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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
regard because of the limited amount of high-elevation native forest and endangered bird habitats
remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. Public support for the Refuge could be improved through
grassroots outreach to the public. Offering opportunities for wildlife observation and photography
presents a wildlife conservation message to members of the public who are not likely to be reached
by other means. In addition, allowing these activities supports the “connecting people with nature”
initiative within the Service. When determined compatible on a refuge-specific basis, wildlife
observation and photography are priority public uses of that national wildlife refuge. As endangered
species recovery activities increase, it may be necessary to limit this activity and/or reevaluate for
compatibility.
The combination of limiting visiting days/hours, properly maintaining visitor access points, allowing
visitors to access only certain areas of the Refuge, and monitoring visitor use and behavior allows the
Refuge to minimize any adverse effects associated with Refuge visitation. Given the scale of the
activity, the stipulations outlined above, as well as the best management practices identified above,
potential impacts relative to wildlife/human interactions are expected to be minimal.
By applying the stipulations described above, it is anticipated that wildlife populations will find
sufficient food resources, nesting, and resting refugia such that their abundance and use of the Refuge
will not be measurably decreased by wildlife observation and photography activities. The relatively
limited number of individuals expected to be adversely affected due to wildlife observation and
photography will not cause wildlife populations to materially decline; the physiological condition
and production of native bird, plant, and bat species will not be impaired; their behavior and normal
activity patterns will not be altered dramatically; and their overall welfare will not be negatively
impacted. The opportunity to engage in several priority public uses provided would outweigh any
anticipated negative impacts associated with implementation of the program. Thus, allowing wildlife
observation and photography to occur with stipulations will not materially detract or interfere with
the purposes for which the Refuge was established or the Refuge System mission. The stipulations
included herein would allow such uses to occur in a compatible manner.
Mandatory 10- or 15-year Reevaluation Date:
_____X_____ Mandatory 15-year reevaluation date (for wildlife-dependent public uses)
____________ Mandatory 10-year reevaluation date (for non-wildlife-dependent public uses)
NEPA Compliance for Refuge Use Decision (check one below)
___Categorical Exclusion without Environmental Action Statement
___Categorical Exclusion and Environmental Action Statement
_X Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
___Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision
Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations B-33