sooty mustached bat.[54]

There are 20 species of reptiles and amphibians and, with the exception of Bufo marinus (Spanish: Sapo común), all are endemic. Reptiles include the Lagarto verde[note 3] (Anolis cuvieri), lagartijo pigmeo (Anolis occultus), and boa de Puerto Rico (Epicrates inornatus), which is in danger of extinction; amphibians include the siguana (Ameiva exsul) and the culebra ciega (Amphisbaena caeca). Amphibians include coquí común (Eleutherodactylus coqui) and the coquí de la montaña (Eleutherodactylus portoricensis), a species denominated as vulnerable under Puerto Rico Law 6766.[55] The Small Asian mongoose (Vernacular Spanish: Mangosta pequeña asiática; Taxonomy: Herpestes javanicus), has also been spotted inhabiting this forest.[54]

Toro Negro State Forest is home to 11 species of snakes, all non-venomous to humans. The Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus) grows 6 to 7 feet in length and weighs about 2 pounds. It is a heavy-bodied snake with tan to dark brown body color and dark blotches down its back. It will defend itself with a bite, but kills its prey by suffocation. It is a protected species due to over-harvesting to collect oil and skins. It is nocturnal and prefers to remain under cover during the day and hunt at night. The Puerto Rican racer (Culebra Corredora;[56] Alsophis portoricensis[57]) grows to 3 feet. It slinks around in the trees of the Toro Negro Forest. His body sports a solid brown color with each of his scales edged by a darker brown. Like the forest's other various garden snakes, it is a daytime hunter. The forest also features blind snakes. They spend nearly their entire lives underground but do sometimes take cover under rotting trees. They do not bite as they do not have teeth.[54]

The Olivo fish (Sicydium plumieri), common in waters of the forest

Its rivers and lakes are home to several species of fish and crustaceans. Fish found here include Dajao (Vernacular English: Mountain Mullet; Taxonomy: Agonostomus monticola) and Olivo (Sicydium plumieri), also known as Ceti. Some crustaceans are the camarón bocu (Macrobrachium crenulatum), gata (Atya lanipes), and buruquena (Epilobocera sinuatifrons), all endemic to Puerto Rico.[2]

Facilities

With the exception of the Salto de Doña Juana waterfall, all of the forest facilities, including all trails, are located within the municipality of Orocovis[58] and they are collectively known as the Doña Juana Recreational Area.[59] Guided tours are available or visitors explore on their own. Ziplining is also a common activity in the Toro Negro forest.[60] The forest office, staffed by personnel from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, provides maps of the forest and its trails and services, weather conditions information, and mud slides danger levels.[10] Among the facilities available at Toro Negro are a camping area, a recreational area, a system of hiking trails and observation points.[61]

Trails

Officially there are 10 hiking trails covering 18 kilometers. They are provided for hiking as well as to facilitate bird and landscape watching, meditation, and similar activities. While the official number of trails is stated as 10, some of the trails are actually dirt roads for park ranger vehicles. Also, some of the "trails" require the hiker to walk a segment on a paved Commonwealth road or county road. Trails are generally quite wide, but being a forest in mountains with high humidity and rain precipitation, many of the trails are muddy in at least some areas.[62] Hikers are often seen with walking sticks, which help maintain balance when walking on slippery surfaces, particularly the algae-covered ground rocks present on some of the trails.[63] Some of the trails lead to or run near charcos. Charcos are natural swimming pools (swimming holes).[62] The Toro Negro State Forest office is the starting point for several of the trails. However, most of the trails are not well marked, nor are they well kept, so they can be hard to locate and to follow in the dense forest.[10] The 10 official trails are:

No. Trail Name Features Approx
length[62][64][65] 		Notes Northern Terminus Southern Terminus
1Camino El BoloLongest trail; essentially a loop trail over Cerro El Bolo; Connects to PR-5613.0 miles (4.8 km)Connects to trails # 3 and #6 PR-143, Northeast of the Visitors Center Visitors Center, PR-143, Km 32.4
2Camino OrtolazaClosed---Closed Closed Closed
3Camino to Observation TowerTower altitude: 3,537 ft above sea level. Hike to the top of Cerro Doña Juana0.60 miles (0.97 km)One way trail; Very slippery slopes Observation Tower Trail #1
4Camino Vega GrandeClosed---ClosedClosed Closed
5Camino Las CuarentaSecond longest trail (2.95 mi), if hikes on State Roads PR-564 and PR-143 are included0.90 miles (1.45 km)Poorly maintained PR-564, Water Pumping Station Trail #8
6Camino to PoolPool and Picnic areas0.80 miles (1.29 km)Well maintained; Pool open during summer months only PR-143 Trail #1
7Camino to Area de AcamparCamping Area0.10 miles (0.16 km)Paved road to the camping/picnic area Camping Area Visitor's Center, PR-143, Km 32.4
8Camino to Charco La ConfesoraLa Confesora Pond0.54 miles (0.87 km)Small Waterfall and Pool of deep pristine blue water Charco La Confesora Trail #7, Camping Area
9Camino Doña PetraConnects to State Road PR-5640.40 miles (0.64 km)Muddy Trail PR-564 Bridge at Camping Area
10Camino El TabonucoClosed---Closed Closed Closed
11T9-to-T5 ConnectorClosed---Closed Closed Closed

Trail #1 ("El Bolo")

Named Camino El Bolo, it is the forest's longest trail, about 2 miles long, and essentially a loop around Cerro El Bolo. This trail has its course along Cerro El Bolo (El Bolo Mountain), Puerto Rico's tenth tallest peak at 3,527 feet (1,075 m) above sea level.[66] It is a low challenge trail. It is essentially a loop that starts at the visitor's parking area on PR-143 and terminates on PR-143 about 1/4 mile north of the visitor's parking area, from where hikers simply walk the road back to the parking area. Starting off at the visitor's parking area, hikers cross PR-143 to head south on the trail. This section of the forest has lots of banana trees and flowers along its way and starts off with a steep uphill climb. Approximately 0.4 mile into the trail, the trail starts to head East and flattens out as it becomes a rocky at first and then grassy further on. Another 0.4 mile heading East the trail connects to Trail #6 which leads to the swimming pool. Continuing East another 0.2 miles, the trail becomes uphill again as it connects to the northernmost point of a paved road, Puerto Rico Highway 561, on the right hand side. From this point on the trail starts to head North on a downhill grade but in less than 0.1 mile it connects to Trail #3 which leads to the Observation Tower, where there is a sign that reads La Torre ("The Tower"). The trail continuous downhill North-Northwest about 0.8 mile until it reaches paved road PR-143, in the vicinity of km 32.6. From this point hikers make a left to walk southwest bound on PR-143 (that is, "West" on PR-143) until reaching the Visitor's area at km 32.4.[67]

Trail #3 (Observation Tower)

This trail leads to the Observation Tower. This trail if for advanced hikers. Trail #3 does not start at the visitor's parking area, so hikers must first hike on other trails to get to Trail #3. Starting from the visitor's parking area, there are three ways to get to Trail #3. Path Option 1: This is the shortest route. Hikers get on PR-143, walking northeast bound (that is, making a left from the parking area to head "East" on PR-143) about 0.25 miles, make a right into the forest at the sign ("Verada #6 - Piscina") to get on Trail #6, hike the 0.8 mile of Trail #6 to its end, make a left into Trail #1 and hike about 0.3 mile to the beginning of Trail #3. Path Option 2: This is the second shortest route. Hikers take Trail #1 as described above under section "Trail #1" until they reach Trail #3 where there is a sign that reads "Observation Tower". Path Option 3: This is the longest route. Hikers head northeast bound (that is, "East" on PR-143) passed the sign stating "Trail #6 - La Piscina (this will be about 0.25 mile hike), and continue northeast bound for approximately another 0.25 mile until the sign stating "Trail #1 - Camino Bolo where hikers make a right into the forest and continue this trail about 0.9 mile until coming to Trail #3.[67]

Once on Trail #3, hikers climb this trail about 0.6 miles to its top where the observation tower is located.[67] The trail to the observation tower lookout hill is not for the faint of heart. It is very steep and very slippery. It is a one-way trail (in the sense that the same trail is used in the return trip) and the trail feels even more slippery in the downhill return hike. This trail is made of rocks but, because of the high humidity and low traffic, algae have overtaken the rocks to make the trail very slippery. Walking around the rocks does not always help as the area is muddy - though albeit less slippery. The view and fresh air and breeze make the trek quite rewarding. The views are unobstructed and panoramic 360° views are possible. The tower is 3,537 feet above sea level. Altogether the distance from the visitor's parking area to the tower is 2.14 miles.[67]

Trail #5 ("Las Cuarenta")

Trail #5 is about 0.9 mile long and is a medium challenge trail. There is a significant amount of mud on this trail, but less so in the dry season months of December through March and June through July. To reach this trail from the visitor's parking area hikers must first head northbound to trek the entire length of Trail #7 (the Camping Area trail, 0.1 mile long), cross the bridge over the Doña Juana Creek and then hop on Trail #8. From this point on Trail #8, hikers head West for about 0.2 mile where Trail #5 begins; its entrance is located on the right hand side. The trail heads North and leads to Puerto Rico Highway 564. The first segment of the trail runs downhill for 0.9 mile. The trail runs a thick tropical jungle of banana trees, sierra palms, tree ferns, flamboyant trees, and elephant ears. The trail is muddy, steep, and scantily-marked. Visibility is minimal through the dense foliage.[68] There are several creeks near this trail and birds are abundant: black-throated blue warblers, northern parulas, green mangos, Cape May warblers, belted kingfishers, among others. After the 0.9 mile trek, the trail reaches PR-564. There is water pumping station on the left. From this point the "trail" turns right, as PR-564 is intended to be part of the trail. Hikers walk South on PR-564 for 0.6 mile where the northern terminus of Trail #9 (the Doña Petra trail) is located to the right. Continuing southbound on PR-564 for another 0.1 mile, the road trail meets PR-143, where hikers turn right to continue South on Trail #5. From this point hikers walk another 0.25 mile to arrive at the visitor's parking area on the right side of the road. Considering the hikes on Trails #7 and #8 plus the hikes on roads PR-564 and PR-143, Trail #5 is 2.95 miles long, making it the second longest hike of all of Toro Negro's trails.[67]

Trail #6 (The Pool)

This trail is about 0.5 miles long and a low challenge trail. The trail is well maintained, but the natural pool that it leads to is open during summer months only. Starting from the visitor's parking area, hikers get on PR-143 walking northeast bound (that is, making a left from the parking area to head "East" on PR-143) about 0.25 miles, then make a right into the forest at the sign ("Verada #6 - Piscina") to get on Trail #6. This trail runs along a river for about 1/4 mile before it comes to the sign "Piscina" pointing left. Continuing south on the trail, there are two eye-catching waterfalls visible from the trail. Continuing southbound and uphill, the trail goes through two flat and open areas with picnic tables. After this, the trail continues uphill and southbound for about 0.6 miles where it comes to its end, reaching Trail #1. Once at Trail #1, hikers either make a left or a right to get onto Trail #1 (trail #1 is a loop trail) or, of course, may turn around to return to the parking area via Trail #6. The entire length of Trail #6 is 0.8 miles.[67]

Trail #7 (Camping Area)

This trail is actually a paved forest road leading to the Los Viveros camping area, Toro Negro State Forest's only campground. It is located north of the parking area. The "trail" is only 0.1 mile long, wide and flat, thus a low challenge trail. The trail is also the connecting trail to Trail #8, which leads to Charco La Confesora (see below). Another use of this trail is that it leads to one of the forest's three official picnic areas. Its picnic area is the one closes to the visitor's parking area. The Doña Juana Creek runs next to the picnic area.[67]

Trail #8 ("Charco La Confesora")

This trail is 0.54 mile long, it is a medium challenge trail, and leads to El Charco ("The Pond"), a natural swimming hole. It is located north of the parking area, and starts at the end of Trail #7. After hiking north from the parking area on Trail #7 (Trail #7 is a 0.1 mile long paved road), and hiking by the camping area, Trail #7 comes to an end at the Doña Juana Creek. There is a sign pointing West (Charco Confesora) near the picnic area next to the camping area that serves as a landmark. At this point hikers walk over a little bridge to cross the creek, where Trail #8 begins. The trail heads northwest along the creek (the creek is located to the left of the trail) and the trail is abundant with wild flowers. It is a downhill trail and a bit muddy. A section of the trail consists of concrete steps. At the end of the trail is Charco La Confesora, a natural "pool", with a waterfall as a backdrop. swimming is allowed at this charco. The return path is the same as the path to the charco as the trail terminates at the charco.[67]

Trail #9 ("Doña Petra")

This trail is 0.4 mile long, it is a medium challenge trail. Like Trail #5, it is located north of the parking area, and starts where Trail #7 end. Also, like trail #5, there is a significant amount of mud on this trail, though less so during the dry season months of December through March and June through July. To reach this trail from the visitor's parking area hikers must first head northbound to trek the entire length of Trail #7 (the Camping Area trail, 0.1 mile long) and cross the bridge over the Doña Juana Creek. Trail #9 begins at this bridge. Heading to the left from the bridge is the path for Trail #8, but heading straight up (northbound) gets hikers onto Trail #9, the Doña Petra Trail. (Like trail #5, the "Las Cuarenta" trail, Trail #9 will also bring the hiker to State Route PR-564, but being a shorter trail, it does not encounter PR-564 as far north as Trail #5 does.) The first segment of the trail runs downhill for 0.2 mile, where according to ranger office maps, there used to be a trail to the left (i.e., westbound) leading to Trail #5. However, vegetation apparently overran such connecting trail because it is no longer visible. The trail then continues another 0.2 mile where it reaches PR-564. From this point the "trail" turns right, as PR-564 is intended to be part of the trail. Hikers walk South on PR-564 for 0.1 mile where the "road trail" meets PR-143. At State Route PR-143 hikers turn right to continue South on Trail #9. From this point hikers walk another 0.25 mile to arrive at the visitor's parking area on the right side of the road. Considering the hikes on Trail #7 and roads PR-564 and PR-143, Trail #9 is 0.75 mile long.[67]

Trails #2, #4, and #10

Trails #2, #4 and #10 are no longer active trails. Trail #2 was called Camino Ortolaza and was 0.5 mile long. It was a "one-way" trail (i.e., same entrance and exit) and ran from PR-143 to the Doña Juana Creek. It started on PR-143 some 0.25 mile west of the entrance to the Area Recreativa/Visitor's parking area and headed North ending at the Doña Juana Creek, about 0.2 mile west of Charco La Confesora. Trail #4 was called Camino Vega Grande and was 0.4 mile long. It was another "one-way" trail and began on PR-143 about 0.1 mile east of the current Trail #1 eastern terminus. Trail #10 was called Camino El Tabonuco and was about 0.2 mile long. It was also a "one-way" trail. It originated at km 32.3 on PR-143 and headed north into the forest.[64][67]

Trail #11 (T9-to-T5 Connector)

An unnamed trail, but referenced and marked in the DRNA maps, is a trail that could be termed Trail #11 for referential purposes. It was located midway on Trail #9 (that is, about 0.2 mile west of PR-546) and headed north to Trail #5. It met Trail #9 at a point about 0.2 mile west of PR-546. This trail was about 0.3 mile long. It served the double purpose of acting as a nature trail while at the same time it connected Trails 5 and 9, thus making for a shortcut from Trail #5 back to the car parking area via Trail #9. DRNA considers this unnamed trail a part of (an offshoot of) Trail #5.[64]

Campgrounds

Highest peaks at Toro Negro
Cerro de Punta
Highest point
Elevation 1,338 m (4,390 ft)
Prominence Tallest peak in Puerto Rico
Geography
Location Ponce & Jayuya
Parent range Cordillera Central
Topo map USGS
Geology
Age of rock 2.3 billion years old[69]
Mountain type Igneous rock[12][70]
Climbing
Easiest route PR-143, km 17.0

MONTE JAYUYA

2nd highest at Toro Negro
Highest point
Elevation 1,296 m (4,252 ft)
Prominence 2nd highest peak in Puerto Rico
Geography
Location Ponce & Jayuya
Parent range Cordillera Central
Climbing
Easiest route PR-143, km 18.2

CERRO ROSA

3rd highest at Toro Negro
Highest point
Elevation 1,263 m (4,144 ft)
Prominence 3rd highest peak in Puerto Rico
Geography
Location Ciales & Jayuya
Parent range Cordillera Central
Climbing
Easiest route End of PR-539 South, then Hike

CERRO MARAVILLA

4th highest at Toro Negro
Highest point
Elevation 1,205 m (3,953 ft)
Prominence 5th highest peak in Puerto Rico
Site of Cerro Maravilla murders
Geography
Location Ponce, Puerto Rico
Parent range Cordillera Central
Climbing
Easiest route PR-577, km 0.5

CERRO EL BOLO

5th highest at Toro Negro
Highest point
Elevation 1,075 m (3,527 ft)
Prominence 10th highest peak in Puerto Rico
Geography
Location Villalba, Puerto Rico
Parent range Cordillera Central
Climbing
Easiest route PR-143, km 32.4

CERRO DOÑA JUANA

Highest point
Elevation 1,058 m (3,471 ft)
Prominence 12th highest peak in Puerto Rico
Geography
Location Orocovis, Puerto Rico
Parent range Cordillera Central
Climbing
Easiest route PR-143, km 32.4

The campgrounds (camping area) at Toro Negro is called Los Viveros.[58] It is located on PR-143, Km 32.5.[71] Its coordinates are at 18.17502°N, 66.49202°W (18°10′30.0714″N 66°29′31.2714″W / 18.175019833°N 66.492019833°W / 18.175019833; -66.492019833). Camping is available for a maximum of 35 people.[58] Camping facilities include restrooms and showers.[62] A permit is required for camping and they are purchased in advance, as there are no permit sales on premises.[62] In the proximity of the campgrounds there is also a picnic area. It has six picnic shelters with covered BBQ, on-site water, and a spot for a campfire.[62]

Lakes and water sports

Lake El Guineo and Lake Matrullas are both man-made reservoirs. Fishing, boating and kayaking is allowed at the El Guineo and Matrullas reservoirs.[2] Lake El Guineo is located at 18.1579°N 66.5284°W (18°9′28.44″N 66°31′42.24″W / 18.1579000°N 66.5284000°W / 18.1579000; -66.5284000), at an altitude of 3,002 feet above sea level.[72] It is located between the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis, west of the Doña Juana Recreation Area, on PR-143 at km 25.4.[72] The lowest temperatures recorded on the Puerto Rico—some 40 °F (4 °C) -- were measured at Lake Guineo.[73] Lake Matrullas is located at 18.2064°N 66.4798°W (18°12′23.0394″N 66°28′47.2794″W / 18.206399833°N 66.479799833°W / 18.206399833; -66.479799833), at an altitude of 2,464 feet above sea level. It too is between the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis. It is located northeast of the Doña Juana Recreation Area, on PR-564 at km 6.1.[74] The Puerto Rico DRNA allows the use of kayaks in Lake Matrullas. The ambiance is cool and misty. Both lakes are all well stocked with Peacock and Largemouth bass.[75] Creeks are abundant in the area, and in addition to the Quebrada Doña Juana, the forest also has a number of other creeks, such as Quebrada Rosa.[76]

Observation tower

The observation tower, accessible only on foot via Trail #3, rises at 3,537 feet above sea level, making it the highest manmade point on the island.[62] The observation tower sits atop Cerro Doña Juana, Puerto Rico's 11th highest peak at 3,474 feet (1,059 m) above sea level.[66] The tower's coordinates are 18.17178°N, 66.48091°W (18°10′18.4074″N 66°28′51.2754″W / 18.171779833°N 66.480909833°W / 18.171779833; -66.480909833).[77] The tower is used for observation of the landscape surrounding Toro Negro and, on clear mornings before the afternoon clouds roll in, both the northern and southern shores of Puerto Rico are visible. San Juan is also visible as a distant haze in the northeastern horizon.[78] The observation tower affords views Lake El Guineo and Lake Guayabal as well as the Caribbean Sea.[79] It was built by the Spaniards during colonial times as a lookout tower to protect the south coast of the Island.[80]

Charcos

Charcos are natural ponds, or swimming holes, formed by the mountain rivers as they fall as waterfalls onto the ground below. They are popular way of refreshing from the summer heat in the Toro Negro State Forest. The forest's "official" pool is accessed via Trail number 6, the La Piscina ("The Pool") trail. To reach trail 6, hikers start out from the forest office/parking area and hike north on route PR-143 about 1/4 mile. Trail 6 is located on the right hand side of the road. This pool is a river-fed pool. It was deteriorated, in disrepair and closed to public use sometime prior to 2010 and, in February 2013, there were unconfirmed reports that it had been repaired and reopen. In 2008, it was reported that an agreement between DNRA and the local community had been signed whereby the community would help repair the pool.[81] In any case, this pool opens only during the summer months. The pool's water temperature is very chilled, but refreshing given the high humidity of the area, particularly in the afternoons.[62] La Piscina is located at 18.1713°N 66.4876°W (18°10′16.52″N 66°29′15.53″W / 18.1712556°N 66.4876472°W / 18.1712556; -66.4876472).

A second river-fed swimming pool charco is located at Charco La Confesora. It is about 15 x 25 feet large and deep enough to dive feet first.[58] This charco is accessed via Trail number 8, located at the end of Trail 7, the trail to the camping area.[71] The pool at Charco La Confesora is located at 18.176901, -66.495861. (18°10′36.8436″N 66°29′45.0996″W / 18.176901000°N 66.495861000°W / 18.176901000; -66.495861000).

Cerro de Punta and other peaks

Cerro de Punta, Puerto Rico's tallest peak, located in the western segment of Toro Negro (photo taken from PR-149, near the mountain top)

The forest includes Puerto Rico's highest peak, Cerro de Punta, which is located at km. 17.0 on Puerto Rico Highway 143.[82] It is at 18.1722°N, 66.5917°W (18°10′19.8″N 66°35′30.03″W / 18.172167°N 66.5916750°W / 18.172167; -66.5916750). The mountain is the dividing landmark for the municipalities of Ponce and Jayuya. The mountain is accessible by car but the road is quite steep and many prefer to walk the road (it is about half hour's hike to the top) unless riding on an all-wheel drive vehicle. There is parking on PR-143 for those who prefer to walk to the hilltop. Another peak in the Toro Negro is Cerro Maravilla, infamous due to the murders of two independentistas youth at the hand of police in an ambush. This peak is also accessible by car from PR-143. The road leading to the top of Cerro Maravilla is PR-577 and is not as steep as that to Cerro de Punta (the Cerro de Punta road has no state signing.) This road is also much shorter, about 0.5 kilometer total length. Cerro Maravilla is located at 18.1532°N, 66.5543°W (18°9′11.6″N 66°33′15.56″W / 18.153222°N 66.5543222°W / 18.153222; -66.5543222). Communications towers for radio, television, cellular and similar systems are located atop each of these peaks and armed security personnel, including police, is on the premises. However, private individuals can access both of these peaks. Overall, the Forest contains Cerro Punta,[83] Cerro Rosa and Cerro Jayuya,[83] which are considered to be Puerto Rico's three highest peaks.[84] Cerro Maravilla, Cerro El Bolo, and Cerro Doña Juana are also located within the Toro Negro Forest.

Nearby attractions

Doña Juana Falls

Salto Doña Juana (Doña Juana Falls)

These falls (Spanish: Salto de Doña Juana) are about 200 feet tall. They are not located within the Toro Negro State Forest itself but they are near it, requiring visitors to drive 3.9 km westbound on route PR-143 from the Doña Juana Recreational Area to reach PR-149, then drive an additional 2.3 kilometers northbound on PR-149 (towards Ciales). The falls are on PR-149 at km 41.3.[10][71][85] They are the tallest waterfalls in Puerto Rico.[86] Their coordinates are 18.182836, -66.512257. (18°10′58.2096″N 66°30′44.1252″W / 18.182836000°N 66.512257000°W / 18.182836000; -66.512257000).

The falls are part of the Doña Juana Creek as it runs into Rio Toro Negro at the line that divides the municipalities of Ciales and Orocovis. The falls are very accessible, as they are viewable from the road as drivers cross the bridge of these falls. The falls fall next to the road on its eastern side and then run under the PR-149 bridge, to feed into Rio Toro Negro located a few yards on the western side of PR-149.

Villalba-Orocovis Lookout

This lookout position (known in Spanish as the Mirador Villalba-Orocovis or the Villalba-Orocovis Lookout) is located outside the Toro Negro State Forest but still on PR-143 (km 39.8[87]) and a short distance from the forest, and it is a popular stop over for visitors to the forest. It contains picnic areas, restroom facilities and various trails.[88] It is located at 18°10'37"N, 66°27'0"W,[89] that is, 7.4 kilometers east of Toro Negro State Forest's Doña Juana Recreational Area.[90]

Climate

The Toro Negro State Forest is located in the cool, moist mountains of the Cordillera Central. Mean annual temperature from 19.4 to 25 °C.[21] Temperatures are unmistakably cooler at higher elevations.[21] Average yearly temperature is 18.4 °C (65.12 °F).[2][91]

Average annual precipitation of five weather stations in and surrounding the forest ranges from 203 to 292 cm.[21] As much as 150 inches of annual rainfall has registered at Toro Negro.[92] The average annual rainfall is 110 inches. The months of September and May experience the most precipitation. A dry season runs from December through March. The months of June and July also tend to be dry.[2]

