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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
e. Is the use consistent with goals and objectives in an approved management plan or other
document?
The primary goals of the Refuge are to (a) support recovery and perpetuation of federally listed
endangered and threatened plants and animals; and prevent the listing of additional species,
(b) restore and protect high quality habitat for native plants and animals occurring on the slopes of
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, (c) control nonnative pests and predators including ungulates and
noxious weeds, (d) provide wildlife-dependent cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities
for the public, and (e) in partnership with public and private organizations, increase awareness of and
appreciation for the Refuge and the Hawaiian ecosystem. The Refuge believes that the University of
Hawai‘i Field Station is appropriate and compatible with the Refuge goals. The research activities
will contribute to and are essential to accomplishing the enhancement, protection, conservation, and
management of native wildlife populations and their habitats on the Refuge.
f. Has an earlier documented analysis not denied the use or is this the first time the use has
been proposed?
This use has been requested and approved in the past and a documented analysis was conducted
during the Compatibility Determination process.
g. Is the use manageable within available budget and staff?
The use is currently manageable with available budget and staff.
h. Will this be manageable in the future within existing resources?
The proposed activity at current threshold levels for use would be manageable in the future with
existing staff resources.
i. Does the use contribute to the public’s understanding and appreciation of the Refuge’s
natural or cultural resources, or is the use beneficial to the Refuge’s natural or cultural
resources?
The Service believes that wildlife and habitat conservation and management on the Refuge should be
based upon statistically viable scientific research combined with long-term monitoring. The
information gained through appropriate, compatible research on Refuge lands will be beneficial to
the Refuge’s natural resources through application of this information into adaptive management
strategies. The University of Hawai‘i Field Station provides a suitable base to conduct research that
will contribute to the public’s understanding and appreciation of the Refuge’s natural or cultural
resources. The Refuge will also distribute any information gained to the public, which will allow
them to better understand and appreciate the Refuge resources and the need for protecting them.
Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations B-17