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

Wildlife Photography:
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Wildlife photography is likely more disturbing, per instance, than wildlife observation. Klein (1993)
observed at Ding Darling NWR, that of all the nonconsumptive uses, photographers were the most
likely to attempt close contact with birds, and that even slow approach by photographers disrupted
waterbirds.
Dwyer and Tanner (1992) noted that wildlife habituate best to disturbance that is somewhat
predictable or “background.” Investigating 111 nests of sandhill cranes in Florida, Dwyer and Tanner
found that nesting cranes seemed to habituate to certain forms of human disturbance and nested
within 436 yards of highways, railroads, and mines; cranes also were tolerant of helicopter flyovers.
Even so, investigator visits to nests and development-induced alterations of surface water drainage
were implicated in 24 percent of the nest failures.
Minor impacts to wildlife, plants, and habitat would occur on the Refuge in the form of disturbance.
Movement and behavior patterns could be altered by the presence of visitors. Some trampling of
vegetation could occur as visitors stray to the edges of trails and access roads.
Use of the Hakalau Forest NWR increases the potential for introductions of nonnative species and
interactions (some negative) by visitors with sensitive endangered bird and/or plant habitats.
Accidental introduction of a nonnative plant species could be detrimental to the rainforest
environment.
A number of nonnative plant and wildlife species occur on Hakalau Forest NWR in general, and
many of those (e.g., pigs, mongooses, rats, numerous invasive plants and insects) have become
established on the Refuge. Refuge personnel strive to eliminate or reduce pest species. It is possible
that invasive plants and animals could be transported onto the Refuge in vehicles or from seeds that
are trapped in clothing or vehicle wheels. Protocols for prevention of introducing invasive weeds are
supplied to all SUP holders and to visitors requesting access to Maulua.
Public Review and Comment:
This determination was issued for public review and comment as part of the Hakalau Forest NWR
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment between August 16, 2010-
September 15, 2010. An open house was held and written comments were solicited from the public
during this period for the CCP via news release, website posting, extensive mailing as well as e-mail
list, and circulation of Planning Update 3. Comments were received related to opportunities for
wildlife observation and photography and addressed in Appendix K.
Determination:
___ Use is Not Compatible
X Use is Compatible with Following Stipulations
Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations B-31