Submitted by the Department of Water Supply Water Resources & Planning Division April 15, 2014 The mission of the Maui County Department of Water Supply is to provide clean water efficiently to its customers on Maui and Molokai. This involves the protection, preservation and conservation of DWS water sources.
Maintaining the supply of efficient quantities is a challenge based on numerous threats to water supply including population increase, climatic conditions such as declining rainfall and the loss of habitats and upland forests linked to water recharge, fog water supply and source availability. Increased populations (i.e. residential, non-residential, visitor) will have an impact on resources such as land, water and the natural environment resulting in a negative impact upon our quality of life. In addition to the trend of increased population, one of the greatest threats to Maui's native forest is the destruction caused by non-native, invasive animals and plants.
In order to reduce if not totally eradicate the threats to our water sources, DWS continues to provide financial support to Watershed Partnerships and organizations that promote the conservation, preservation and protection of our watersheds. To date, we have provided $9.984M funding to the partnerships. These partnerships and organizations have diverse membership with representatives from public and private sectors. DWS supports the following since mid-1990: 1. East Molokai Watershed partnership 2. East Maui Watershed Partnership thru the Nature Conservancy 3. East Maui Watershed Partnership thru Tri-Isle RC&D 4. Leeward Haleakala Restoration Watershed Partnership 5. West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership 6 Maui Invasive Species Committee 7. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens 8. Hawaii Agricultural Research Center – provided grant in FY 2012 to help develop wilt resistant acacia Koa for reforestation 9. Pu’u Kukui Preserve - provided grant in FY 2014
Funding the watersheds has resulted in innovative research and development of technology and best management practices that address greater cost efficiency of watershed management and protection of our water supply. Best management practices include the ability to conduct thermal surveys to monitor feral animal control; detailed high resolution aerial GIS resource mapping to illustrate the effectiveness of invasive plant and ungulate control and re- vegetation/reforestation efforts; resource monitoring to analyze trends with regard to cost efficiency of various management methods; and the development or pest pollution prevention protocols, to name a few examples.
This report includes an update on the progress of the source protection efforts of the watershed partnerships.
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EAST MOLOKAI WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP (EMOWP)
Eastast Moloka'i Watershed PARTNERSHIP
I. BACKGROUND
The FY2014 EMoWP (East Molokai Watershed Partnership) South Slope Management & East Slope Expansion proposes conservation actions on East Moloka‘i’s south slope (SS) from the Kawela to Kapualei landscape (13,500 acres) and the east slope (ES) Pakui to Papalaua management units (9,000 acres). The proposal will help fulfill the goals of the, EMoWP 2015 South Slope Management Plan (August 7, 2008) and the East Slope Watershed Management Plan. (Map 1)
The combined landscapes encompass about 22,500 acres with forest ecosystems ranging from native montane wet forest at the summit (4,000’ elevation and above) to montane mesic forest and shrublands (2,500’-4,000’ elevation) below to dry altered lands (500’-2,500’ elevation). Associated with the landscape is Moloka‘i’s south shore fringing reef (includes the east slope reefs), the longest continuous fringing reef in the United States. The EMoWP SS landscape areas are a part of the East Moloka‘i Watershed Partnership (EMoWP).
The EMoWP SS lands consist of Kalaupapa National Historical Park, State Pu‘u Ali‘i and Olokui Natural Area Reserves, Kamehameha School--Kamalō, Kapualei Ranch--James Austin, Kawela Plantation and The Nature Conservancy’s Kamakou and Pelekunu Preserves (Map 2). The EMoWP ES consist of 15 Landowners, of which two (State, Kamehameha Schools) are already part of the EMoWP. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the coordinator of the EMoWP SS.
TNC’s Kamakou Preserve is part of State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Natural Area Partnership Program (NAPP), an innovative program that helps private landowners in the management of native ecosystems. NAPP provides 2:1 matching funds incentive. NAPP funding provides for TNC’s core staff on Moloka‘i and enables TNC to coordinate and lead the conservation action of the EMoWP SS.
The EMoWP ES landscapes (Map 3) are currently being proposed as addition to the EMoWP in late 2013. There are currently 15 ES landowners that encompass 9,000 acres from the Pakui, Mapulehu, Keopukaloa and Papalaua units who are ready to sign the EMoWP MOU. Currently 3 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
community meetings are being conducted as part of the process to finalize the East Slope Watershed Management Plan.
II. GOALS/OBJECTIVES of the DWS GRANT
A. GOAL: To protect native forests watersheds from feral animals, invasive weeds and fire. Objectives: a. Keep the montane wet forests free of feral ungulates and invasive weeds. b. Control feral ungulates and invasive weeds in the montane mesic forest. c. Control feral ungulates in the middle eroded areas to promote natural revegetation. d. Reduce sedimentation on the adjacent coastline and associated fringing reefs. e. Implement monitoring to detect changes in management programs. f. Reduce the threat of fire. g. Assist with the detection and response to the introduction of new invasive species. h. Gain community support for conservation programs.
III. BENEFITS TO MAUI COUNTIV. a. Protecting “intact” native montane forest systems with the potential recovery of listed endangered plant and animal species; b. Reducing erosion on denuded middle elevation gulch systems; c. Improving watershed capacity by increasing infiltration of rain water into aquifers; d. Reducing non-point source pollution (sedimentation) onto the fringing reef tract; e. Leveraging funds and conservation actions; f. Conservation awareness/engagement to the local community; g. Documentation of conservation successes.
IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY13
A. Animal Control - Highlights for FY13 include: the South Slope ACETA mission; completion of the Kapualei fence by contractor Pono Pacific; and further application using FLIR. The Kamakou Fence is currently on hold and is anticipated to be completed in early FY14.
B. Weed Control - Over 16,000 individual and over 800 square meters of priority weed species were removed in FY13. The paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Toog (Bischofia Javanica) populations in Kamakou Preserve may be eradicated, but subject to survey. The Puu Kolekole/Kawela New Zealand flax populations may be eradicated in FY14.
C. MoMISC—For FY13, a total of 23 priority invasive species Forward Looking Infra-Red Technology (FLIR) (18 weed, 2 amphibious and 3 invertebrates) were either surveyed, prevented, detected, controlled or removed, covering over 1,200 acres on Molokai. In the 4th quarter, two key reports from community members help detect two invasive weed species. A hunter reported a strange fern in the Molokai Forest Reserve that turned out to be 4 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
the Mulesfoot fern. Over 56 acres were surveyed and 69 individual ferns were removed. The second detection was by ranch staff and turned out to be Fireweed. Besides removing over 100 fireweed individuals, the ranch staff also helped determine the possible introduction source – hay bales from Maui.
D. Monitoring—MoPEP conducted key monitoring and propagule collections in the 4th quarter. USGS Kawela Ridge to Reef reports (Jacobi & Stock), that since 2008, the study shows that vegetation has increased from less than 1% cover to over 55% cover, and thus erosion rates have decreased 10 fold, from 0.4 inches per year to less than 0.04 inches per year! The update cites the how closely the vegetation and erosion improvements coincides with the ongoing reduction of feral goats.
Summary of Erosion Study Results (Jonathan Stock, USGS Menlo Park, CA) Recent efforts led by TNC and others, have reduced the feral ungulate population in this area dramatically. In the last year, large portions of this landscape have re-vegetated. In representative sites, vegetation cover in this area has gone from 4% to 70%. Bare soils are now covered with vegetation, litter, and thin deposits. At an experimental site where USGS has documented ~10 mm/a (0.4 inches/year) of soil erosion for the past 5 years (K1 in plot below), we have measured a ten-fold reduction in erosion rates as a consequence of re-vegetation this year. Our models predict that this change in land management should reduce the total sediment load to the reef during the next year, from ~ 6 tons/year of past decades, to 2 tons/year, or less. As part of this research, in past years the Pacific Islands Water Science Center was funded to operate a suspended sediment monitoring site at Kawela to provide the best of the annual load of fine sediment polluting the reef. There is no other technology to do this at a watershed-scale. This effort was discontinued in FY12. Restoring this effort would allow the community to measure the effects of its land management activity on the whole basin. These effects will occur over the next year because our instruments indicate that the hill slope sites that supply the watershed with fine silts and muds are shutting down as they vegetate, and there is no measurable storage in the watershed itself. The community has an opportunity to measure, very directly, the effects of managing ungulates on reducing the amount of sediment polluting the reef. This data could provide a compelling lesson showing that land
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management can have positive effects on the land and seas of Hawaii over short human timescales.
E. Other/Outreach - Molokai Earth Day events were completed on April 18th & 19th. TNC celebrated the 30th anniversary of Kamakou Preserve at Earth Day and with numerous media coverage. The East Slope Startup Management Plan has also been completed and the landowner partner addition is expected before the end of 2013. The Kawela Watershed Management Plan was also voted for and adopted by the Kawela Plantation Homeowner’s Association during their March membership meeting. Finally, the EMoWP is now having quarterly meetings. The next meeting is the Annual Partner’s Meeting scheduled for Friday, August 9 at the Kawela Plantation Clubhouse.
KUPUYCC Youths conduct needed road repair in the Kamakou Preserve
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
EMoWP employs 4.5 staff. The half time employee is assigned to work on the East Slope Management area.
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVEREGED
DWS provides about 20% of the EMoWP funding needs. Not sure how to measure the leverage factor, but it would be a lot greater than 15%.
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE
If there was more funding expansion and implementation of partnership’s work to other East Molokai w atershed a reas, particularly the East Slope. Major expenses could include fence construction/maintenance, animal and weed removal. 6 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
If funding is cut, essential management activities such animal and weed control, fence maintenance and monitoring would be reduced. Community outreach activities would also be reduced and the ability to expand work in the East Slope will slow down.
IX. PARTNERS
Land based Partners (32.983 Acres) • Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, Kamala Ahupua'a (3,566 acres) • Kapualei Ranch, Kapualei Ahupua 'a ( 1680 acres) • Kawela Plantation Homeowner's Association, Kawela Ahupua'a (5,500 acres) • State of Hawai'i DOFAW, Pu'u Ali 'i (1,330 acres) and Olokui (1 ,620 acres) Natural Area Reserves • National Parks Service, Kalaupapa National Historical Park (10,800 acres) • The Nature Conservancy, Kamakou (2,774 acres) and Pelekunu Preserves (5,714 acres)
Agency Partners • Ke Aupuni Lokahi, Enterprise Community Governance Board- community, funder • Maui County (DWS & OED) -- funders • Moloka'i/Lanai Soil and Water Conservation District- erosion experts • USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services --erosion experts, funder • US Fish & Wildlife Service- funder, rare species/ecosystem experts • US Geological Services, Hydrological, erosion and sedimentation experts • EPA- non-point source pollution expert, funder • Hawaii Department of Health, non-point source pollution expert, funder • MoPEP- Molokai Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Rare Plant/Extinction Prevention Experts
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Waikamoi Preserve & East Maui Watershed Source Protection
I. PROJECT BACKGROUND
Nothing is more critical to the people of Maui than the fresh water that comes from East Maui’s lush native rain forests. Our native forests act like giant sponges gradually absorbing rainfall, mist, and fog drip, and allowing it to slowly percolate into the ground, feeding our streams and ground water during times of drought. Maui’s native rain forest and the fresh water it captures sustain its residents, agriculture, tourism, Hawaiian culture, and world- renowned biodiversity.
