Neverstain Bight

Neverstain Bight is unique in that the entire watershed is under the control of a few landowners. Beginning in the 1930s, Neverstain supported what came to be the longest standing cattle ranch on the island. In the past 15 years, the property came into the hands of several individuals, including Eric Anderson who is the former owner of the French Harbor Yacht Club and a 25-year resident of the islands. In the past few years, Eric Anderson has participated in an extensive reforestation program run through the local non-governmental organization called APRODIB. Over 70,000 trees have been planted, including mahogany, teak, laurel, and cashews. Because of this history, little development has occurred in the watershed. Only two structures currently stand in the entire watershed, and they are shelters for the field crew which plant and maintain the trees.

This land use history is apparent in the images above. A clear distinction is visible between the stands of trees which were never cut down and the areas cleared (and now replanted with young trees) for cattle grazing. Because the landowner’s plan for the watershed include no major developments (potentially 15 home sites may be built at some point in the future) and because of the reforestation efforts, this watershed will likely remain a long-term study site of the Roatan Project.