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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Outplanting of T&E plant species as well as mix of other native plants as identified in the attributes
above.
Conduct site-specific fencing to protect endangered plant populations.
Rationale:
Species of conservation and management concern covered in existing recovery plans include forest
birds, ‘alalā, ‘ōpe‘ape‘a, and endangered plants. The KFU is the location of the last known wild
‘alalā and fits many of the criteria outlined in the ‘Alalā Recovery Plan as a potential repatriation
site.
Native pollinators on the Refuge include native birds and native insects. The habitat improvements
outlined in each of the objectives and strategies are designed to provide suitable habitat that should
help increase populations of native pollinators.
Objective 1.4: Develop and implement propagation and outplanting program.
Within 7 years of CCP approval, develop and implement a propagation and outplanting program
that provides 500 endangered plants per year (e.g., Clermontia, Cyanea, Phyllostegia) and 2,000
native species per year (e.g., pilo, koa, ‘ōhi‘a, pūkiawe) to support restoration activities.
Strategies to achieve objective:
Establish and maintain native plant nursery at field camp site on Mauna Loa to provide plant stock
for outplanting activities.
Collect adequate seeds and cuttings to supply plant nursery.
Develop adequate staff (e.g., horticulturist, volunteer coordinator) to assist with administration of
propagation program within 7 years.
Develop partnerships to assist with administration of propagation program within 7 years.
Administer volunteer program to support nursery and outplanting program within 7 years.
Rationale:
Endangered plant species have become extremely limited in their population and range due to more
than 100 years of cattle grazing, pig rooting, loss of pollinators, and limited gene pool. The Refuge
can play a vital role in the recovery of more than 10 federally listed threatened and endangered plant
species by providing ungulate-free fenced areas. Many of these plants are important food sources
for rare birds (e.g., ‘alalā) and invertebrates.
The existing facility at the HFU is at a much higher elevation than the KFU. The plant species that
are needed for outplanting are different from those of the HFU and the intent of the program will be
endangered plant recovery as opposed to the forest restoration program at the HFU. To meet habitat
objectives, Refuge staff will need to find or develop a source for the native endangered plants that
will be used in management efforts at the KFU. These efforts support Objectives 1.1-1.3.
Plant stock may be available from the Volcano Rare Plant Facility from seeds and propagules
collected on or near Refuge lands. In addition, the Refuge partners with the Plant Extinction Plant
Prevention Program. Through these collaborative partnerships, the Refuge also institutes best
management practices, which include incorporating science based genetic information into its
outplanting and propagation programs.
Chapter 2. Refuge Management Direction 2-17