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As is the case every year, campers will be flocking to various sites across the island over the Easter weekend. Some spots are traditionally very popular, while others are jealously guarded by regulars. However, regardless of the location, the areas where tents will be pitched are subject to various guidelines designed to prevent disruption or damage to the environment.
On land, it is obviously the beaches that campers will prefer. From Toiny to Saline, via Gouverneur, Grand and Petit-Cul-de-Sac, Anse Gascon, and others—sometimes on private property. The Territorial Environmental Agency (ATE) notes that the beaches of Colombiers, Anse Gascon, Petite Anse, Baie de Marigot, Grand Cul-de-Sac, and Petit Cul-de-Sac are located on the edge of the nature reserve.
At sea, the islets are also popular with campers. Fourchue, in particular. As access to Frégate and Bonhomme is more perilous, only the most daring venture there. Especially when the sea is rough. “In reality, campers are required to obtain permission from the owner,” notes Sébastien Gréaux, director of the Territorial Environmental Agency. Which isn’t always easy. “At Bonhomme, there are dozens of plots that are sometimes owned by real estate investment companies,” notes the ATE director. Furthermore, Fourchue, Bonhomme, and Frégate have restricted areas due to the presence of nesting seabirds. Access to Tortue, Coco, and Pain de Sucre is prohibited from February to September. Again, this is due to the presence of protected species.
ATE Inspections
Once settled in, campers should remember to follow a few “best practices” that may seem obvious but are always worth reiterating. These include bringing trash bags, not overloading waste disposal areas, and carrying pocket ashtrays for smokers. Additionally, when barbecuing, open fires on the ground are prohibited. It is preferable to use an elevated fire pit (such as a grill) to control the fire and prevent the destruction of nests or habitats for local wildlife. It is also recommended not to bring pets, whether dogs or cats.
To ensure that campers are safe and comply with the rules in effect, the ATE’s environmental police will conduct inspections throughout the weekend. This will be particularly the case in the evenings to verify that campers who are partying do not cause noise disturbances. Every area of the nature reserve will be inspected.
As for attendance, it will depend on the whims of the weather. But also, to a lesser extent, on the presence of Sargassum, which continues to wash ashore in early April.