The greatest threats to East Maui’s watersheds and biodiversity are feral ungulates (hoofed animals) and invasive weeds. Feral pigs eat native vegetation, facilitate non-native plant invasion, and hasten soil erosion. Invasive weeds compete for habitat and other resources with native species and spread easily with ungulate disturbance. We are in a race against time to control invasive species before they permanently alter Maui’s forest, watersheds, and hundreds of native plants and animals. To address this challenge, the Maui program is developing, using, and sharing game-changing technologies with the potential to accelerate and improve forest conservation in Maui, Hawai‘i, and beyond. These technologies include cutting-edge aerial imaging technology that allows us to map, identify, and control invasive weeds much more efficiently. We are also utilizing remote game cameras that instantly transmit wirelessly to any cell phone real-time digital photographs of threats such as ungulates in highly vulnerable areas of the watershed and native forest communities.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), acting through its Hawai‘i Field Office, under agreement with the County of Maui through its Department of Water Supply (DWS), is utilizing DWS funding to successfully reduce the major threats to Waikamoi Preserve and the East Maui Watershed. The 5,230 acre Waikamoi Preserve encompasses significant areas of the Upper Kula water system drainage area. Established in 1983, Waikamoi Preserve is legally protected under a perpetual Conservation Easement between Haleakalā Ranch Company and TNC. Additionally, TNC is a founding and leading member of the 100,000 acre East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP).
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters all species need to survive. Since 1980, the Conservancy has been conserving and protecting
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Hawai‘i’s native forests, and more recently, its coastal waters and coral reefs. We have had tremendous success over the years — we now manage 10 nature preserves statewide totaling 40,000 acres and have developed eleven partnerships that protect over 2.2 million acres of native forests and watersheds. TNC’s Maui program has remained on the frontlines of tropical forest conservation, pioneering the watershed and invasive species partnerships now developed on all the major islands.
Our activities covered under this grant focused on invasive plant and ungulate control, resource monitoring, fence maintenance, and rare species protection and research. The spread of invasive plant species can severely degrade native forest and can negatively impact the hydrologic cycle, interfering with the ability of forests to capture and store rain and fog drip water. For example, research indicates that strawberry guava trees use up to 53% more water than native ‘ōhi‘a trees (Giambelluca et al. 2007), suggesting that highly invasive plants are likely to greatly alter the water potential of the East Maui Watershed.
This report describes TNC’s management activities and achievements for the period November 26, 2012 to November 26, 2013. Every one dollar of DWS funds will be used to leverage two dollars from the State’s Natural Area Partnership Program (NAPP). Waikamoi Preserve has been receiving NAPP funding from the state since 1992. NAPP funding is subject to annual review and legislative appropriation, and matching funds help ensure continued support. DWS funds are also crucial to leveraging significant additional private funding toward Waikamoi and EMWP management.
II. PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Protect large native-dominated areas and watershed within and adjacent to Waikamoi Preserve by removing all ungulates and preventing future invasion. Maintain large native-dominated core areas within Waikamoi Preserve and adjacent areas that are free of the highest priority habitat-modifying weeds, and prevent the introduction and spread of problem weeds to areas where they are not currently established. Conduct and support monitoring and research to track the status of biological and physical resources of the preserve, especially rare species, while encouraging and assisting with research that increases our understanding and management of the preserve’s natural resources. Build public understanding and support for the preservation of natural areas, and enlist volunteer assistance for preserve management.
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III. MAUI RESIDENT BENEFITS AS A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT Improved water quality and quality delivered to Kula water system residents Improved groundwater recharge ability through protection and enhancement of native canopy and ground cover Potential recovery of listed endangered plant and animal species through the protection of intact native montane forest systems Climate change adaptation ability enhanced by maintaining ecosystem resilience A more informed & engaged community who have experienced native forest via hikes and volunteer trips Leveraging funds and conservation actions Conservation awareness and engagement to the local community Documentation of conservation successes
IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY 20131
2 Table 1. Waikamoi Preserve deliverables achieved, January—November 2013
Ungulates Quarterly Deliverable Annual management activities achieved Fences Inspect and maintain 18 miles of fences 18 mi inspected quarterly and sometimes bi- 3 quarterly monthly Repair/replace fence as needed 36 fence repairs; See Figure 1 Ungulate Control Scout for ungulates during all activities 1,737 total miles scouted and Activity Update activity/catch maps See Figure 2 Maintain hunting dogs & kennel 1,043 total person hours on dog program Conduct ~5 hunts/quarter 18 total hunts Track animal catches 3 animal catches in Waikamoi Preserve Deer Maintain Deer Management Unit fence 3.4 mile DMU fence checked monthly Management At least 1 scout/hunt in DMU quarterly 4 hunts conducted in DMU with 2 pigs Unit removed Trapping Check and maintain all traps semiannually All traps were checked twice. Transect Semiannually monitor thirteen 500m Zero sign detected on transects in May. monitoring transects in Units 1A, 1B, 2 Transects will be monitored again in December 2013. Innovative Maintain 4 remote game and weather Weather camera maintained and multiple ungulate cameras game cameras utilized; See Figure 3 detection Invasive Plant Control
1 Although the contract began November 2012, we did not spend money or operate under this DWS grant until January 2013 2 NOTE: Deliverables include all deliverables for the 5,230 acre Waikamoi Preserve, including those funded from sources outside of DWS (state funds, private funds), with activities totaling > $400,000. DWS funds go toward TNC salaries, and when combined with matching funds, meet the deliverables described in this report. 3 Including Deer Management Unit fence (3.4 mi) and Waikamoi fences that NPS maintains (7.9 mi) 10 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
Quarterly Deliverable Annual management activities achieved Weed sweeps Sweep and control Himalayan ginger 142.8 acres swept with 507m2 of Himalayan throughout Unit 1A, focusing on outliers ginger treated or removed Weed scouting & Scout for, map, and monitor potential See Figure 4 monitoring habitat-modifying invasive plants, and monitor efficacy of treatments Partner support Support MISC to contain serious habitat- No detection of major MISC target species in modifying weeds Waikamoi Preserve (e.g., Miconia, pampas grass) over 1,462 miles scouted Rare Species Protection and Research Quarterly Deliverable Annual management activities achieved Rare plant Support PEPP in search and assessment of 68 rare plant locations, 16 different species mapping and rare species populations to determine discovered this period; See Figure 5 restoration protection needs and to reduce threats. Research Review and provide technical guidance to 3 research projects supported: 1 bird, 1 support research proposals as necessary. arthropod, 1 snail Provide logistical support and orientation Community Outreach Quarterly Deliverable Annual management activities achieved Hikes ~ 8 hikes/mo., including those led by 148 total hikes into Waikamoi partners 42 hikes in Waikamoi led by TNC staff and/or docents Volunteer work ~ 1 volunteer work trip/mo. 16 volunteer service trips 690.5 volunteer hours 133 total volunteers
Detailed accomplishments by management program: A. Ungulate Control Fences: A severe rainstorm in February caused flash flooding and major washouts on Waikamoi boundary fences. A total of 10 person days were spent repairing 27 sections of fence from this storm. In addition there were three trees on the fence and four minor repairs to fences throughout the year. Fence integrity was not compromised during the reporting period and no sign of ingress was observed inside of the boundary fence. See Figure 1. Since this major rainstorm there has been no significant storm damage and only minor repairs were made. Ungulate Control and Activity: Field staff continued to scout for animal activity during all field operations. Every catch is marked with a GPS point, mapped with ArcGIS, and entered in the ungulate geo-database. One pig was removed during March and 2 in October. See Figure 2. Trapping: All snares are checked on a six month cycle. 998 snares were checked in 222 groups during the first check cycle in the spring, and 822 snares were checked in 181 groups in October. In October, two pigs were caught on the snare trail above the Honomanū unit. The catches were followed up with scouting in lower section below the Waikamoi Preserve boundary and field staff determined that ungulate ingress is occurring along the natural barrier. TNCand partners will add more snare traps to address this ingress. 11 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
Transect monitoring: Transects were monitored during May, and will be monitored again in December 2013. Deer Management Unit (DMU): The DMU buffer fence was damaged by a severe storm and flash flooding in February. Repairs were made as quickly as possible to the buffer fence, after securing the Preserve boundary fence. Animal activity was observed inside the buffer unit, and game cameras were installed to monitor activity. In April TNC collaborated with Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) staff to conduct a coordinated hunt utilizing ground hunters, a helicopter, and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) units both in the air and on the ground. The team removed 7 deer with help from the FLIR units, demonstrating the effectiveness of FLIR in the right conditions. Two additional hunts in the area yielded a mature boar and a mature sow. Innovative ungulate detection: Between three and four game cameras are used to monitor ungulate activity, potential ingress, and weather in Waikamoi Preserve and the adjacent DMU. The cameras have the ability to send images to staff in real-time via text or email. Staff monitored and maintained a weather camera installed at Puʻu Koʻolau and at the pali overlooking ʻĀinahou Bowl. Staff removed one of the newer cameras, the PixController Raptor, after testing it for weather proofness and cell service. The Raptor has the ability to take pictures remotely on-demand—i.e., staff can trigger a photo taken in the forest from the comfort of their desk. Staff decided that this feature will prove most useful in areas with potential ungulate ingress along fences and ungulate hotspots. The other camera was maintained atop Puʻu Koʻolau and partners continue to utilize the Flickr site to obtain real- time weather information to inform field operations. Go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/tncmauiweather/ to view real-time weather cam images. See Figure 3. TNC staff Alison Cohan presented on the use of game cameras in natural resource management at the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference in Honolulu in July. TNC staff Francis Quitazol presented at the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference in July on the effectiveness of FLIR technology for ungulate control actions. Dog Program: Approximately 1,043 hours were spent on the dog program in the reporting period. Most of the time was spent on general care and maintenance of the dogs and kennel facility. The dogs are in the field at least once a week to run 3-6 miles or are taken on fence inspections to ensure optimal physical fitness. TNC staff ensure the dogs hunting effectiveness is maintained by taking the dogs to buffer units with ungulate presence to evaluate the dogs hunting performance. TNC staff utilized the dogs to ensure that no ingress occurred into the Preserve after the February flash floods washed out boundary fences. Combined with hunt coverage from contractors TNC staff was able to use the dogs to quickly search the units and determine with confidence that no ingress occurred. TNC staff assisted the State NARS team with animal removal in Nākula NAR. The hunt
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yielded two goats and no other animals were observed in the unit. A collaborative effort with TNC dog teams from Maui, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island traveled to Kauaʻi to help sweep the Alakaʻi Plateau. It was an opportunity for TNC ungulate control experts from all the islands to demonstrate a systematic sweep of an area that is close to zero tolerance (ZT) levels. The trip also gave field staff a chance to exchange information about best practices for reaching ZT in their preserves. The sweeps showed no fresh ungulate sign and the dogs did not detect animals during the sweeps.
