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

Anticipated Impacts of the Use(s):
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
The area in which most commercial guided tours and noncommercial education group activities will
occur at Hakalau Forest NWR is forested, and characterized by moderately closed to 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 observed by tour groups
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 observation conducted by professionals can cause disturbance, depending upon the manner
in which it is pursued.
Although a single commercial or noncommercial conservation group visit for 1 day may cause few,
if any, negative resource impacts, it may 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
periodically reevaluate the number of visits occurring in a particular habitat or relative to a single
species or species group, even if personnel are available to coordinate and monitor the tours.
Specialized 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 tours and
noncommercial conservation/education group visits is unlikely to have significant impacts on Refuge
wildlife populations. If visits are conducted with professionalism and integrity, potential adverse
impacts are likely to be outweighed by the knowledge gained about the Refuge’s programs, protected
species, and habitats.
Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations B-45