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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
birds in some areas are showing apparent signs of resistance to avian malaria and cases of
reoccupation of former habitat by native birds have been documented on the islands of Hawai‘i and
Moloka‘i. Using IPM strategies identified in this CCP, native forest ecosystem restoration can occur
over time. Therefore, while these invasive species attributes of inventory unit B2 currently detract
somewhat from the naturalness criteria, over time wilderness values associated with the natural
character of this Unit can be improved through implementation of this CCP. This unit is considered
to meet the naturalness criteria.
Evaluation of Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation
In addition to meeting the size and naturalness criteria, a WSA must provide outstanding
opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation. The area does not have to possess outstanding
opportunities for both solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation, and does not need to have
outstanding opportunities on every acre. Further, an area does not have to be open to public use and
access to qualify under these criteria. Congress has designated a number of wilderness areas in the
NWPS that are closed to public access to protect ecological resource values.
Opportunities for solitude refer to the ability of a visitor to be alone and secluded from other visitors
in the area. Primitive and unconfined recreation means nonmotorized, dispersed outdoor recreation
activities that do not require developed facilities or mechanical transport. These primitive recreation
activities may provide opportunities to experience challenge and risk, self reliance, and adventure.
These two opportunity “elements” are not well defined by the Wilderness Act but in most cases can
be expected to occur together. However, an outstanding opportunity for solitude may be present in an
area offering only limited primitive recreation potential. Conversely, an area may be so attractive for
recreation use that experiencing solitude is not an option.
Inventory Unit A has not been opened to the public and is unstaffed. The dangers associated with the
lava tubes and lava tube skylights would focus use in road corridors and could considerably limit
opportunities for solitude, yet meet the recreation criteria of providing an opportunity to experience
challenge and risk. Current construction of perimeter as well as internal fencing could impact
opportunities for solitude. Additionally, this unit is surrounded by working private ranches as well as
a major highway which can impact opportunities for solitude (Unit A is about a mile wide at the
narrow configuration). Though not considered in this analysis, it should be noted future management
plans (when funding becomes available) could impact solitude as they include adding volunteer work
weekends, where groups of volunteers would help with management needs such as outplanting and
invasive weed work and ongoing management of the unit, which would require human presence to
conduct fencing inspections and repairs, a variety of surveys for monitoring, and permitted research.
Therefore this unit does not meet the solitude criteria, but does meet the recreation criteria.
Inventory Unit B1 is currently open to the public under SUP or by reservation in Upper Maulua. The
reservation area is generally open to motor vehicles on the roads and hiking from pull-off areas.
Additionally this unit houses much of the Refuge management facilities such as a maintenance
building, housing cabins, greenhouse with outbuildings, powerplant building, weather ports, and UH
field station. As such, the recreational opportunities are neither primitive nor offer outstanding
opportunities for solitude.
Inventory Unit B2 has not been opened to the public. Public access is not a requirement for
wilderness designation. Due to the naturalness of this unit and its isolation and difficult access, it
Appendix D. Wilderness Review D-9