1903day.year
El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico becomes part of the United States National Forest System as the Luquillo Forest Reserve.
El Yunque in Puerto Rico is designated as the Luquillo Forest Reserve, joining the U.S. National Forest System and preserving a unique tropical ecosystem.
On January 17, 1903, the U.S. government incorporated El Yunque National Forest into its National Forest System, designating it the Luquillo Forest Reserve. This marked the first time a tropical rainforest came under federal protection. Renowned for its lush biodiversity, the forest is home to rare orchids, coquí frogs, and ancient tree species. Conservation efforts aimed to safeguard watersheds that supply fresh water to surrounding communities. El Yunque became a model for tropical forest management in U.S. territories. Over time, it evolved into a popular destination for scientific research, ecotourism, and environmental education. The reserve's legacy endures as a symbol of early 20th-century conservation policy.
1903
El Yunque National Forest
Puerto Rico
National Forest System