B. Invasive Plant Control
Weed sweeps: Staff and volunteers surveyed and treated approximately 142.8 acres for Himalayan ginger, with various densities and sizes removed per site. 507 total m2 of ginger was treated (Figure 5). Volunteers removed over a half-ton of ginger roots and removed over 200 small pines (Figures 5 and 6). Outlier ginger plants found at a high elevation of 6100’ were controlled. We will place more emphasis on monitoring for ginger at high elevations in Unit 1B. German ivy (Delaria odorata) control was strategic in preventing this aggressive vine from getting established in Waikamoi by removal prior to flowering; small pieces of stems or leaves broken off during control could become independent plants. All removed material was taken from preserve (Figure 5). A new banana poka (Passiflora mollisima) site was discovered very close to upper Waikamoi, and the plant removed. Although the 30 foot-long vine had no apparent signs of previous fruiting, three newly formed fruits were removed and disposed. This location is alarming in that the habitat is pine plantation, which would be extremely difficult to survey. It parallels a trend noted by TNC and HALE of this plant moving northward through high elevation pastures toward windward natural areas. A separate banana poka site about 1 mile from lower Waikamoi Preserve was revisited for treatment, finding only scant seedling growth with no fruit and recovery of competitive ground covers that are hoped to reduce uture seedling recruitment. This location could be a critical launch for dispersal to adjacent natural areas if not kept in check. See Figure 5. Weed scouting and monitoring: Landing zones, camps, and other infrastructure are routinely checked and no new non- native plants (including priority weeds) have been detected, only the innocuous herbs and grasses already established at these sites for decades. This is a good indicator that prevention sanitation protocols are being followed. Weed prevention: Staff continue to use Waikamoi dedicated gear, and decontaminate all gear after camp trips or daily use. All visitors are given a decontamination briefing and are required to clean their boots and other gear before preserve entry.
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Partner support: Staff regularly attend and continue to chair bimonthly MISC meetings as well as occasional “special operations” meetings focused on two top priority weed targets, Miconia and pampas grass. Innovative weed detection: Resource Mapping has collected and post-processed the second round of 1cm imagery for two-thirds of the Maui area. Initial analysis of the 1,700 acre Miconia area has been done and Resource Mapping is quality checking it. Shapefiles from these analysis results are expected soon. The last one-third of the Maui area should be flown soon.
C. Rare Species Protection and Research
Forest bird recovery: The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project conducted research in Waikamoi Preserve in the fall and spring, to continue census work on the endangered kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill. Data is also taken for the endangered ʻākohekohe (crested honeycreeper) and ‘alauahio (Maui creeper). They’ve obtained permits to mist-net and capture the birds aiding identification of mated pairs to help determine the birds’ range. TNC assists with the transport of camp gear to and from their main research base in Waikamoi and sometimes helps clear monitoring trails. Preliminary data shows that the team banded a total of 628 birds of various species this season: 11 new kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill) and 13 ʻākohekohe (crested honeycreeper) were banded, adding to the previous seasons total which show the western Waikamoi montane wet forest (Unit 1B) to contain an impressive amount of these endangered East Maui endemic birds.
Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project conducts research on the kiwikiu in Waikamoi.
Zayed Species Conservation Fund team, who has provided funding to MFBRP for the past two years to continue Kiwikiu research and management. Much of the video was filmed in Waikamoi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd5uR-7Icdw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Rare plant mapping and restoration: The Maui Nui Plant Extinction Prevention Program (PEPP) made 2 trips into Waikamoi to outplant propagules of Cyanea horrida and search for undocumented rare plants. The Coordinator located additional locations of Cyanea horrida and the endangered fern 14 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
Asplenium peruviana var. insulare in Waikamoi. TNC staff assisted PEPP with more rare plant surveying. Volunteers also planted an additional 30 endangered Phyllostegia pilosa (currently only known from this small site in Waikamoi, with all other ranges shrunk) to augment the limited naturally occurring population. Two new wild individuals of Phyllostegia pilosa were found by TNC staff. See Figure 8. Two endangered Phyllostegia pilosa grown from Waikamoi material and propagated at Haleakala National Park were outplanted by volunteers TNC staff mapped 2 locations of Wikstroemia vilosa and Cyanea kunthiana (Figure 8). PEPP discovered 7 new locations of rare plant species in Unit 5 (Figure 8). The Plant Extinction Prevention Program (PEPP) monitored an Asplenium peruvianum var. insulare in Waikamoi.
Research support: Cheryl Hayashi (under PI Alan de Queiroz-University of Nevada) and assistant continued distribution research for Hawaiian bristletails, finding none on this trip but instead finding and collecting native amphipods which may be new to science (see below). Darko Cotoras, working on his doctorate at UC Berkeley under Dr. Rosemary Gillespie, compared mitochondrial sequencing between Big Island and Maui spiders of the genus Tetragnatha. His findings show Waikamoi’s Tetragnatha to be one of the most diverse and different from Big Island populations, likely because the age difference in islands. Norine Yeung, Ph.D, Center for Conservation Research and Training, U.H. Mānoa, began research in Waikamoi on Hawaiian land snails. Two genera were found so far. Alex Wang (UH Hilo), formerly of Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, began an independent study of ‘ecological sink’ versus ‘ecological trap’ hypothesis regarding the dispersal of juvenile ʻākohekohe (Palmeria dolei), now restricted to high elevation range by avian malaria. Using radio telemetry tags to track their range post-fledgling and monitor their survival, Alex successfully tracked 4 juvenile ʻākohekohe, noting a minimal change in range.In addition to this three-year project, Alex is conducting population densities and determining habitat qualities. Inanna Carter (Undergrad, Harvard University) began documenting associations between native insects and Hawaiian lobelioids (Campanulaceae), applying the novel use of DNA barcoding to study this plant-herbivore interaction that may provide insight into host fidelity by analyzing gut contents. Her project will extend into next year, but so far she has collected ʻAumakua ʻōmaʻomaʻo caterpillars from Clermontia arborescens subsp. waihiae and Noctuid eggs; a preliminary report on her work on the various Hawaiian Islands is forthcoming. SWCA Environmental Consultants, under the direction of Jaap Eijzenga, carried out seabird census along ʻĀinahou Pali as part of a mapping project with First Wind Hawaiʻi. Although many endangered darp-rumped and band-rumped petrels were detected, none of the targeted Newell’s Shearwaters were found.
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D. Community Outreach
Hikes: 171 hikes were led in Waikamoi during the period. This includes 132 partner hikes and 49 hikes led by TNC staff and docents.
Waikamoi Hikes TNC Docents EMWP Hale Other TOTAL (MISC, MFBRP) Hikes 19 30 25 81 26 171 hikes People 372 105 199 851 178 1,705 hikers
Volunteer work: 16 volunteer groups were led into Waikamoi, mainly to do ginger, pine control, and trail work. Waikamoi Volunteers Service Trips KUPU-HYCC School Groups TOTAL Trips 16 0 5 21 trips People 133 0 70 203 volunteers Volunteer hours 691 0 339 1030 volunteer hours
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
TNC Maui Program maintains a full-time base staff of seven. An estimated 1.5 FTE of Maui base personnel costs for managing Waikamoi Preserve are funded by the DWS Waikamoi budget. However, this number fluctuates depending on the use of contractors vs. staff to complete deliverables. In August 2013 the Field Coordinator resigned; as such the other two staff that charged time to this grant (the Natural Resource Manager and the GIS Specialist) increased their charge to this grant from September to November.
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VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVERAGED
County of Maui DWS funds are leveraged by $200,000 in state NAPP funds and approximately $308,954 in private sources, totaling $508,954.
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE FUNDING
TNC is finalizing a conservation easement over 3,541 acres of East Maui Irrigation Co. Ltd. (EMI) lands adjacent to the 5,230 acre Waikamoi Preserve. The land is some of the highest quality and weed-free native forest in the state. In addition, much of the area has been designated as critical habitat by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to protect Geranium multiflorum and eight other rare plant species. Ungulate and weed management, as well as species recovery in the EMI addition, have long been a management priority for TNC. If there were additional DWS funding, we would expand and enhance management efforts on the new Waikamoi EMI parcel, including but not limited to: complete the 3 mile EMI boundary fence; establishing helicopter landing zones and foot trails; ungulate scouting, monitoring and control; and invasive plant mapping and control.
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
A decrease or loss of funding would greatly impact not only our ability to get the work done, but also our ability to leverage funding from other sources. Specifically, we would drastically lose progress on priority invasive plant control, likely backsliding to a status of at least 10 years back; mapping, database, monitoring, and associated programs will be virtually negated as above progress is negated. Rare plant and bird protection efforts related to mitigation of habitat altering weeds will be affected. Ability to ensure effective barrier fences from feral animals will also be compromised, resulting in further habitat loss.
In addition, certain priority invasive plants are known to negatively impact water quantity and quality (Giambelluca et al 2007: strawberry guava moves 27% more water from the soil than native trees). Anticipated loss of water quantity associated with other priority weeds such as Himalayan ginger. Water quality will be impacted further from feral ungulate ingress into prime watershed. Protection of rare and some critically endangered plants and bird will be indirectly affected by habitat degradation. All these resources are irreplaceable once gone, and keeping current momentum going is best strategy to ensure current progress.
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IX. WATERSHED PROGRAM PARTNERS
Name of Type of Contact Contact Information Amount of Partner Entity Person funds leveraged (by each partner to us, based on DWS $) HI Natural State Randy Randall.W.Kennedy@ha $200,200 Area Partnership Govt. Kennedy waii.gov annually Program
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EAST MAUI WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
I. BACKGROUND
Since 1991, the East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) has conserved and protected over 11,000 acres of forested watershed lands of East Maui with another 3,312 acres in the process of being added to protected status in the upper Hana & Ko`olau Forest Reserves. EMWP’s management focus is primarily undermanaged state and private lands directly adjacent to Haleakalā National Park, the State of Hawai`i’s Hanawī Natural Area Reserve (NAR) and The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Waikamoi Preserve. These areas on the northeast slopes of Mt. Haleakalā, represent one of the largest intact native rain forests in the state, comprising nearly 123,000 acres. These areas also provide essential watersheds for the island of Maui. The East Maui watershed region is the largest single source of harvested surface water in the state with an average harvested flow of 60 billion gallons per year. This project proposes to fund EMWP’s continued management activities in the core, pristine, natural areas which comprise more than 35,000 acres of contiguous, managed watershed. The EMWP considers continuation of the management programs key to the viability of the East Maui watersheds’ ability to provide sustainable yields of fresh water for the current and future needs of Maui’s residents, businesses and visitors.
EMWP’S key strategies are as follows: Feral Ungulate Control – Reduce the negative effects of feral ungulates (pigs, goats, and deer) in native forests and to the underlying hydrology of the watersheds they occupy by reducing their population to undetectable levels. (“Zero Tolerance”)
An aerial view near Honomanu in the East Maui watershed.
Invasive Weed Control – Reduce the spread of invasive weed species of non-native plants before they negatively affect native forests and the underlying hydrology of the watersheds they occupy.
