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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
We expect to refine these priorities as new information arises. The process used at the Hilo
workshop was most inclusive and objective and may well serve us in the future as new management
challenges develop.
Additional research projects for consideration are also listed in Appendix C.
Objective 6.3: Conduct scientific assessments to provide baseline information to expand
knowledge regarding the status of Refuge resources to better inform resource management
decisions.
These scientific assessments will contribute to the development of Refuge resource objectives. They
would also be used to facilitate habitat restoration through selection of appropriate habitat
management strategies based upon site-specific conditions. The assessment attributes are:
• Utilize accepted standards, where available, for completion of assessments; and
• Scale and accuracy of assessments would be appropriate for development and
implementation of Refuge habitat and wildlife management actions.
The following is an initial list of scientific assessments to support resource management
decisions. Please note this list will continue to evolve during the 15 year life span of the CCP:
Conduct surveys to determine role of predators in native flora and fauna abundance.
Support research to determine ecological parameters for ‘ōpe‘ape‘a.
Complete global climate change impacts assessment for the Refuge.
Develop a soil survey map.
Rationale:
In accordance with policy for implementing adaptive management on refuge lands (522 DM 1),
appropriate and applicable environmental assessments are necessary to determine resource status,
promote learning, and evaluate progress toward achieving objectives whenever using adaptive
management. These assessments would provide fundamental information about biotic (e.g.,
vegetation data layer) as well as abiotic processes and conditions (e.g., soils, topography) that are
necessary to ensure that implementation of on-the-ground resource management achieves resource
management objectives identified under Goals 1-5.
2.3.3.2 Goal 7: Visitors, with a special emphasis on experience gained through volunteer work
groups and local residents, understand and/or value the native forest environment and
management practices at Hakalau Forest NWR.
Objective 7.1: Establish compatible wildlife observation and photography opportunities.
Maintain and enhance compatible wildlife observation and photography opportunities at Hakalau
Forest NWR focusing on HFU, with the following attributes:
• Highlights the Refuge’s purposes and management practices;
• Provides opportunities to view and photograph native forests and endangered and native
forest birds and plants;
• Provide locations for prime viewing opportunities (e.g., wildlife observation trails); and
• Maintain or increase visitor use levels at the Refuge as appropriate.
Chapter 2. Refuge Management Direction 2-37