Invasion and Resilience in Lowland Wet Forests of Hawai'i
Vegetation Patterns in Lowland Wet Forests of Hawai'i Presented to the Faculty of the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Program University of Hawai`i at Hilo In partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Science by Cindy J. Dupuis Hilo, Hawai`i 2012 i © Cindy J. Dupuis 2012 ii iii Stands in Brilliant Composition Here the forest pockets proclaim themselves in plain view Uttering an ancient essence and origin beyond human Stands in brilliant composition The green growth entwined, by branch and by root A fragile glimpse that in itself supersedes strife A niche not nebulous to those embraced Shading the order of diminishing grandeur Far into the moss covered bottoms And this I treasure For so lovely is apportioned the diversity of lives Beyond the appetite of impenetrable invasion These lasting remains in lingering potency Hover, between the likely and the possible C. J. Dupuis iv Acknowledgments: I would like to offer sincere gratitude first and foremost to my advisor, Jonathan Price and to my good friend and committee member, Ann Kobsa. To Jonathan, a wealth of information, an extraordinary mentor, and a committed supporter of this project…thank you! To Ann, the most dedicated individual of Hawaii lowland wet forests imaginable, thank you for your kind generosity and support on all levels of this academic undertaking! Thank you to other committee members, Becky Ostertag and Flint Hughes for your diligent standards, insightful editing, your expertise in, and enthusiasm for Hawaii’s lowland wet forests. Special thanks as well to student peers, co-workers and volunteers who assisted me in very strenuous field work: Ann Kobsa, Tishanna Bailey-Ben, Anya Tagawa, Lincoln Tyler, Eric Akerman.
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