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Resource Monitoring – Provide metrics that show the progress of the Feral Ungulate and the Invasive Weed Control objectives above. Community Outreach & Education – Increase the awareness and comprehension of EMWP’s mission to conserve and protect the native watersheds of East Maui through presentations to schools and the general public and participation in community events throughout the year. Example of fence installation in Upper Hana Forest Reserve. Four foot hog panels are cut to contour to steep terrain at gulches and stream crossings. II. GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF THE DWS GRANT 1. Maintenance and inspection of existing watershed protection fences. 2. Ungulate control within fenced areas according to the ungulate control plan with a timeline approved by the landowner. 3. Control of priority invasive weed species in core and buffer areas identified by management plans approved by the landowner. 4. Upper Hana Forest Reserve Fence construction – continuation of 6 mile fence project to Hanawi NAR boundary. 5. Outreach and education focused on watershed improvement, including internships and training. 6. Coordination of watershed management activities including creating and managing geo- databases 7. Other priority activities identified and supported by Partners – Providing and Maintaining Appropriate Infrastructure to Allow for Effective Management
III. BENEFITS TO MAUI COUNTY
Improved water quality and quantity over time; providing sustainable sources of water for current and future residents, visitors and businesses of Maui for years to come. East Maui‘s native Hawaiian ecosystems and endemic species unique to this side of the island will be protected for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy and learn from. Reduced non-point source pollution down streams to near-shore reef ecosystems. Provides a resource for teachers to educate students in the classroom and the field about Hawaiʻi watersheds. Educating the community about their local watershed and the important role it plays in fresh water retention and habitat biodiversity. Increased Return on Investment (ROI) as County funds are leveraged at least 2.25:1 against state, federal and private grant monies.
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IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY 13
Maintenance of ungulate proof fence: 7.7 miles of fence was checked quarterly and minor repairs were made as necessary. No signs of ungulate ingress into fenced areas were noted.
Ungulate Control inside fenced units: All ungulate traps were checked twice during the year. Eight feral animals were removed. All of them were in Honomanu Management unit (EMWP’s westernmost unit). New fence construction by TNC Maui west of this unit should help suppress any possible ingress into this unit. While that fence project is underway, EMWP has increased ungulate control and monitoring efforts in this unit. Koolau Gap management unit, which had been a relatively high activity area in the recent years, has seen animal captures and activity along monitoring transects drop to zero.
Construction of new ungulate proof fence: Work progressed on EMWP’s Upper Hana Forest Reserve fence construction project during the period. 1000 meters of new fence was constructed including 12 stream crossings. Completing these stream crossings skillfully will dramatically reduce fence maintenance costs in the future.
Transect Monitoring: 21 Transects (ranging from 500 meters to 2388 meters) were checked for ungulate presence or absence during the period. Ungulate presence along transects has remained at near zero levels since 2009.
Invasive Weed Control: Ppriority weeds are regularly controlled along fence lines and on trails to prevent their spread through EMWP’s managed areas. Specific emphasis has been placed on an outlying population of Himalayan Ginger in Wailua Nui Management unit. Two dedicated weeklong trips to this remote population were conducted and approximately 9.25 acres of the most densely populated area was controlled.
Community Outreach: Gave 26 presentations at 9 different K-12 schools, 8 tour guide/operator trainings, and 3 community presentations (reaching an estimated 686 people). Created 25 media events including 16 print events, 3 online, 2 TV and 2 radio events, along with social media and website visits (reaching and estimated 2,232,981 people). Led 17 hikes for 6 different K-12 schools, 1 focused on tour guides/operators, 2 for summer camps and 4 for community organizations (reaching an estimated 250 people). Presented at 14 special events including information tables at local fairs, annual native species art show and related events, tour operator/guide focus groups, library display (reaching an estimated 4,637 people). Total number of events: 82 EMWP believes that fostering public awareness by reaching out to our young people through educational events is critical to engaging future generations in maintaining sustainable water sources on Maui.
Total number of people reached: 2,238,554
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V. STAFF EMPLOYED
As of 4/1/2014, EMWP employs the following staff: 1 Field Crew Supervisor, 1 Field Crew Leader, 2 Field Assistants, 1 Data & Field Technician, 1 Program & Data Assistant, and 1 Outreach Coordinator & Education Liaison, for a total of 7 staff with a cumulative FTE of 5.95.
Currently, EMWP has the following positions open: 1. Program Manager – at 100% FTE 2. Field Assistant – at 100% FTE
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVEREGED
County – 33% State – 46% Private – 21%
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE
With increased funding we could: Intensify scouting efforts to detect invasive weed and animal populations off established trails and fences. Expand management trails to address any new concerns found during increased scouting efforts. Increase the frequency of management in areas known to have ungulate activity, particularly in the Honomanu and Koolau Gap units. Begin to replace older or weaker priority fence sections, especially in areas of high animal pressure.
Maintain infrastructure, paint camps, rebuild water catchments, open helicopter landing zones for increased safety during helicopter operations. 22 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
Depending on the amount of decrease; consequences could include a reduction in the deliverable objectives or result in a reduction of one or more full time staff members.
Without funding to conduct routine fence and ungulate inspections, a single event like a tree fall or a stream washout could allow the flow of animals into a managed unit, negating years of work. Without routine weed control efforts, invasive plants can become established along trails and tracked throughout management units becoming a more expensive and potentially irreversible problem in the future. With decreased funding, all previous investment of time, money, and decades of effort put into protecting the watershed could be jeopardized.
IX. PARTNERS
County of Maui – Department of Water Supply State of Hawaii – Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Wildlife U.S. Department of the Interior – National Park Service – Haleakalā National Park East Maui Irrigation Company Haleakala Ranch The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii – Maui Program
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LEEWARD HALEAKALA WATERSHED RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP
I. BACKGROUND
Prior to human contact, leeward Haleakalā volcano supported some of the tallest and most extensive koa forest in the Hawaiian Islands and Oceania. Leeward Haleakalā’s native watershed forest now occupies only about 10% of its former range due to continued impacts of fire, grazing and browsing by feral ungulates, and invasive plant and insect species. Currently, much of this forest is sparse and often confined to gulches. In some areas, such as eastern Kahikinui and Nu’u, over browsing by large herds of wild goats has stripped the landscape of nearly all vegetation, leading to severe soil erosion. Erosion not only reduces the functionality of hydrologic and biogeochemical processes but it also inundates near shore marine waters with sediment, limiting water visibility and degrading coral reef ecosystems. Long-term degradation of leeward Haleakalā watersheds has depleted aquifers, increased erosion and marine sedimentation, and generally degraded the water, biological, cultural, recreational, agricultural, and economic resources.
If the destructive factors that lead to the loss of native Hawaiian forests are mitigated, there is a tremendous potential for native watershed forest recovery through natural recruitment of remnant forests and active restoration in more degraded areas. The potential for restoring native watershed forests and their incumbent biological, cultural, and economic capital spurred the process to protect and restore core areas of leeward Haleakalā’s remaining native forest.
The Leeward Haleakalā Watershed Restoration Partnership (LHWRP) is a coalition of the eleven landowners (both private and public agencies) of leeward Haleakalā volcano from Makawao to Kaupō. At its formation in 2003, LHWRP landowners and partners came together with a unified mission of collaborative watershed management of 43,175 contiguous acres of mountain watershed lands between 3,500-6,500 ft. elevation to benefit the current and future inhabitants of Maui. LHWRP’s priority action items as outlined in the LHWRP Management Plan are to protect remaining native forest on leeward Haleakalā with fencing and ungulate removal, control priority habitat-modifying invasive species, develop restoration methods for regional watershed forest restoration, collect regional native seed, and implement restoration through outplanting native species.
Within the last few years, LHWRP has shifted from focusing primarily on planning into an implementation phase with the completion of the first landscape level watershed protection fenced unit, encompassing 1,023 acre at Nu’u Mauka-Kaupō (Fig. 1, solid dark blue line). Ungulates have been removed from this fenced exclosure and active watershed restoration will be implemented using seed ball techniques and direct outplanting of native forest species.
Regional native watershed protection has recently gained unprecedented momentum and 24 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013 management action in Kahikinui to preserve and restore remaining tracts of watershed forests for native plants and animals, and overall ecosystem function. Decades of planning have culminated in implementing regional koa-‘ōhi’a watershed forest protection. In 2012, the first phase of fencing was completed (2.3 miles, Fig. 1, solid black line) as the first step in protecting roughly 4,500 acres of relatively intact koa-‘ōhi’a watershed forest at Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)-Kahikinui. The second phase (~2.7 miles, Fig. 1, dashed black line) is funded and will be completed by the end of 2014 and the last phase (~4.1 miles, Fig. 1, dashed black line) is yet to be funded or constructed. Adjacent to DHHL- Kahikinui parcel is the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) with their similar goals of koa forest protection and restoration in Nakula Natural Area Reserve (NAR) and Kahikinui Forest Reserve (Fig. 1, blue solid and dashed lines). Watershed protection fencing has been completed in Nakula NAR enclosing 420 acres. By early 2014, the fencing encompassing the rest of Kahikinui NAR and Forest Reserve should be finished for a total of 2,800 acres of protected watershed area on DOFAW lands.
LHWRP is collaborating with Haleakalā National Park, Nu’u parcel, to find a connecting fence route to link Kahikinui and Nu’u Mauka-Kaupō, and protect roughly 1,450 acres of their uplands (Fig. 1, light grey dashed line) for future forest restoration. Within the next 5 to 10 years there could be up to 10,000 acres of protect watershed lands on southwest Haleakalā. Restoration techniques explored and refined in demonstration exclosures in Auwahi, Kahikinui and Nu’u Mauka will provide the basis for large-scale implementation of native watershed forest restoration in this region.
II. GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF THE DWS GRANT
During FY14, LHWRP staff will be focused on five main issues: 1. Fencing to protect regional native forest, 2. Regional incipient invasive weed control, 3. Regional seed limitations in key native forest species needed for restoration, 4. Developing restoration methodology in both Kahikinui and Auwahi with community outreach and volunteer-based restoration, and 5 Expansion of ecohydrology research at Auwahi to learn how conversion of non-native vegetation to native forest cover influences regional hydrology.
IV. BENEFITS TO MAUl COUNTY
• Protection of intact native watershed forest • Restora tion of degraded native watershed lands • Reduction of erosion and sediment transfer and increased hydrologic function • Supporting rural economy by working with ranches and encouraging a local, sustainable native hardwood industry • Working with landowners and partner agencies to control invasive species • Development of restoration techniques for landscape-level restoration • Educating school groups, cultural groups, visitors, and the community on Hawaiian natural history and culture, watershed issues, invasive species, and developing a
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sense of stewardship and pride for native ecosystems • Since 2000, I 02,553 native seedlings outplanted, 4,176 volunteers contributing 3I,344 volunteer hours over 195 public and private volunteer trips
IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY 13
1. Work with USGS hydrology specialists from Menlo Park, CA to build upon and continue the preliminary research on the effects of restoration on hydraulic properties at Auwahi by assessing effects of reforestation on soil moisture dynamics and aquifer recharge
LHWRP staff worked with USFS scientists from Maui, Honolulu, and Menlo Park over two weeks to install soil, temperature, and humidity probes and data loggers inside and outside the Auwahi I exclosure to compare differences between restored native forest and adjacent invasive grass- dominated pasture. Preliminary results show significant differences in humidity and temperature between the restored and unrestored areas. The study will be conducted for at least one year so longer-term trends can be observed. LHWRP staff maintained and monitored soil, temperature, humidity probes, batteries and data loggers inside and outside the Auwahi I exclosure to compare differences between restored native forest and adjacent invasive grass-dominated pasture. In June, the USGS added two rain gages to the study due to inconsistent readings from the pre-existing weather station maintained by University of Hawaii in Auwahi. In June, Dr. Susan Bush from the University of Utah came to install a preliminary sap flow trial was initiated to determine if there are differences between water use in trees inside the restored area and in the adjacent grasslands. This preliminary study will help us determine if a larger scale experiment is justified. An article about Auwahi hydrology has been submitted by USGS hydrologists to a scientific journal for peer-review for publication.
