SAIPAN Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho is frustrated with the permitting process for clearing overgrown vegetation on secondary roads.
“Some roads have overgrown vegetation, which is unsafe for the motorists, and I want to remove it and prevent accidents, but then again, I have to submit an application for a permit to [the Division of] Fish and Wildlife, and its approval takes time,” Camacho said. “By the time [they approve it] almost a month has passed. I understand they are concerned about endangered birds, but they should also be concerned about the people’s safety,” he added.
To ensure efficiency, he said Fish and Wildlife should conduct a survey on secondary roads, and then inform the mayor’s office which areas can be cleared of overgrown vegetation.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife, which is under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, is mandated to provide and enforce regulations governing hunting, fishing, harvesting, and taking of species, as well as human behavior and activities in protected and conservation areas in the CNMI.
“We got to stop this delay,” the mayor said. “I have much respect for our regulatory agencies, but I think we should exercise common sense in these situations.”
He is requesting the Legislature to hold a round-table discussion with the Division of Fish and Wildlife and other regulatory agencies to address permitting and related issues.
“How can we promote our island as a prime destination, if we cannot clear overgrown vegetation without encountering hurdles in the permitting process?” Camacho asked.
Variety was unable to get a comment from the fish and wildlife regulatory agency.
