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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Response: We have based our forest bird research and management priorities on those
recommended by the experts convened for the Forest Bird Workshop in October 2008 (see
Appendix E. Forest Bird Workshop). We agree that research on the demography, life history,
carrying capacity, and competition for native forest birds is very important to the Refuge, and we
have included it as a project in Appendix C Plan Implementation. We also evaluated the
compatibility of research, scientific collecting, and surveys in Appendix B and found “[r]esearch on
Hakalau Forest NWR is inherently valuable to the Service, since it is intended to expand the
knowledge base of those who are given the responsibility of managing the resources found within the
Refuge.” We welcome suggestions for seeking non-Refuge funding to support such research.
One comment letter indicated that the research proposal process, from evaluation and feedback to
timetables for research and reporting, should be as transparent as possible.
Response: We have included extensive information about the research proposal process within
Appendix B. Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations, under the Research, Scientific
Collecting, and Surveys compatibility determination, including formats for proposals, annual
progress reports, and Memoranda of Understanding for curatorial services. The compatibility
determination outlines the proposal process, as well as reporting requirements and stipulations to
ensure permitted research conforms to Service regulations and policies and will be performed in a
manner that will not impact Refuge resources.
One commenter asked that the alternatives description have an additional paragraph dealing with
research and monitoring.
Response: The final CCP does not include alternatives, thus we have not added this text. However,
research and monitoring are fully described in several locations within the CCP, including in
Chapter 2 and Appendices B and C.
One commenter stated the Refuge should monitor for ungulate presence to optimize effectiveness of
fencing and ungulate removal.
Response: We agree that a long-term concerted effort is required as part of overall ungulate
management. We plan to continue ungulate surveys as frequently as practicable to monitor their
population status and will utilize available resources to take actions necessary to eliminate ungulates
from newly fenced units and prevent the ingress of ungulates into existing restored and protected
forest habitats. This aspect of ungulate management has been clarified in Chapter 2 under general
guidelines, ungulate-proof boundary fencing and sequence of management actions.
Public Use
Hunting:
Several commenters addressed the issue of public hunting on Hakalau Forest NWR, both in favor
and opposed. Those in favor stated that hunting provides sustenance for local people, is part of
Hawai‘i family lifestyles, is effective in reducing pig numbers, and can be accomplished without
impacting other natural resources. Those opposed stated that hunters are less than 3 percent of the
American public and should not be allowed to monopolize the sites so that the majority of Americans
cannot safely use them, that public hunting is not effective at controlling pigs because 70 percent of
Appendix K. Public Involvement K-11