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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
monitoring equipment, solar panels to power unattended monitoring equipment). Some level of
disturbance is expected with these projects, especially if investigator(s) enter areas closed to the
public and collect samples or handle wildlife. However, wildlife disturbance (including altered
behavior) will be localized and temporary in nature. Where long-term or cumulative unacceptable
effects cannot be avoidable, the project will not be found compatible. Project proposals will be
reviewed by Refuge staff and others, as needed, to assess the potential impacts (short, long-term, and
cumulative) relative to benefits of the investigation to Refuge management issues and understanding
of natural systems. This assessment will form the primary basis for allowing or denying a specific
project.
Public Review and Comment:
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. No public comment was received on this compatibility
determination.
Determination:
___ Use is Not Compatible
X Use is Compatible with Following Stipulations
Stipulations Necessary to Ensure Compatibility:
Conditions have changed since the original MOA was established. This compatibility determination
establishes a basis for the operation of a field station on the grounds of the Refuge. The uses
described here are conditional upon the development of a new Memorandum of Agreement or
Cooperative Agreement that is acceptable under current Refuge System standards. The previous
MOA expired on October 24, 2009. A current, fully executed MOA must be in place at all times for
this use to be permitted by the Refuge Manager. Any new MOA needs to be revised to include, but
not limited to, the following conditions:
The field station will be operated solely for the purpose of conducting environmental, conservation,
biotic, climatic, and management studies that will assist the Service in accomplishing the objectives
for which the Refuge was established.
1. Most of the Refuge is not open to the public, therefore access to the Field Station is restricted
and subject to Service approval. Access codes for entry to the Refuge may change from time
to time and will be provided by the Refuge as needed. Standard notification for visits
scheduled by permit holders to the Refuge is 7 days from the time of anticipated use. The UH
will maintain a log of visitors to the facility stating name, affiliation, contact information,
vehicle identification information, and purpose for the visit, citing relevant SUPs, project or
coordination needs. The Refuge Manager or his /her agent will be provided with this
B-76 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations