Paynes Creek National Park (PCNP)

Paynes Creek National Park (PCNP), 37,680 acres of lush broadleaf forest, thick mangroves and wide stretches of pine savannah, forms a significant part of a million acre, Ridge to Reef Corridor, TIDE has dubbed the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor (MMMAC). The park is home to jaguar, ocelots and howler monkeys to name just a few. The well known Punta Ycacos Lagoon is an important West Indian manatee breeding ground; though manatees are threatened with extinction, the species has continued to thrive in Southern Belize. In addition, just east of the park adjacent to Punta Ycacos lagoon, nesting sites of the White Ibis, and the endangered hawksbill turtle can be found. At least 300 species of birds live or spend their winters in PCNP including endangered species such as the yellow-headed parrot, jabiru storks, muscovy ducks and the aplomado falcon.

Within the park's boundaries, archaeologists have uncovered 4 ancient Mayan sites, now submerged under water in the Ycacos lagoon. These sites were recently excavated and evidence shows that some sites date back to 1300 B.C.. The area is said to have been used by the Mayas to manufacture an important food preserve: salt. TIDE has been working with the Louisiana State University to ensure that the integrity of these sites remains protected.

The most threatened ecosystem within the park is the pine savannah. Due to the degradation of these forests from heavy logging, fires have become a major problem. Yearly fires impede young pine regeneration and destroy nesting sites of yellow headed parrots, sparrows and black throated bobwhites, and in turn destroyed their young hatchlings. Unfortunately, most of these fires are man made, set by hunters hoping to attract grazing deer later; the post-fire habitat provides an abundance of young shoots for the deer to feed on.

TIDE has been working closely with its partner, The Nature Conservancy and PACT, to develop a fire management plan; the main objectives are to promote pine regeneration, enhance habitat for the yellow-headed parrot, control for invasive species, enhance habitat for wildlife and prevent wildfires. Learn more about our recent Fire Management Efforts.

TIDE works closely with the buffer communities of Monkey River, Punta Negra, and Punta Gorda to manage the park. The Paynes Creek National Park Advisory Committee includes a variety of stakeholders, from community members to government representatives, to ensure a balanced management structure, which can be supported at all levels. Local community members use the park for world-class fly-fishing tours; the Punta Ycacos Lagoon is great for the elusive permit, while the Punta Negra Lakes are a great spot for tarpon. Local guides also use the nature trails, which run through riparian forest along the Monkey River and into the park. These guided tours are known throughout the district for their spectacular wildlife viewing, mainly of the adorable howler monkeys.