2. Purchase a full-size, 4x4 truck and a large capacity hauling truck to transport field crew, large equipment, and materials to remote work sites efficiently and most importantly, safely
LHWRP crew researched additional trucks with a full-sized truck bed and the capacity to tow heavy loads for fence material, heavy rigs with water, and the trailer with the Polaris. A Dodge Ram 2500 was selected as the best option and purchased. This truck has already proven worthwhile, trailering the Polaris and enabling LHWRP and DOFAW crew to access a remote site at Kaupo Ranch where ca. 1,500,000 koa seeds were collected!
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The Toyota Tacoma was lifted to ensure clearance and long-term durability on rugged a’a field site access roads.
3. Continue community-based planting and environmental education at Auwahi.
Our organization is fortunate to have the continued levels of community volunteer support for our restoration efforts at Auwahi. Trips remain full with a waitlist. During this grant period, we held fourteen volunteer work trips, including private trips with King Kekaulike’s Hawaiian immersion program, Haleakalā National Park’s summer intern program, Seabury Hall and a Girl Scout group. 265 volunteers contributed 3,104 hours planting 12,355 native seedlings of 19 species and pulling priority weeds in ca. fifteen previously planted acres The 25 acre internal fence within AIII has now been planted and we are focusing on weed control and strategically planning the next steps for restoration in the greater Auwahi area. We have hired a new volunteer coordinator, Mia Charleston, who came to us form Maui Nui Marine Resources Council. Mia will be an asset to our organization as she also brings administrative and GIS skills.
4. Survey, control and monitor priority invasive species on leeward Haleakalā.
LHWRP has been surveying, controlling and monitoring invasive species as part of our ongoing field work in Kahikinui (Fig. 7). Two days of collaborative operations (May 8th and 9th; Fig. 8) LHWRP worked with Haleakalā National Park, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and Maui Invasive Species Committee to conduct experimental trials on controlling 5 priority invasive species (Grevillea 27 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
robusta, Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiate, and Schinus terebinthifolius) on leeward Haleakalā with different formulations. Preliminary meetings with partners have begun to initiate creation of a regional priority invasive species control plan for the Kahikinui region. Partners as MISC, PEPP, CTAHR, Maui Forest Bird Figure 8. Map of treated individuals and treatment areas in experimental Recovery Project, trial controls of priority invasive species on leeward Haleakalā. and DOFAW are going to assist in creating a regional action plan and initiating control of Australian tree fern and Bocconia in the Nakula 420, the first fenced unit in Kahikinui.
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
LHWRP employs two project coordinators, an outreach coordinator, a field supervisor, a field and data technician, and three restoration technicians, for a total of eight staff.
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVEREGED
LHWRP was able to leverage DWS funds to receive $631,438 in grants from the State of Hawai’i, Haleakalā National Park, Hawai’i Community Foundation, USGS, and Sempra. County funds are critical as non-governmental match and enable us to leverage these monies to expand and continue our priority watershed forest restoration efforts.
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE
Regional availability of native seed sources for restoration is a major challenge. LHWRP needs to establish seed farms to help gather the seeds required for landscape level restoration of watersheds. Dedicated funds for staff, office space, fuel and vehicle maintenance are always hard to come by. Ensuring our infrastructure is secure and that we can pay our staff and expand training and educational opportunities for them is a priority. We would also like begin planning for invasive tree control efforts across the partnership, expanding into the south 28 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
west slope where non-native species dominate forest cover. The more funding we
have, the more trees we can get into the ground to re-establish native forest cover and in turn watershed functions.
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
Funding decreases could result in staff layoffs, and therefore a lessened ability to continue management and restoration of priority watershed areas. Even temporary lapses in fence maintenance, invasive species management, and restoration timing can have irrecoverable impacts on conservation progress achieved. Ensuring consistent staff funding is a priority so that resource management can be sustained. Tough decisions regarding which programs to cut would have to be made, and unfortunately the volunteer program would likely suffer since outreach and education are not requisite for watershed forest management in a triage situation. LHWRP would likely focus on maintenance of current progress and curtail furthering watershed restoration efforts or new projects if faced with significant funding cuts.
IX. PARTNERS 1. Department of Hawaiian Homelands 2. Department of Land & Natural Resources 3. Haleakala National Park 4. Haleakala Ranch 5. Ka’ono’ulu Ranch 6. Kamaole Ranch 7. Kaupo Ranch 8. Living Indigenous Forest Ecosystems 9. Maui County 10. Nu’u Mauka Ranch 11. Thompson Ranch 12. US Geological Survey 13. US Fish & Wildlife Service 14. John Zwaanstra
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WEST MAUI MOUNTAINS WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
I. BACKGROUND
The West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership (WMMWP) was created in 1998, making it the second-oldest Watershed Partnership in the State. The mission of WMMWP is to protect and preserve our island’s water supply through collaborative forest management—because a healthy native forest yields abundant fresh water. Native Hawaiian forests compose a giant living sponge that soaks up rainwater and lets it percolate through the vegetation and soils to recharge our aquifers while preventing runoff, erosion, and flashfloods that muddy our streams. With the support of our Partners, our staff of 11 works full time as stewards of our native forests to ensure a clean and sustainable water supply for our island.
In total, WMMWP manages 47,321 acres of the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahalawai (See Map, Page 38). Pu’u Kukui, the summit of Mauna Kahalawai, is one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving around 400 inches of rain each year. As such, the West Maui watershed is a key recharge area, producing 70 million gallons of water per day (MGD) of sustainable yield. This water feeds 76 percent of DWS customers, serving the Lahaina System (3,351 customers) as well as the Central and South Maui systems (20,201 customers).
Thus far, WMMWP staff and Partners have completed over 19 miles of ungulate fence that protect 23,832 acres of watershed lands—about 50.4 percent of the West Maui Forest Reserve—from damage by feral pigs, goats, and deer. Native Hawaiian forests dominate about 33,051 acres, roughly 70 percent of the watershed, much of which has yet to be protected behind ungulate fence. At the same time, successes in weed control, integration of new technologies, and monitoring programs all further our goals of protecting the watershed and native ecosystems that sustain our water supply. In addition, our public outreach and education efforts serve to draw the link between healthy watersheds and our faucets.
Through direct support and the leveraging of other funds, funding from DWS makes possible the management programs of WMMWP and the other Watershed Partnerships in the County. In this way, DWS stands out as a leader for other agencies and organizations in the state to follow.
Key Strategies: Control feral ungulates through fencing and removal programs to reduce erosion, vegetation loss, rare species loss, improve water quality and limit health risks. Control invasive habitat modifying weeds to prevent new species establishment and prevent further spread of those present. Expand weed-free areas through control programs. Decrease incidents of wildfires through planning, coordination, education, fuel management and monitoring.
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Decrease destructive human activities such as illegal dirt biking and trail blazing which impact watershed functions by spreading invasive species, causing erosion and vegetation loss. Conduct public education and awareness programs and build understanding through volunteerism, stewardship, and community outreach. Protect rare species through landscape level watershed protection efforts and facilitate efforts to recover species by credible collaborators. Monitor watershed parameters such as water quantity and quality, biological resources, and threats to inform appropriate management strategies. Enhance management coordination through qualified staffing, adequate infrastructure, growth of knowledge, and collaborations with outside partners, agencies and funders.
II. GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF THE DWS GRANT
The first priority of funding is focused on DWS lands owned in Waihe’e and furthered toward adjacent lands to protect high recharge source water areas. The second priority is to further protection of water recharge areas watershed wide. Program objectives include: Annually maintain and inspect 7.2 miles of fence lines to prevent ingress of ungulates that destroy native forests. Control ungulates within fenced areas to prevent further degradation and soil erosion and enable re-vegetation that will improve water quality. Build additional exclusion fences to impede the ingress of feral ungulates and to restrict illegal dirt bike access into sensitive watershed lands. Control infestations of priority habitat modifying weeds that change the water cycle of the watersheds. Participate in wildfire planning and prevention programs and the West Maui Wildfire Task Force. Monitor changes and recovery in vegetation as ungulates and weeds are removed to evaluate program success and plan future activities. Conduct outreach and education such as interpretive hikes and volunteer work days to improve community understanding of watershed issues. Maintain and enhance a geodatabase to report management and direct actions. Coordinate management of watershed protection priorities.
III. BENEFITS TO MAUI COUNTY
Improved water quality and quantity through effective management of our native forests and watersheds. By protecting key recharge areas, WMMWP ensures a sustainable source of water for businesses, agriculture, residents and visitors—about 76 percent of DWS customers. Protection of native Hawaiian ecosystems that perpetuate cultural traditions and enrich the unique and beautiful backdrop that is cherished by residents and visitors alike. Our Public Involvement Program (PIP) educates residents and visitors about the relationship between healthy watersheds and our water supply and ways they can help protect our freshwater resources.
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DWS customers will realize compounded returns on their investment in watershed protection, as all of our DWS funds are matched to provide us with federal, state and private funding that enable us to protect even larger areas.
IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY 13
Planning Completion of a comprehensive update to the WMMWP Watershed Management Plan, a detailed five-year programmatic plan that outlines programs for controlling impacts of feral ungulates, invasive weeds, wildfire, and human activities; preventing impacts to rare species; monitoring watershed and water quality; conducting public outreach/education; and enhancing management coordination. Completion of a Weed Management Plan that works in tandem with the Watershed Management Plan to direct the control of priority weed species that threaten watershed sustainability. Continued support of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Burnt Area Recovery Plan which address wildfire threats across the Wailuku and Lahaina districts.
Fencing 379 meters of fence were constructed (563 meters of material were used) in Kaua’ula Valley, Honokowai Valley and the Ukumehame unit (cylinder fences).
Ukumehame double-barrel cylinder fences are prefabricated in a safe area then deployed by helicopter (above) as a solution to create an effective ungulate barrier on steep terrain (slopes >60 degrees) while limiting staff time on ropes and exposure to falling rocks. Completed fence (left) abuts 4-foot hog panels on ridge tops. 14,336 meters of fence were inspected for holes, breaches and vandalism. 34 meters were maintained (brushing, fixing holes, breaches and vandalism) to prevent ungulate and dirt bike ingress into watershed lands.
