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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
molesting humans or wildlife may be disposed of in the interest of public safety and protection of the
wildlife.
Invasive plants and animals will be treated with IPM techniques and tools. Refer to Appendix G for
the Refuge’s IPM program documentation to manage pests for this CCP. Along with a more detailed
discussion of IPM techniques, this document describes the selective use of pesticides for pest
management on Refuge lands, where necessary.
Quarantine Protocols: Staff currently employ strict quarantine protocols with all staff, Service
authorized agents (e.g., researchers, USDA–APHIS/WS), and visitors to both units of the Refuge.
These techniques, including cleaning of equipment and personal gear, will be used under all
alternatives in all habitat types to prevent movement of invasive species from one area to another.
Land Protection: The Refuge has begun a Land Protection Planning process that will be completed
within 1 year of CCP completion. This effort is in cooperation with other agencies and interested
parties to assess and identify land conservation priorities in the vicinity of Refuge units. Potential
additions or expansion of the Hakalau Forest NWR and examination of various land protection tools
will be explored. Land Protection as part of the Refuge System may include fee title acquisition,
conservation easements, and/or cooperative agreements.
Adaptive Management: Based upon 522 DM 1 (Adaptive Management Implementation policy),
refuge staff shall utilize adaptive management for conserving, protecting, and, where appropriate,
restoring lands and resources. Within 43 CFR 46.30, adaptive management is defined as a system of
management practices based upon clearly identified outcomes, where monitoring evaluates whether
management actions are achieving desired results (objectives). The recently published DOI Adaptive
Management Technical Guide also defines adaptive management as a decision process that
“promotes flexible decision making that can be adjusted in the face of uncertainties as outcomes from
management actions and other events become better understood.” Adaptive management accounts
for the fact that complete knowledge about fish, wildlife, plants, habitats, and the ecological
processes supporting them may be lacking. The role of natural variability contributing to ecological
resilience also is recognized as an important principle of adaptive management. It is not a “trial and
error” process, but rather emphasizes learning while doing based upon available scientific
information and best professional judgment considering site-specific biotic and abiotic factors on
refuge lands. This policy will be adopted by the Refuge throughout the lifespan of its CCP.
Implementation Subject to Funding Availability: Actions (strategies) will be implemented over
the 15 year life span of the CCP, contingent upon available funding. It is the intent of the Refuge that
annual priorities will follow the final CCP guidelines, although funding initiatives, unforeseeable
management challenges, and varying budgets may impact feasibility of actions from year to year.
The CCP will be reviewed every 5 years and updated as necessary throughout its life.
Permanent Full Time Staffing Additions: This CCP proposes adding 11 new permanent full time
positions to the staff of the Hakalau Forest NWR (HFU and KFU) to achieve the goals and objectives
outlined in the plan. All staffing additions are subject to Regional approval and allocation of
additional base funding.
Participation in Planning and Review of Regional Development Activities: The Refuge will
actively participate in and contribute to planning and studies for ongoing and future industrial, urban,
Chapter 2. Refuge Management Direction 2-3