Climate data for Cerro de Punta, Toro Negro Forest 4,389 feet (1,330m)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 72
(22)		 75
(24)		 77
(25)		 79
(26)		 80
(27)		 83
(28)		 84
(29)		 85
(29)		 84
(29)		 82
(28)		 77
(25)		 75
(24)		 85
(29)
Average high °F (°C) 67.0
(19.4)		 68.5
(20.3)		 70.3
(21.3)		 71.4
(21.9)		 75.5
(24.2)		 80.3
(26.8)		 82.9
(28.3)		 83.9
(28.8)		 82.5
(28.1)		 77.8
(25.4)		 72.1
(22.3)		 69.7
(20.9)		 46.0
(7.8)
Average low °F (°C) 46.3
(7.9)		 45.1
(7.3)		 49.9
(9.9)		 55.2
(12.9)		 59.0
(15)		 61.4
(16.3)		 64.3
(17.9)		 64.9
(18.3)		 63.9
(17.7)		 59.5
(15.3)		 53.8
(12.1)		 50.0
(10)		 13.5
(−10.3)
Record low °F (°C) 28
(−2)		 34
(1)		 32
(0)		 40
(4)		 45
(7)		 50
(10)		 53
(12)		 58
(14)		 51
(11)		 44
(7)		 40
(4)		 37
(3)		 28
(−2)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 7.23
(183.6)		 4.24
(107.7)		 4.05
(102.9)		 9.50
(241.3)		 12.92
(328.2)		 10.14
(257.6)		 8.29
(210.6)		 10.77
(273.6)		 14.51
(368.6)		 11.58
(294.1)		 10.04
(255)		 7.52
(191)		 120
(3,048)
Source: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/ [93]

