Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
When preparing a CCP, refuge managers must reevaluate all general public, recreational, and
economic uses (even those occurring to further refuge habitat management goals) proposed or
occurring on a refuge for appropriateness and compatibility. No refuge use may be allowed or
continued unless it is determined to be appropriate and compatible. Generally, an appropriate use is
one that contributes to fulfilling the refuge purpose(s), the Refuge System mission, or goals or
objectives described in a refuge management plan, such as this CCP. A compatible use is a use that,
in the sound professional judgment of the refuge manager, will not materially interfere with or
detract from the fulfillment of the mission of the Refuge System or the purposes of the refuge.
Updated Appropriateness Findings and Compatibility Determinations for existing and proposed uses
for Hakalau Forest NWR are in Appendix B.
The Administration Act also requires that, in addition to formally established guidance, the CCP
must be developed with the participation of the public. Issues and concerns articulated by the public
played a role in guiding the development of the CCP, and together with the formal guidance, played a
role in development of the final CCP. It is the Service’s policy to invite public participation in CCP
development, to carry out an open public CCP process, and secure public input throughout the
process.
1.5 Relationship to Previous and Future Refuge Plans
Planning has been a part of refuge operations since establishing refuges began. However, not all
plans were completed in a comprehensive fashion, or with public participation considered adequate
today. For Hakalau Forest NWR, a considerable number of plans were completed over the years to
guide managers.
1.5.1 Previous Plans
Plans and/or management agreements (plans addressing one program or resource) have been
developed for Hakalau Forest NWR (Hakalau Forest Unit and Kona Forest Unit). Existing plans
include:
� Refuge Management Plan (1989);
� Feral Ungulate Management Plan (1996);
� Draft Reforestation Management Plan (May 1996);
� Wildland Fire Management Plan-Hakalau (2002);
� Wildland Fire Management Plan-Kona (2002);
� Occupant Emergency Plan (2003);
� Annual Habitat Work Plan (2004);
� Visitor Services Evaluation Report (2004);
� Safety Plan, Hakalau Forest Unit (April 2004);
� Aviation Mishap Response Plan (2005);
� Continuity of Operations Plan (2009);
� Fleet Management Plan (2009);
� USFWS Pandemic Influenza Plan (2009); and
� Medical Emergency Dispatch Plan (2009).
Chapter 1. Introduction and Background 1-11