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

Public Review and Comment:
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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 commercial tour
operations, and conservation and education group visits, and are addressed in Appendix K.
Determination:
___ Use is Not Compatible
X Use is Compatible with Following Stipulations
Stipulations Necessary to Ensure Compatibility:
Special Use Permits (SUP) will be issued for all commercial and noncommercial conservation and
education group tour activities conducted by non-Service personnel. The SUP will list the conditions
that the Refuge Manager determines to be necessary to ensure compatibility. Any permit may be
terminated at any time for noncompliance with the SUP conditions, or modified, redesigned,
relocated or terminated upon a determination by the Refuge Manager that the activity is causing
unanticipated adverse impacts to wildlife, wildlife habitat, approved priority public uses, or other
Refuge management activities.
Care will be taken to minimize the impacts of permitted commercial and noncommercial tour
activities on native birds, plants, and habitat to ensure compatibility. Tour group leaders will provide
a 5-10 minute environmental education talk to each tour group. The talk will include information
relative to establishment and management of the Refuge, endangered forest birds, and protection and
management of the native plants and animals. One of the special conditions attached to each permit
states that activities may not be conducted in a manner that modifies the natural behavior of the birds
being viewed. Activities will cease immediately if the subject shows signs of disturbance and/or
stress, and the permittee must vacate the vicinity. The handling or harassment of birds or their nests
is strictly prohibited. Special conditions to protect the habitat are incorporated. These include taking
precautions to prevent the introduction of nonnative plants and insects to the refuge. Vehicles, boots,
clothing, and equipment must be cleaned and inspected for seeds, eggs, and larvae prior to entry to
the Refuge. Cutting or clearing vegetation is not permitted. Other conditions prohibit fires and
require the removal of all trash and refuse resulting from his/her activities.
Justification:
Hakalau Forest NWR provides unique educational opportunities to highlight the conservation and
management of Hawaiian forest birds and their habitats unmatched elsewhere. Compatible tours
promote environmental education and interpretation, which are priority public uses of the Refuge
System as identified in the Improvement Act.
Allowing limited numbers of closely monitored guided tours for educational purposes should have
indirect positive impacts on Refuge resources. Supporting environmental education services and
B-46 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations