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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
identified in the project proposal will require submission of a subsequent proposal for review and
approval. In addition, a new SUP will be required for additional project work;
� Investigator(s) and support staff will follow all Refuge-specific regulations that specify access
and travel on the Refuge;
� At any time, Refuge staff may accompany the researchers;
� Only projects which have no effect or will result in not likely to adversely affect determinations
will be considered compatible;
� After approval, all projects also will be assessed during implementation to ensure impacts and
conflicts remain within acceptable levels; and
� Projects which are not covered by the CCP or subsequent stepdown plans may require additional
NEPA documentation.
Justification:
Operation of the UH field station at the Refuge can contribute to the achievement of the Refuge
purpose and the mission of the Service. Research performed by UH faculty and students and other
research partners expands understanding of the unique wildlife, diverse native habitats, management
programs, and mission of Hakalau Forest NWR and the Refuge System.
Because the aforementioned MOA contains specific conditions for minimizing adverse effects to
Refuge resources associated with operation of the field station, it is anticipated that wildlife
populations will find sufficient food resources and resting places such that their abundance and use of
the Refuge will not be measurably lessened from these activities. The relatively limited number of
individuals expected to be adversely affected from these activities will not cause wildlife populations
to materially decline, the physiological condition and production of native wildlife species will not be
impaired, their behavior and normal activity patterns will not be altered dramatically, and their
overall welfare will not be negatively impacted. Allowing field station operations to occur with
stipulations will not materially detract or interfere with the purposes for which the Refuge was
established or the Refuge System mission.
Mandatory 10- or 15-year Reevaluation Date:
____________ Mandatory 15-year reevaluation date (for wildlife-dependent public uses)
_____X______ Mandatory 10-year reevaluation date (for nonwildlife-dependent public uses)
NEPA Compliance for Refuge Use Decision (check one below)
___Categorical Exclusion without Environmental Action Statement
___Categorical Exclusion and Environmental Action Statement
_X Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
___Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision
B-80 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations