The Finca Tres Hermanas project were the first in the area. They are headed by John Tresemer who is a pioneer in the conservation of the natural resources in Costa Rica. John has been involved in the protection and creation of such national parks as Coco’s Island, Caño Island, and Marino Ballena National Park. He was named honorary member of the national parks for his contribution to their preservation. As part of his efforts he dedicated most of his land to the reforestation of native trees and non-native. One of his goals was to share his projects with other people so that they can learn from one another.
The owners of La Cusinga have not cut or cleared primary forest since we began living here in 1972. What was already cleared had been used for planting rice, corn, beans, and finally pasture grasses. We continue to keep some horses and dairy-cattle in a few areas which we haven’t converted to reforestation. Cacao for the production of chocolate was a profitable agricultural activity for us until the monkeys and squirrels became too fond of it. At that point we had to decide whether to settle for a failed business venture or to poison the local wildlife. Unlike many other local farmers, we could afford to lose our crop and let the animals devour it freely.