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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Stipulations Necessary to Ensure Compatibility:
Wildlife observation and photography may only occur in the Upper Maulua Unit area that has been
opened to the public. The two Refuge Managers, the Refuge Wildlife Biologist, and the Refuge
Maintenance Crew Leader and maintenance staff administer and monitor the activities of visiting
public.
User stipulations:
� Visitors will be required to access Upper Maulua Unit only at designated access points/areas,
thus reducing potential for wildlife disturbance and establishment of illegal trails;
� Visitors will be required to stay on legally established trails thus limiting the amount of area
on the Refuge where impacts may take place;
� Use is restricted to daylight hours; and
� Visitors will be required to follow protocols in order to avoid introductions of nonnative
species (e.g., cleaning mud and seeds from boots, gear, and vehicles before entering the
Upper Maulua Unit).
Administrative stipulations:
� Directional, informational, and interpretive signs will be posted and maintained to help keep
visitors on trails and help educate the public on minimizing wildlife and habitat disturbance;
� Monitoring by Refuge staff, volunteers, and partners. Refuge staff will monitor impacts to
wildlife, vegetation, and soil and employ adaptive management when needed. Management
responses may include such actions as developing additional instructional guidance in
brochures or signs, designating parking areas, passing lanes on roads, limiting vehicle access
to the upper road by gating, etc.;
� Promote the “Leave No Trace” philosophy. At least 95 percent of the Refuge will be
managed as wildlife sanctuary, free from routine disturbance.
Additionally, the following activities are prohibited:
� Hunting;
� Use or possession of domestic animals;
� Use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs;
� Operation of all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes, etc.;
� Removal or damage to any plant or plant material;
� Harassment of forest birds or other wildlife;
� Littering or dumping trash;
� Removal or damage to numbered tags, colored flagging tape, mist nets, and other equipment
or materials used for biological research;
� Disposal of lighted smoking materials;
� Open fires;
� Overnight parking and camping; and
� Damage to fences, signs, or other structures.
Justification:
Individuals and groups are able to spend time outdoors and provide the Service an opportunity to
expose the general population to the Refuge System, habitat management, and the impacts of
invasive species on the native ecosystem. Hakalau Forest NWR provides a unique opportunity in this
B-32 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations