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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
fees are designed to be equal to the Refuge-incurred cost (costs to administer the use, including any
costs associated with facilities, equipment, supplies) and would come to the Refuge in the form of
monies paid by the commercial photographers.
Anticipated Impacts of the Use(s):
The area in which most photojournalistic and/or filming activities will occur at Hakalau Forest NWR
is forested and characterized by moderately closed canopy stands of ‘ōhi‘a and koa trees with a
subcanopy of native trees and bushes. Ground cover consists of nonnative grasses and some native
shrubs and ferns. Much of the understory and ground cover has been disturbed by more than
100 years of cattle grazing and pig rooting.
To the extent possible, permittees will confine their activities to existing roads, natural clearings, and
trails. Foot traffic will compact or crush a small amount of native vegetation, but the impact will be
minimal when compared to the damage done by pigs or cattle. Birds being photographed are unlikely
to be negatively impacted if the conditions of the permit are followed; however, even with the proper
management and execution of a well-planned project, certain behavioral responses in avifauna may
occur that are not easily recognized by the casual observer. Stress reactions (elevated heart rate,
elevated corticosterone levels, and behavioral responses) have been documented in several species of
birds as a result of human activities in nesting areas. However, studies have not been conducted to
document long-term cumulative effects of human-caused disturbances. Limited duration disturbance,
however, has only minor, short-term effects. It is important to note that even wildlife photography by
professionals can cause disturbance, depending upon the manner in which it is pursued.
Although a single commercial filming, photography, video, or audio recording visit for 1 day may
cause few, if any, negative resource impacts, it may in fact cause cumulative impacts over a longer
span of time when considered additively with all activity on the Refuge. Therefore, it is critical for
the Refuge Manager to examine all permit proposals with a multiyear timeframe in mind and
consider all activities that are planned concurrently on the Refuge before approval is granted. It may
be appropriate to set a limit to the number of commercial photography, filming, video, or recording
visits occurring in a particular habitat or relative to a single species or species group, even if
personnel are available to coordinate the projects. Some proposed activities will require further
analysis and compliance by the Refuge as more detailed information becomes available. These
requirements may include additional analysis in accordance with NEPA and consultation under ESA.
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. Adhering to appropriate protocols should reduce the risk of
introducing nonnative species.
Overall, however, allowing well-designed and properly reviewed commercial filming, photography,
video, or audio recording visits is likely to have very little impact on Refuge wildlife populations. If
the visit is conducted with professionalism and integrity, potential adverse impacts are likely to be
outweighed by the knowledge gained about an entire species, habitat, or public use.
Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations B-39