Ungulate Control and Monitoring Transects 3,298 checks were completed with 5 pigs (4 in Pana’ewa and 1 in Honokowai) and 1 deer (Hanaula) removed.
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12 monitoring transects were read this period to record any ungulate sign. Area monitored totals 160,500m2 or 39.7 acres. Fresh sign was found on the Hanaula, Pana’ewa and Waiehu transects. While Pana’ewa is currently a pig hot spot, WMMWP has seen a significant decline in pig activity across the Forest Reserve.
Weed Control 6,026 Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava) were controlled during top-down sweeps of 28.9 acres in Hanaula, Wahikuli, Waihe’e and Keahialoa. An additional 3,121 P. cattleianum were controlled during volunteer workdays on the Waihe’e Ridge Trail to support regional control efforts in hike accessible areas. 558 Clidemia hirta (Koster’s curse) were controlled during 30.7 acres of ground surveys in Wahikuli and Pu’u Kane. This reflects a continued effort to prevent the southward spread of this species. 17 Spathodea campanulata (African tulip) were treated during a 6.5-acre sweep on Waihe’e Ridge to further prevent its mauka advance in this region. 2 incidental Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry) were treated in Pu’u Kane to limit spread mauka.
Photo Point/Vegetation Monitoring WMMWP staff re-visited 4 photo points in the back of Waihe’e Valley. To date, all old disturbances have been re-vegetated. Clidemia hirta dominates within three of the four monitoring plots; however, it is important to note that diversity of native species is still somewhat representative of what was there prior to invasion. This demonstrates a need for a biological control of Clidemia which poses a long-term threat to forest structure.
Ground Scouting Ground scouting was conducted in Launiupoko, Kauaula, Honokowai and Olowalu Valleys (total 24.9 acres). Pig sign was encountered for the first time near the Olowalu intake just outside the Forest Reserve and observed in Kauaula Valley for the first time.
Photo points: At left, an area of pig disturbance in 2006; at right, the same area has been re-vegetated by 2013, although dominated by Clidemia hirta, an invasive species.
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Fencing is being pursued rapidly to prevent the animals from spreading deeper.
Water Quality Monitoring Water quality monitoring program in Honolua Stream continues, supported in part by DWS funds. The program involves maintenance of and data collection from a turbidity and depth recording sonde, alongside collection of base-flow and storm water samples for analysis. Ten erosion bridges were read to compare soil erosion or deposition at each site between years. A poster on the water quality monitoring program was presented at the 2013 Hawaii Conservation Conference.
Public Outreach WMMWP conducted three P. cattleianum volunteer workdays on the Waihe’e Ridge trail (168 hours and controlled 1,537 plants) as well as three educational experiences
with students on the trail controlling 1,584 plants (163 hours).
Volunteers on Waihe’e Ridge rest on the trunks of felled P. cattleianum trees after a stewardship workday.
WMMWP set up an outreach booth at Arbor Day at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden. Staff led two interpretive hikes into Waikapu Valley, one of which was for attendees of the Hawaii Water Works Association conference which was hosted by DWS. Three presentations were given: NOAA Ocean Awareness Training, Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows, and Maui County Council Water Resources Committee.
Wildfire Program WMMWP continues to help facilitate goals of the West Maui Wildfire Task Force, a group of government officials and landowners addressing wildfire threats in Lahaina and Wailuku districts. We have completed the mapping of fire suppression infrastructure across 80% of the area project.
Coordination of Partnership Activities WMMWP conducts regular partnership meetings and more frequent executive committee meetings to ensure partner cohesion and support. WMMWP collaborates with groups such as the Maui Conservation Alliance, Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships, Hawaii Conservation Alliance, and the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative to further protection measures.
Geodatabase Management and Design
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Natural Resource Data Solutions (NRDS) updated and streamlined our database to make it more user-friendly, an improvement which will facilitate data collection and entry. A spatially related data base is kept to record all crew activities and measures of management success.
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
DWS has funded an average of 2.6 FTEs over the last year—23% of WMMWP’s 11 person staff. Program staff job titles (# of positions): o Program Manager (1 FTE) o Data & Program Assistant (1 FTE) o Community Outreach & Education Liaison (.15 FTE) o Natural Resource & Data Technician (1 FTE) o Field Crew Supervisor (1 FTE) o Field Crew Leader (1 FTE) o Field and Data Technician (1 FTE) o Field Assistants (4 FTE) o Americorps Intern (11 months/year)
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVERAGED
Funds from DWS were leveraged through Federal, State, and Private sources in the past year at a rate of $1 to $2.2. In the last three fiscal years we averaged $1 to every $4.6 in other funds. DWS funding conveys tremendous local support for watershed protection and impresses other agencies to do the same.
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE
Additional funding could be leveraged to implement our five-year Watershed Management Plan which calls for $2.7 million in each of the next five years. While 50.4 percent (23,832 acres) of the watershed is in an active form of watershed management, 49.6 percent of watershed lands (23,489 acres) remain unfenced and undermanaged for priority threat control. With additional funding, WMMWP could implement some of the following programs to broaden our management reach: Achieve a level of zero ungulates within an additional ~19,525 acres via quarterly or more frequent management checks. Retrofit 10.9 miles of boundary fence to increase fence heights to 8 feet to exclude expanding deer populations. Construct over 14 miles of fence across Forest Reserve boundaries and strategic fence segments. Construct dirt bike prevention barricades and fencing. Prioritize the 15,000-acre watershed interior (i.e. areas above the 2,800 foot elevation) by eliminating habitat modifying invasive plants from within this management zone. Promote and enhance wildfire preparedness and planning. Enhance WMMWP’s capacity to integrate and manage volunteer assistance in meaningful, informative, and rewarding resource management projects. Continue to integrate AmeriCorps, Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps, University of Hawaii, and Kupu volunteer programs with WMMWP projects 35 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
Establish relationships with nearby communities and developments to educate and prevent introductions of invasive species, minimize human impacts, and solicit support for watershed values and protection. Facilitate the access of credible and fully permitted visiting researchers, biologists and botanists attempting to answer key questions relating to the long term survival and recovery of species. Continue to support the collection of water quality and quantity data throughout the watershed. Support Partner agency efforts to collect stream flow, rainfall, and water quality data from existing stations and support additional water quality and quantity monitoring. Coordinate monitoring efforts with lead agencies such as DOH, NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to support mauka to makai efforts in watershed protection. Further implement and maintain monitoring data sufficient to measure success, inform adaptive management, funders, and policy makers.
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
Land would revert to a degrading trend, succumbing to unchecked threats from ungulates and invasive species. With decreased funding, positions would be lost and leveraged funds would be reduced to compound the problem. Knowledgeable personnel take years to cultivate in this highly specific discipline, such that extensive training would be required to make up for any loss in veteran staff. No further gains in protection would be made as it would be a stretch to maintain status quo. Populations of feral ungulates and weeds would rebound and previous public investment in managed areas would be lost due to lack of maintenance. Two to three times the funding would be required to recover from budget reductions and regain previous levels of management success. The bottom line is that losses in management capabilities would translate to diminished water recharge as ungulates and invasive species colonize watershed lands. The sustainability of the island’s water supply would be compromised if forest degradation by invasive species is permitted to go unchecked.
IX. PARTNERS
The West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership has two types of partners – “Full Partners” and “Associate Partners.” A Full Partner is defined as a landowner or management entity within the watershed boundary whose membership is secured by signing the MOU. Associate Partners” (AP) are defined as non-voting organizations that support WMMWP in principle and provide critical expertise and technical support. Partners are responsible for all major decisions including setting of priority programs and projects, financial and personnel matters and policies relating to the overall administration and operations of the Partnership.
The WMMWP “Full Partners” include: County of Maui General Finance Group, Inc. Hawai‘i State Department of Land & Natural Resources Ka‘anapali Land Management Corp. 36 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
Kahoma Land Company, LLC Kamehameha Schools Makila Land Co., LLC Maui County Department of Water Supply Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i Wailuku Water Company, Inc. The WMMWP “Associate Partners” include: Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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Landowning Partners WMMWP 2014 Dept. of Water Supply (Maui County) General Finance Group, Inc. Kaanapali Land Mgmt. Corp./The Nature Conservancy Kahoma Land Company, LLC Kamehameha Schools Makila Land Company, LLC Maui Land & Pineapple Co., Inc. State of Hawaii - Natural Area Reserves Landowning Partners of the West Maui Mountains State of Hawaii - Forest Reserves Watershed Partnership and our project area. Wailuku Water Company, LLC Associate Partners US Fish and Wildlife Service Tri-Isle RC&D
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MAUI INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE MOLOKAI INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE
I. BACKGROUND
The Maui Invasive Species Committee and Moloka‘i Invasive Species Committee were formed in 1999 and 2000, respectively, to combat the most harmful invasive species with a special focus on threats to our forested watersheds. The Committees address gaps that exist when invasive species become established across multiple jurisdictions. The Invasive Species Committees increase detection and response capacity by pooling resources from multiple funding sources to put boots on the ground and spotters in the air.
Funding from Maui County Department of Water Supply (DWS) supports efforts to detect and control invasive plants across the islands of Maui and Moloka‘i. Work focuses on the goals and objectives established by MISC’s overall Strategic Plan. The MISC and MoMISC Committees are comprised of local resource managers, scientists, and agency representatives who meet four to six times each year to set and review priorities for target species. Staffs from partner agencies work side-by-side with MISC and MoMISC during ground and aerial control missions. All work is data-driven, relying on information about previous surveys or control work to guide future operations and based on established priorities and benchmarks.
Strong partnerships and a supportive community are essential components of the overall strategy. DWS funding is highly leveraged. In addition to County funding, direct and in-kind support were received from Haleakalā National Park, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawai‘i, and other partners. MISC also receives grants from private foundations and contributions from individuals and private businesses. MISC and MoMISC are projects of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit - University of Hawai‘i.
KEY STRATEGIES
1. Ground control operations focus on flowering plants in and around population perimeters. 2. Aerial reconnaissance and aerial control of miconia and pampas grass reach target plants in remote inaccessible areas. 3. Systematic mapping, GPS tracking and integrated GIS databases guide aerial and ground operations. 4. Participation in a collaborative inter-agency approach ensures strategy is efficient and scientifically grounded. 5. Prevention of inadvertent seed dispersal during field operations is accomplished through strict decontamination protocols. 6. Early detection and rapid response of other incipient plant species facilitate eradication while still feasible.
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II. GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF DWS GRANT
To protect Maui County’s forested watersheds from damage caused by invasive plants.
Objectives: 1. Keep miconia from spreading into East Maui’s native forests or West Maui using ground and aerial reconnaissance and an integrated GPS-GIS approach. 2. Eradicate all known residential, wildland, and remote populations of pampas grass, fountain grass, and ivy gourd. 3. Target additional invasive plant species on Maui for early detection and rapid response as time and resources allow. 4. Conduct invasive plant control work on Moloka‘i to protect watersheds. 5. Evaluate and adjust detection and control strategies based on robust data analyses.
