condition of the US Naval Air Station generally, there was agreement yesterday over a 6.5-acre piece of Cooper's Island.

The nature park officially opened there yesterday drew praise from officials from both sides, and others in between.

Developed by the US Navy over the last several years, it was described as "a joint effort,'' with help from Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the Bermuda Audubon Society, and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, among other organisations.

Mr. Jim Simmon, a civilian with the Navy's environmental division, said what started with a plan to plant six palmettos and six cedars grew to include the planting of more than 550 trees and the removal of three large buildings on the site.

"We're really proud of this place,'' Mr. Simmon said. "This is a great day for us, and it's also a great day for Bermuda.'' Environment Minister the Hon.

Gerald Simons said with the Navy pulling out on September 1, Cooper's Island would provide East End residents with quality beaches like ones other Bermudians had enjoyed.

"I look forward to the day when this land and this park in particular can be incorporated in the national park system,'' Sen. Simons said.

Government Conservation Officer Mr. David Wingate noted Cooper's Island was a nesting ground for cahows, birds thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered on the island in 1951.

The island was also the main nursery area for the West Indian Topshell, a potentially valuable shellfish. There were 65 bluebirds banded on Cooper's Island last year, and "there is enormous potential to get sea turtles nesting here again,'' Mr. Wingate said.

Praising the US Navy for its "environmental stewardship'' over 50 years, Mr.

Wingate said: "I only hope that we Bermudians can pick up the ball that you are giving us and not fumble it.'' Also at the opening were Base Commander Capt. Tim Bryan, Bluebird and Longtail Society of Bermuda president Mr. Tommy Outerbridge, St. George's South MPs Mrs. Grace Bell and Mr. Rick Spurling, St.

George's Mayor the Wor. Henry Hayward and National Trust president Mr. David L. White.

Both Bermuda and US officials have said the environmental condition of the US Bases and the amount of American clean-up required are sticking points as the two sides negotiate closure of the 1,200-acre Base at St. David's and the Naval Annex in Southampton.

On Friday, Capt. Bryan presented Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan with Washington's official reply to Bermuda's Base closure position, which included a tough stand on the environment.