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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Goal 1: Develop an economically self‐sustaining improvement and preservation program for the
natural and cultural resources (invasive species eradication and native ecosystem restoration) and
implementation strategy.
The focus of the ‘Āina Mauna Legacy Program shall be on:
� Restoration and enhancement of DHHL trust resources;
� Identification of immediate and future opportunities for DHHL beneficiaries;
� Removal of invasive species – gorse, etc.;
� Conserve natural and cultural resources and endangered species;
� Address reforestation and restoration of the ecosystem;
� Develop revenue generation, reinvestment in land to sustain activities;
� Provide educational and cultural opportunities;
� Identify and secure partners to sustain activities;
� Identify opportunities for alternative/renewable energy projects; and
� Be a lead and/or model for others to engage in ecosystem restoration in a culturally sensitive
manner based on partnerships to develop a self‐sustaining model.
Goal 2: Develop an outreach program to gain interest, participation, and support from the Hawaiian
Homes Commission, DHHL staff, beneficiaries groups, cultural practitioners, natural resource
scientists, and the broader community for the Legacy Program and its implementation.
The goals and actions of the Legacy Program mesh very well with the vision, goals, and objectives of
the Hakalau Forest NWR CCP. Specifically, the removal of invasive species, conservation of natural
and cultural resources and endangered species, habitat restoration, reforestation, fencing, and climate
change, along with partnership opportunities, are all key components where we can work together.
We look forward to the exchange of ideas, resources, and technical assistance that coordination with
this important adjacent landowner can provide.
Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest: Established in 2007, the mission of the Hawai‘i
Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF) is to provide landscapes, facilities, and data/information for
those wishing to conduct research and education activities contributing to a better understanding of
the biological diversity and functioning of tropical forest and stream ecosystems and their
management. The HETF represents a significant contribution in the global effort that is necessary to
understand and protect some of the most threatened and endangered ecosystems in the world. This
can best be accomplished by facilitating tropical natural areas/species research, fostering an
environment for interaction and exchange of information among scientists and to those outside the
scientific community, and providing education and demonstration opportunities for those interested
in tropical forest studies and management. Major research topics of the HETF are:
1. Structure and function of tropical wet forest and dry forest watersheds and their
component parts.
This emphasis area will focus on how tropical forest ecosystems work. Research will strive to
gain a better understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes at all relevant
geographic and time scales.
2. Structure and function of freshwater and nearshore marine ecosystems in tropical
landscapes.
Chapter 1. Introduction and Background 1-17