III. BENEFITS TO MAUI COUNTY
Invasive plant species threaten the long-term viability of Maui County’s watersheds. The following benefits to Maui County will accrue from continued DWS support: Miconia: economists with the University of Hawai‘i estimate that the unchecked spread of miconia across the Hawaiian Islands would have a net cost of $1.74 billion over a 100-year time frame due to loss of ecosystem services, including the provision of fresh water and healthy coral reefs. Pampas grass and fountain grass: removal of these fire-promoting species reduces the risk that wildfires will reach and destroy our native forests. Other invasive species: the early detection and removal of known high-risk plants is a proven cost-effective approach to protecting forested watershed areas from new invasive plant threats. Economic benefits: MISC and MoMISC procure goods and services from an estimated 120 vendors each year with over 90% of those local businesses. All MISC and MoMISC employees are local residents. DWS funds are highly leveraged, bringing in additional dollars to the county from outside sources.
IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY13
1. Invasive plant detection and control: Trained field crews conducted survey and detection work for a total of 17 plant species on Maui and 18 species on Moloka‘i. Across Maui County, ground and aerial surveys covered more than 7,610 acres. A total of 10,257 invasive plants were removed. 2. Highlights for selected species: 40 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
Miconia: a total of 3,384 acres surveyed on Maui and 626 acres surveyed on Moloka‘i. A total of 8,790 plants removed on Maui, including 114 mature plants. No miconia was detected on Moloka‘i. Pampas grass: residential, aerial, and backcountry work continues to show significant declines in the number of mature plants. MISC continued to utilize Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT), which uses paintball technology to deliver precision amounts of herbicide from the air to otherwise inaccessible miconia plants in East Maui forests. Fountain grass is on track for eventual county-wide eradication. Ivy gourd populations continue to decline on Maui. 3. Early Detection & Rapid Response: Conducted surveys at one botanical garden, a natural area refuge, and roadside areas of Haleakalā National Park to look for new potentially invasive species. One downy rose myrtle plant was discovered at the botanical garden and controlled. Documented three new state plant records and one new island record, devil’s horsewhip, which was removed from a site near the Kahului Airport. Assisted members of the public with plant and insect identifications through a web-based identification service.
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
The combined MISC and MoMISC programs have 28 full and part-time employees (25 FTE), including 5 staff in Hāna, and 2 on Moloka‘i. Approximately 6 FTEs were supported by DWS funds.
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVERAGED
DWS support provided approximately 24% of the overall funding for MISC and MoMISC.
PARTNERS/FUNDING LEVERAGING, FY 13
Maui County - Department of Water Supply $ 486,615
Name of Partner Type of Entity Funds Provided
U.S. Forest Service Federal $107,000
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Federal $50,000
National Park Service Federal $23,000
Hawaii Invasive Species Committee State $343,922
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Department of Land & Natural Resources State $173,275
Office of Economic Development County $835,000
Total $2,018,812
VI. FUNDING NEEDED & OPTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS
Beyond filling vacant positions, an additional full-time crew ($300,000/yr) is needed to conduct miconia ground surveys across infested areas within a three-to-four year time frame to prevent seeds from reaching maturity. An additional $200,000 per year is needed for aerial survey and control of pampas grass and miconia. Additional funding for miconia work is especially critical as decreased federal support has prevented staff from addressing the core Hāna miconia infestation. Support to find and test effective biocontrol agents for miconia is needed ($50,000 - $75,000/yr).
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
State and federal funding have not returned to previous levels. MISC’s overall funding is down 33-40 percent (approx. $500,000). Over the last year due to funding shortfalls, MISC has had to leave numerous vacant positions unfilled. The Hāna crew is down by two staff and the Makawao-based plant crew is down by three positions. The decrease in staff has significantly impacted the ability to complete survey and control work across all infested areas, especially for miconia and pampas grass. The MoMISC crew has never been adequately staffed. We had to delay filling a second field crew position which would have helped keep field work going during an extensive period of time when the existing staff member was unavailable to due to a non-work related injury. Previous increases in County funding helped bridge gaps from other sources. Without additional funding, MISC anticipates further reductions in aerial reconnaissance for miconia and pampas grass, a reduction in remote backcountry trips for pampas grass, and a reduction in both the Makawao-based and Hāna-based plant crews. Loss of momentum on our target plant species will set back eradication efforts by years. Early detection activities would be curtailed.
IX. MISC & MoMISC PARTNERS
. County of Maui Department of Water Supply . County of Maui Office of Economic Development . Haleakalā National Park . Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture . Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources . Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council . Hawai‘i Department of Transportation . Kalaupapa National Historical Park . Moloka‘i-Lāna‘i Soil & Water Conservation District 42 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
. University of Hawai‘i - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources . University of Hawai‘i - Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit . U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service . U.S. Department of Agriculture - Plant Protection and Quarantine . U.S. Forest Service . U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service . The Nature Conservancy of Hawai’i . Tri-isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.
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MAUl NUl BOTANICAL GARDENS CONSERVING HAWAIIAN PLANTS & CULTURAL HERITAGE
I. BACKGROUND Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG) is a six acre Native Hawaiian and Polynesian- introduced botanical garden located in Kahului, Maui situated on one of Maui's last remaining intact sand dune systems. MNBG is the only botanical garden in the state that features only Native Hawaiian and Polynesian-introduced plant species within a coastal sand dune environment. MNBG protects and features rare and endangered native plant species and contains a prized collection of Hawaiian food plants including taro, sugarcane, banana, 'awa, and sweet potato. The garden is directed by Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Inc. a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is, "to foster appreciation and understanding of Maui Nui's plants and their role in Hawaiian cultural expression by providing a gathering place for discovery, education, and conservation." MNBG is a public garden that invites residents and visitors to learn about the conservation of water by exploring xeriscaping techniques and suitable landscaping plants. In addition, MNBG hosts annual events that promote the use of natives in landscapes and distributes educational water conservation materials.
II GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Goal: To preserve Maui Nui's forested native watersheds and to reduce overall water consumption by promoting the use of Native Hawai ian plants in landscaping and by educating the public about water conservation.
Objectives: 1. To promote the use of dro ug ht - t o le r a n t Native Hawaiian plants as well as their conservational and ethnobotanical values 2. To act as a xeriscaping demonstration site for various users to examine and make inquiries about effective xeriscaping techniques while receiving sound advice about water conservation with knowledgeable staff. 3. To ed u ca t e th e p u b lic ab o u t w at er c o n s er v ati o n th r o u g h d a i ly in t er a ct io n s , ed u ca ti o n al p r o g r ams , d is t r ib u tio n o f r es o u r c e ma ter i als a nd by hos t i ng e duc a t i ona l c om m uni t y e v e nt s .
III. BENEFITS TO MAUl COUNTY
1. Easy Access to Resources/Information: MNBG is free and open to the public six days a week (Mondays through Saturdays with exceptions of holidays and weather permitting) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The site is centrally located in Kahului where many residents and some visitors frequent. This allows easy access for people to learn about the 44 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
use of natives. MNBG hosts annual events (i.e. Earth Day and Arbor Day) which promote conservation and the use of Native Hawaiian plants in landscapes. MNBG hosts annual plant sales which make it easy for residents to purchase a wide variety of native plants in a central location and buyers are notified about which plant works best in their environmental zone. • MNBG provides xeriscaping guides and educational resources for the community, which promotes conservation and use of appropriate native and non-invasive plants in the landscape. • Annual events provide an opportune time for MNBG to educate participants about water conservation and the benefits of using native plantings. DWS educational handbooks and materials are distributed regularly at these events. • On a daily basis, MNBG educates visitors of the garden about the use of native plants and water conservation and we provide them with free horticultural advice. On occasion, we also consult with professional landscapers, architects, maintenance personnel, etc., about their landscape projects and how native plants can be integrated. • MNBG educates Maui's students and community organizations about the need to conserve native plants during customized visits. • MNBG offers regular tours of the garden in which visitors can better understand the importance of native plants, how they help conserve water, and their cultural values.
IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY 13
Operate and maintain a Native Hawaiian and Polynesian-introduced botanical garden. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens was open six days a week (weather permitting) with free admission to the public during Fiscal Year 2013. It is estimated that between 15,821 and 17,321 people visited MNBG during this period. This includes daily garden users as well as residents, visitors, and school groups who participated in events, educational tours, workshops, and presentations. 6,123 volunteer hours were logged in maintaining the public garden, plant collection, and nursery. 970 hours of this time were used as a match for other grants (taro collection and Arbor Day).
Participate in and promote conservation of native and Polynesian-introduced plants. 34 Federally listed endangered native Hawaiian species were propagated and maintained as backup populations for wild plants. 20 of these species were additionally represented in seed storage. We maintained or created rare and endangered ex situ (off-site) populations and grew plants for restoration work such as Gardenia brighamii, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Sesbania tomentosa, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Portulaca molokiniensis, Colobrina 45 DWS WATERSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
oppositifolia, and Antidesma pulvinatium for the following organizations: Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, and DLNR Natural Area Reserve. We maintained and improved our collection of pre-European contact Hawaiian cultivars, including more than 65 taro, 53 sugarcane, 26 sweet potato, 14 banana, and 10 ‘awa varieties. We promoted Hawaiian taro varieties at two dedicated events and distributed more than 864 plants representing 53 varieties of kalo to local growers and farmers.
Promote the use of native plants to homeowners, landscapers, architects, maintenance personnel and others. Provide free horticultural advice to the public, non-profit agencies and organizations upon request. We provided more than 780 free horticultural consultations to homeowners, non- profit agencies and organizations. All garden staff and volunteer docents are trained to address topics including native plant identification, how to save water using native plants, and which native plants would meet particular landscape needs. At six community events, staff and local botanists worked as plant experts to consult with event attendees about native plant selection and care. At our Arbor Day Event, we hosted 3 free demonstrations by local arborists to teach the public about tree planting, pruning, and care.
Provide xeriscaping guides and educational resources for the community, which promote conservation and use of appropriate native and non-invasive plants in the landscape. A contact list for six local commercial native plant growers and water conservation handouts from DWS were provided for all free consultations. During community events, MNBG distributed Maui County’s Landscape and Gardening Handbook, American Water Works Association brochures, xeriscaping guides, and coloring books about water conservation. We created a new activity book for children (grades K – 5). A portion of this activity book concentrated on water conservation Dept. of Water Supply was invited to host booths at our events, where they distributed additional water conservation materials.
Organize large events and plant sales to provide plants for the community. Provide plants for DWS displays and giveaways. We distributed 4,174 native plants to the public through community events, donations, and plant sales. Of these, 61% were donated to the public. 548 native plants were donated to DWS for their events and giveaways; 1,323 were given away at Arbor Day; 682 were donated to other organizations; and 1,621 were sold at events or during work hours. Hawaiian Plant Sale: Arbor Day Hawaiian Tree Giveaway: . Ho‘omau 2013 Ola Ka Honua, Earth Day 2013 Taro Sales:
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Promote the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture by promoting the conservation of the plants and environment that sustains it. Signature events provided activities that educated visitors about the ways native plants are used in Hawaiian cultural activities, such as kapa, cordage, and lei making A self-guided brochure, pre-recorded audio tours, and docent-led tours all address how different plants in the collection are utilized in Hawaiian culture.
