Kaua‘i will be receiving $123,720 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and protect endangered species at three island sites. The funds mark another attempt to resolve conflicts between hunters and conservationists over the protection of endangered plant
Kaua‘i will be receiving $123,720 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and protect endangered species at three island sites.
The funds mark another attempt to resolve conflicts between hunters and conservationists over the protection of endangered plant species found in wilderness areas on Kaua‘i.
Of the nearly $124,000, some $77,500 will be used to repair and maintain plant enclosures in government-managed conservation areas on the island; $26,220 will be used to survey and protect endangered plant species found in the Alaka‘i Swamp area of Koke‘e; and $20,000 will be used to improve access to the Mokihana Ridge and Waialae Trail for hunters, hikers and conservationists.
The funds coming to Kaua‘i are part of $638,478 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leaders have awarded for 17 habitat-restoration and protection projects across the state through the Community Conservation Initiative.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said the program is unique because it attempts to provide funds to communities to implement plans to reconcile “the needs of the endangered species with the continued presence of game-mammal populations where appropriate.”
“The program highlights the shared goals of hunters and conservationists, and respects their diverse opinions,” said Benton Pang, coordinator of the Fish and Wildlife’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.
“Additionally, both sides realize that endangered-plant species will ultimately mean less regulation and more flexibility.”
Federal government leaders broke down the funds for the Kaua‘i projects:
- $77,500 to repair and maintain plant enclosures in conservation-management areas where hunting is allowed;
- $26,220 to continue a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife Division to survey and protect seven plant species in the Alaka‘i area;
- $20,000 to repair parts of the Mokihana-Waialae Trail to protect access for hunters and conservationists.
Conflicts arise between the two parties when “difficult-to-manage game populations” occur on land where endangered-plant species are found, federal officials said.
Game animals like goats and pigs can reduce the populations of endangered plant species through eating and trampling, and degradation of native habitats.
Statewide, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leaders originally received 50 project proposals. Employees with the DLNR worked to verify the proposals met the Community Conservation Initiative requirements.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees then ranked and selected the 17 projects that will receive the federal funding.
Those who made the selection based their decisions on these criteria and others: projects that enhanced public hunting opportunities and populations of listed species, or projects that benefit the game animals and listed species.
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net.