Gallery of flora and fauna

Flora

Fauna

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Puerto Rico DRNA erroneously calls this species 'Manilkara zapota', which is a different species (of the same Manilkara genus) cultivated for its 'níspero' fruit. The correct species for the Ausubo tree is Manilkara bidentata, a tree cultivated for its lumber. In addition note that the (erroneous) scientific name given by the DRNA (Manilkara zapota) is never known as Ausubo. Its common name would be Sapodilla.
  2. ↑ Puerto Rico DRNA erroneously calls this species Lagartijo gigante. Its correct common name is Spanish is Lagarto verde. (See citations to Anolis cuvieri)
  3. ↑ Puerto Rico DRNA erroneously calls this species Lagartijo gigante. Its correct common name is Spanish is Lagarto verde. (See citations to Anolis cuvieri)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. Gobierno de Puerto Rico. Departamento de Recursos Naturales. Bosques de Puerto Rico: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro. Publication P-030. July 2008. p 1.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Bosques de Puerto Rico: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro. Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. July 2008. [Publication/Issue: P-030] Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro: Introducción. DRNA - Puerto Rico Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Senado evalua convertir al Bosque Toro Negro en uno de los Centros Eco-turisticos de Puerto Rico. Roberto Mercado, Hijo. EnVivoPR.com. 25 February 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  5. ↑ Puerto Rico Statewide Assessment and Strategies for Forest Resources. Government of Puerto Rico. Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. (n.d.; ca., 2011) Page 32. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  6. ↑ Recovery Plan: Ilex Cookii/Cyathea dryopteroides. US FWS. Atlanta, Georgia. 1990. Page 6. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  7. 1 2 Puerto Rico Statewide Assessment and Strategies for Forest Resources. Government of Puerto Rico. Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. (n.d.; ca., 2011) Page 6. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  8. ↑ Puerto Rico Statewide Assessment and Strategies for Forest Resources. Government of Puerto Rico. Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. (n.d.; ca., 2011) Page 88. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  9. 1 2 EyeTour - an independent guide to Puerto Rico sponsored by the Government of Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Retrieved 27 April 2010.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Toro Negro State Forest. Virtual Puerto Rico. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  11. ↑ Region de la Montaña: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro: Proponen Convertir Toro Negro en Centro Ecoturistico. Nuestros Bosques - Puerto Rico: Campus Ecologico. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  12. 1 2 'BOSQUE ESTATAL DE TORO NEGRO.' PRFROGUI. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  13. ↑ Encyclopedia Puerto Rico. Municipalities: Jayuya.
  14. 1 2 Historia de Nuestro Barrios: Barrio Anon, Ponce. El Sur a la Vista. 18 October 2010. Rafael Torrech San Inocencio. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  15. 1 2 Where Dwarfs Reign: A Tropical Rain Forest in Puerto Rico. Kathryn Robinson. La Editorial. University of Puerto Rico. 1997. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  16. ↑ Puerto Rico’s Rich History and Natural Resources. North American Forest Commission. North American Forest Commission Conference. June 8–13, 2008. San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 Caribbean National Forest/Luquillo Experimental Forest. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  18. ↑ Welcome to Toro Negro Forestry Reserve. NewMedia Holdings, Inc. 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  19. 1 2 CEP Technical Report No. 36 1996: Status of Protected Area Systems in the Wider Caribbean Region: ANNEX II: PUERTO RICAN PROTECTED AREAS LIST. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  20. 1 2 Caribbean National Forest. Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP): Your Complete Online Resource to the Outside World. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Toro Negro Forest Reserve. Alexander Gershenson. DNRE, Oct. 1976. UPR-Mayagüez Department of Biology Herbarium. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  22. ↑ Frank Wadsworth: Tropical Research and Technology Transfer. Barry Walden Walsh. Forests and Forestry in America: An Encyclopedia. Society of American Foresters. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  23. ↑ Land in course of acquisition and land acquired under the Weeks Law, as amended by the Clarke-McNary Law, to June 30, 1936. Statistical Abstract of the United States. 1937. U.S. Department of Commerce. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Page 680. 1938. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  24. ↑ RG 95 U.S. Forest Service, Caribbean National Forest, 1929-1961. Guide to Puerto Rican Records in the National Archives, New York City. August 2013. Page 27. Retrieved 13 August 12013.
  25. ↑ Panorama Historico Forestal de Puerto Rico. Carlos Dominquez Cristobal. Editorial University of Puerto Rico. 2000. Page 558. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  26. ↑ Panorama Historico Forestal de Puerto Rico. Carlos Dominquez Cristobal. Editorial University of Puerto Rico. 2000. Page 553. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  27. ↑ Panorama Historico Forestal de Puerto Rico. Carlos Dominquez Cristobal. Editorial University of Puerto Rico. 2000. Page 557. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  28. ↑ Toro Negro Waterfall Climb. Acampa. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  29. ↑ Protected Natural Areas in Puerto Rico. (Large Map) William A. Gould, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, Waldemar Alcobas, and Caryl Alarcón. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry. PR Gap Analysis Project. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  30. ↑ Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro State Forest. Protected Planet. 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  31. ↑ Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro State Forest. Protected Planet. Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro Official Record. WDPA ID # 888846. 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  32. ↑ RG 95 U.S. Forest Service, Caribbean National Forest, 1929-1961. Guide to Puerto Rican Records in the National Archives, New York City. August 2013. Page 26. Retrieved 13 August 12013.
  33. ↑ House Bill 1277: Act for the Unification of the Maricao, Susúa, Guánica, Toro Negro, Guilarte, and Pueblo de Adjuntas State Forests. Puerto Rico House of Representatives. 9 January 9, 1999. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  34. ↑ Volume 1: Land Cover, Vertebrate Species Distributions, and Land Stewardship. William A. Gould, Caryl Alarcón, Brick Fevold, Michael E. Jiménez, Sebastián Martinuzzi, Gary Potts, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, and Eduardo Ventosa. The Puerto Rico Gap Analysis Project. (Publication Number: IITF-GTR-39) USDA. Forest Service. International Institute of Tropical Forestry. March 2008. Page 61. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  35. ↑ Puerto Rico Statewide Assessment and Strategies for Forest Resources. Page 78. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  36. ↑ 1 cuerda = 0.97122191 acre
  37. ↑ Ecoturismo: Visita el Bosque Toro Negro. El Nuevo Dia. Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. 21 February 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  38. ↑ Host Distribution and Hurricane Damage to an Orchid Population at Toro Negro Forest, Puerto Rico. Javier A. Rodriguez Nobles, James D. Ackerman, and Elvia J. Melendez. Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Caribbean Journal of Science. Vol. 26. No. 3-4. pp. 163-164. 1990. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  39. ↑ Hiking in Toro Negro Forest. Gwenn Makinowich. Puerto Rico Day Trips. 21 February 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  40. ↑ Puerto Rico Tourism - Municipalities in the Regions