Educate visiting schools and community organizations and provide service learning opportunities for participants. Residents participating in our Wednesday volunteer group averaged 20 participants each week. Besides being trained in native plant care and propagation, MNBG schedules field trips for this group. 426 people were hosted in 14 community service learning activities at MNBG. 2,116 students were hosted during 28 school field trips and tours at MNBG (Figure 6). 181 people made appointments and were given 1-2 hour docent-led tours of the plant collection.
Assist DWS in additional deliverables, as reasonable and as requested, which help promote water conservation. Additional deliverables were not requested during this period.
More than 4,000 native plants were distributed to residents. Here, Arbor Day trees are given away along with advice about the right tree for the right place.
This year, we created a new activity book that included pages about water conservation.
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Hawaiian Language Immersion students from Pā‘ia Elementary show off their taro that they made at MNBG.
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
MNBG employed five staff (3 FT and 2 PT) equal to 3.8 FTE during FY 2013. DWS funded 0.9 FTE of staff costs, or 1,884.8 hours of staff time.
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVERAGED
DWS provided 15% of MNBG funding during this period. DWS funding is leveraged at approximately 1:1 for private and State grants. Volunteers contributed 5,223 hours of service to this project, or 52% of all garden maintenance hours, at a matching value of $117,780.
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE
Funding is needed for a full-time Nursery Manager position to execute conservation projects, maintain important collections at MNBG, and meet the demand for native plants from the public. The irrigation system at MNBG is outdated and could better demonstrate water efficient gardening to the public if funding was available for renovations. A new Master Plan was recently created that outlines themed gardens that more effectively communicate key conservation and cultural messages, including water conservation. Funding is needed for staff and key infrastructure to develop these themed gardens.
VII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
A decrease in funding would immediately result in staff layoffs. Essential management activities such as maintenance of the health and variety of more than 100 native species on display would decrease. Less public interactions with visitors and residents would be possible, less schools and community groups could be hosted, and annual events would suffer from the loss of coordination and planning.
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VIII. PARTNERS
Community organizations that participated in service projects: Maui Youth & Family Services, Partners in Development’s Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool Program, Mālama Family Recovery Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kaunoa Senior Center, California’s Global Garden Project, Hālau Ka Hanu Lehua, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Maui Police Department’s D.A.R.E Program, Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Programs, Alu Like, Haleakalā National Park Service’s Pōhai Mail Internship Program, and Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi. Schools for which we hosted tours and special activities: Organizations that hosted educational displays at annual events: Conservation organizations for which we maintained ex situ populations for restoration: Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, and DLNR Natural Area Reserve Cultural practitioners that hosted demonstrations and public education events: Native plant vendors that participated in annual plant sales
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HAWAII Agricultural Research Center
Developing Improved Wilt Resistant Acacia koa for Maui Watershed Restoration and Reforestation
I. BACKGROUND
In Hawaii, koa (Acaciakoa) is a valuable tree species economically, ecologically, and culturally. Koa’s natural distribution ranged from lowland to montane areas and dry to wet forests. As Hawaii’s largest native tree, koa provides habitat for many native birds, insects and plants, some of which are endangered. Koa is also the primary nitrogen fixing species in native forest ecosystems. Koa is Hawaii’s premier timber and is used to produce furniture, musical instruments, bowls, surfboards, and craft wood items. Koa has much cultural significance to native Hawaiian and was the focal point of many traditional ceremonies. The resurgence of interest in Hawaiian voyaging and racing canoes using traditional methods has led to a greater public awareness of the scarcity of trees suitable for “canoe koa” and the importance of renewing this depleted resource. With major land use change and declines in sugarcane, pineapple, and cattle production, there is an opportunity and keen interest in utilizing native koa in reforestation and restoration efforts, especially in watershed rehabilitation. However, moderate to high mortality rates in many plantings have impeded past efforts. Currently, many landowners/managers are reluctant to reforest with koa in many eco-regions due to high mortality rates. The primary cause for this mortality is thought to be koa wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. koae.
Research has shown that natural genetic resistance to koa wilt exists in wild populations and that the frequency of resistance can be increased through selection and breeding. Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC), in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, has developed a screening protocol that can quickly assess koa seedlings for resistance to koa wilt. Specifically, this project will use HARC’s methods to identify resistant koa seed sources for use in watershed reforestation and restoration.
HARC has worked with the MDWS in FY2012 and FY2013 to develop a network of sites on Maui to establish wilt resistant koa seed orchards in multiple eco-regions. Upon maturity (3-5 years after establishment), the seed orchards will provide large quantities of locally adapted, wilt resistant koa seed for distribution to various restoration and reforestation projects on Maui. The FY2014 objectives are the logical progression of this multi-year project, and are critical to meeting the overall goals of reintroducing koa across the landscape.
HARC is a nonprofit organization with a long history of providing technical assistance to Hawaii’s agriculture and natural resource sectors. HARC works extensively with koa due to koa’s importance to the forest industry and ecosystem health.
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II. GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF THE DWS GRANT
The goal of this project is to provide landowners/managers with an effective approach for managing koa wilt disease. The development of seed sources that are genetically resistant to koa wilt would remove a major obstacle in utilizing this native keystone species. The FY2014 project will build on the work performed during FY2012-•2013 MDWS. The FY2014 project funds will be used to cover five primary objectives:
1. Recollect seed from wilt resistant mother trees identified from the FY2013 screening: 2. Collect seed from new koa populations on Maui that were previously not collected. Leeward Haleakala Watershed Partnership will provide access to koa populations and assist with seed collection. These collections will provide the base populations from which to select wilt resistant koa families for LHWP. 3. Plant wilt resistant koa seedlings in selected eco-•regions with project partners. These plantings can be utilized as wilt resistant koa seed orchards to efficiently produce seed for specific ecoregions within Maui. Existing partners include: Haleakala Ranch, Maui DLNR-•DOFAW, Ulupalakua Ranch and Maui Land and Pineapple. 4: Expand Maui koa network to include new partners: Nu‛u Mauka, Kaanapali Farm Services and Leeward Haleakala Watershed Partnership. 5: Manage existing plantings for seed production on Maui at Haleakala Ranch and Maui Land and Pineapple Co.
Location and size of project area
1. Haleakala Ranch 1-2 acres 2. Kula Forest Reserve 1-2 acres 3. Ulupalakua Ranch 1-2 acres 4. Maui Pineapple Company 1-2 acres
III. BENEFITS TO MAUI COUNTY
The immediate outcome of this project will be the establishment of two additional koa (Acacia koa) plantings that have significantly increased levels of resistance to wilt. These plantings will serve as an alternative model to the traditional methods used in koa reforestation. The plantings will demonstrate that higher survival rates can be achieved through the use of resistant planting material. The plantings will serve the end goal of providing land owners/managers the opportunity to confidently include koa plantings in their reforestation and/or restoration projects; resulting in ecological, economic and cultural benefits. An additional outcome of the project will be the seed produced by these plantings. The partnering organizations will be able to return to the plantings as a source of resistant koa seed for use in future projects.
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IV. TASKS COMPLETED FOR FY 13
This reporting period the following tasks were completed: A) Haleakala Ranch Koa site was installed in October, 2013. Approximately 750 koa seedlings from selected windward Maui families were planted at the site (Figure 1). These seedlings were grown from 15 wilt resistant families, identified from the 2012 screening trial. At the site, the koa seedlings continue to grow well with survival rates above 90%. Additional post-plant site maintenance work included weed control and tree seedling fertilization. Kula Forest Reserve site has been cleared and fenced. Additional site preparation work to clear planting lines was completed. The disease resistant koa seedlings are being grown at HARC Maunawili nursery. This site is scheduled to be planted by the end of April 2014. The weed control work for site preparation at the Ulupalakua Ranch site was completed. The wilt resistant koa seedlings for this site are being grown at the HARC Maunawili nursery (figure 2). This site will be installed by the end of May 2014. Location and size of project area 1. Haleakala Ranch 2 acres 2. Kula Forest Reserve 2 acres 3. Ulupalakua Ranch 2 acres 4. Maui Pineapple Company, Kapalua Field 26 2 acres* The cooperators have allowed access to native koa forest areas, or previously established koa trials for this year’s seed collection efforts. They have also provided off-road transportation and volunteered time to this project. *Please note installation of the Maui Pineapple Company, Kapalua Field 26 site has been postponed until fencing was installed due the recent leasing of the site for cattle grazing.
Figure 1: Close up of koa Figure 2. Koa Seedlings for Ulupalakua Ranch seedling at Haleakala Demonstration Site Ranch Planting
52 DWS WATEDSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
B) Planning, coordinating, and collecting koa seed from specific Maui eco-regions by individual mother trees: Efforts this year focused on leeward Haleakala Crater eco-region. With assistance from the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Partnership, about 500 acres were surveyed in Naholo, Kaupo Gap area. Koa seed was collected from 3 new mother trees in this area. This work is on-going. Acres surveyed: 500
C) Koa Seed processing from 2013 Harvest: Based on the results from the 2012 koa wilt screening trial which identified mother trees as disease resistance to koa wilt, seed from 20 families located both in West Maui and windward Haleakala were re-collected (figure 3). This seed was processed, cleaned and stored at HARC Maunawili Facility. This seed will be utilized for further koa restoration efforts on Maui.
Acres surveyed: 100
Figure 3. Koa Seed Pods from Resistant Maui Mother Trees –2013 Harvest
V. STAFF EMPLOYED
Two full time employees
VI. AMOUNT OF FUNDING LEVEREGED
The Maui Koa project funding is leveraged with cash contributions from USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection funding at $50,000 for this grant cycle. Additional cash funding is contributed by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's, Conservation Innovation Grant at $25,000 for this grant cycle. Further, our project partners provide in- kind contributions in the form of volunteer time, site management assistance, off-road transport. This contribution is estimated at $15,000 for this grant cycle. Finally, the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center provides greenhouse and experiment station infrastructure to further leverage project funding. This is valued at $10,000 for this funding cycle. The total amount of funding leveraged is estimated to be $100,000 for this funding cycle.
53 DWS WATEDSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013
VII. FUNDING NEEDED AND WHAT YOU COULD DO IF THERE WAS MORE
If additional funding were available, the koa network could be expanded to include new eco-regions on Maui not currently within the network. Further koa seed collections could be done and screening trials to determine high surviving koa families. This would result in koa seed with a wide genetic base and increased frequency of wilt resistance for use in restoration and reforestation efforts on Maui.
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF A DECREASE IN FUNDING
A decrease in funding would reduce the number of planting sites of disease resistant koa. This, in turn would limit the amount of improved disease resistant koa seed available for watershed reforestation and reforestation projects on Maui. Thus, the use of disease resistant koa seed stock for establishing new planting on Maui would be restricted.
IX. PARTNERS
1. Haleakala Ranch 2. Kula Koa farm 3. Maui Land & Pineapple 4. US Forest Service 5. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 6. University of Hawaii 7. State of Hawaii, DLNR 8. State of Hawaii, DOFAW
54 DWS WATEDSHED PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM - ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013