Forestry & Wildlife

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces limited openings of its state-managed park and forest lands in the wake of the Iselle storm system. Some areas will remain closed as a precautionary measure for public safety until personnel can assess the areas for damage such as downed trees and make any necessary repairs. Status updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

HONOLULU — The State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking new projects for under the Hawai‘i Forest Legacy Program to protect important working forest lands from the threat of conversion to non-forest uses. The U.S. Forest Service-funded Forest Legacy Program, administrated through DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, welcomes applications for conservation acquisition assistance.

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the following closures of state park and forest areas over the weekend as a safety precaution due to the anticipated arrival of a tropical weather system that may bring heavy rains and possible flash flooding to the island chain. Based upon the latest advisory from the National Weather Service, between 5 to 10 and even up to 12 inches of rain may be expected in some areas.

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LIHU‘E – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces the opening on July 19 of Hunting Unit F for archery goat hunting on the island of Kaua‘i, pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” §13-123-9.

LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces the opening of a feral cattle control in the Pu‘u Ka Pele Forest Reserve. As part of its core mission, the DOFAW is charged with protecting watershed areas from damage caused by feral cattle. To accomplish this, DOFAW requests the continued participation of the hunting community. The cattle control will begin on July 8 through August 28, 2014.

A small infestation of the invasive little fire ant (LFA) was confirmed in late May and has been undergoing treatment at a hotel in Wailea, Maui. The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) detected the infestation, which was confirmed by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

To address the koloa’s future, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the University of Hawaii Pacific Studies Cooperative Unit on The Koloa Project. The project attempts to provide steps that will ensure its ultimate survival as one of three remaining native waterfowl species in Hawaii (the others being the Hawaiian nene or goose, and Laysan duck).

HILO –The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting applications from interested person for vacant seats on the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program Advisory Council on Hawaii Island.

HONOLULU –Even wildlife biologists have a tough time telling the difference between the endangered koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) and the common mallard. Cross-breeding or hybridization between the two species is the primary reason the endemic koloa is endangered.