  41. ↑ Now the South is known as Porta Caribe. Porta Caribe Official Website. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  42. ↑ 'Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro.' PRFROGUI. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  43. ↑ Topographic Map of Barrio Anon, Ponce, PR. US Geological Survey. Lat/Long: 18.2047°N 66.4798°W. Elevation at center: 2,464 feet. Quad: Orocovis. Drg Name: r18066b4. Drg Source Scale: 1:20,000. Projection: NAD83/WGS84. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  44. ↑ Pino hondureño: Pinus caribaea (Pinaceae). José A. Mari Mut. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. 2013. "Árboles y palmas del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez." Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  45. ↑ Species denominated as vulnerable under Puerto Rico Law 6766.
  46. ↑ Little, E.L. Jr., F.H. Wadsworth. Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 1964. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agricultural Handbook No. 249. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office.
  47. ↑ Toro Negro State Forest. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  48. ↑ Caribbean Endangered Species Map. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Page "Ponce (2-2)." Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  49. 1 2 Recovery Plan: Ilex Cookii/Cyathea dryopteroides. US FWS. Atlanta, Georgia. 1990. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  50. ↑ Ilex cookii World Conservation Monitoring Centre. 1998. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  51. ↑ La Reforestacion Gubernamental en Puerto Rico. Frank H. Wadsworth. Instituto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical. U.S. Forest Service. Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. {Acta Científica 22(1-3), 105-113, 2008.} Page 105. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  52. ↑ La Reforestacion Gubernamental en Puerto Rico. Frank H. Wadsworth. Instituto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical. U.S. Forest Service. Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. {Acta Científica 22(1-3), 105-113, 2008.} Page 112. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  53. ↑ Animals in the Toro Negro Forest. Amy M. Armstrong. Demand Media. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  54. 1 2 3 Animals in the Toro Negro Forest. Amy M. Armstrong. Demand Media. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  55. ↑ Bosques de Puerto Rico: Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro. Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. July 2008. [Publication/Issue: P-030] Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Retrieved 29 July 2013. Note: There is an error in the source document from "Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente" and it calls this species Electerodactylus portoricensis. The correct species name is Eleutherodactylus portoricensis.
  56. ↑ Volume 1: Land Cover, Vertebrate Species Distributions, and Land Stewardship. William A. Gould, Caryl Alarcón, Brick Fevold, Michael E. Jiménez, Sebastián Martinuzzi, Gary Potts, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, and Eduardo Ventosa. The Puerto Rico Gap Analysis Project. (Publication Number: IITF-GTR-39) USDA. Forest Service. International Institute of Tropical Forestry. March 2008. Page 140. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  57. ↑ Is the Puerto Rican racer, Alsophis portoricensis, really harmless? A case report series. García-Gubern C., Bello R., Rivera V., Rocafort A., Colon-Rolon L., Acosta-Tapia H. (Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital San Lucas, Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, Puerto Rico.) 2010. Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. (Wilderness Environ Med. 2010 Dec; 21(4):353-6. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2010.07.001. Epub 2010 Aug 5.) Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  58. 1 2 3 4 Bosque Toro Negro, Orocovis. Igeo Puerto Rico: Ecotourism and more. 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  59. ↑ Let's go to Puerto Rico. 3rd Edition. Page 299. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  60. ↑ Hiking and Ziplining at Toro Negro Rainforest in Puerto Rico. Gareth Leonard. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  61. ↑ Los Bosques de Puerto Rico. PR Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. Publication number P-010. November 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  62. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Hiking in Toro Negro Forest. Gwenn Makinowich. Puerto Rico Day Trips. 21 February 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  63. ↑ Coffin Island and Toro Negro Reserve: Day trips in Puerto Rico. Neala Schwartzberg. Off Beat Travel. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  64. 1 2 3 Toro Negro State Forest Trail Map. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  65. ↑ Note: Documented trail distances vary depending on the source. See, for example, Let's go to Puerto Rico. 3rd Edition. Page 301. (Retrieved 1 August 2013) which reports different distances yet.
  66. 1 2 USGS: Geographic Name Information System. US Department of the Interior. 13 February 1981. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  67. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Hiking in Toro Negro Forest. Gwenn Makinowich. Puerto Rico Day Trips. 21 February 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  68. ↑ In Puerto Rico: Jayuya and the Toro Negro State Forest. Sally Kneidel. 1 May 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  69. ↑ Per Bushveld Igneous Complex article.
  70. ↑ Murphy, Louis S. (1916, 20 October). Bulletin #354. "Forests of Porto Rico: Past, Present and Future, and their Physical and Economic Environments" [sic], p.5. U.S. Dept of Agriculture. Division of Publications. Department Bulletins #351-375. 1917. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  71. 1 2 3 Let's go to Puerto Rico. 3rd Edition. Page 300. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  72. 1 2 Topographic Map of Lago El Guineo. (subscription required) Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  73. ↑ Introduction to Toro Negro Forest Reserve. Frommer's. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  74. ↑ Topographic Map of Lago Matrullas. (subscription required) Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  75. ↑ Cordillera Central / Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  76. ↑ Puerto Rican Outdoor Adventures: Small Island. Big Adventure. Erica Walsh. The Travel Channel. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  77. ↑ ACME map 2.0. 50 feet scale. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  78. ↑ Let's go to Puerto Rico. 3rd Edition. Page 300. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  79. ↑ Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro. EyeTour. Government of Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  80. ↑ Hidden Attractions in Central Puerto Rico. Josue Rodriguez. Yahoo! Contributor Network. 29 December 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  81. ↑ Community Co-Management Agreement Signed for Orocovis Recreational Area. The Voice of the Taino People Online. 29 August 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  82. ↑ Cerro Maravillas. Stephen Keeling. The Rough Guide to Puerto Rico. Page 337. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  83. 1 2 Cook's holly (Ilex cookii): Cook's holly range. ARKives. 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  84. ↑ Los Bosque de Puerto Rico. PR Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Hojas de Nuestro Ambiente. Publication P-010. November 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  85. ↑ Adventures in Orocovis: Toro Negro Forest Reserve. Lorimar Santo Domingo. "Orocovis, Puerto Rico, Qué Pasa Puerto Rico Tourism Company." Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  86. ↑ Toro Negro Forest. Lynne Morgan Sullivan. Puerto Rico on Your Own. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  87. ↑ Mirador Villalba-Orocovis: Scenic Lookout in Villalba. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  88. ↑ Mirador Villalba-Orocovis. Puerto Rico Tourism Company. 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  89. ↑ Mirador Villalba-Orocovis (Villalba). Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  90. ↑ Mirador Villalba - Orocovis. Notas Breves. Info Puerto Rico. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  91. ↑ Temperature Monitoring Station: Toro Negro Forest. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  92. ↑ Mean Annual Rainfall Map for Puerto Rico. By: GLM Engineering. For: PR DNER. Page 10. Figure 1: "Mean Annual Rainfall: 1931-1960." June 2009. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  93. ↑ WRCC. "Western U.S. Climate Historical Summaries Weather". Western Regional Climate Center. Retrieved 2010-11-04.

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