Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Native Ecosystems Protection & Management

A few of Hawai‘i’s endangered species are easy to recognize -the Hawaiian Hawk, or I‘o is a good example. At least one type of geological feature that often is home to rare ecosystems are lava tubes and caves. However, not all lava tubes are home to rare natural communities and not all places that an I‘o is seen represent an intact native habitat. In order to identify what types of species or ecosystems exist on a parcel, landowners depend upon two sources: historic records and the services of a professional consulting biologist.

It is possible to look in libraries and in other areas for sources of historic information on what might exist on a particular parcel of land. Another way to find out about what your land might harbor is to hire a consulting biologist to survey your property. Prices vary, as does the quality of the work that is done. Often having a respected, locally trained biologist survey your property will give you the most complete and reliable overview of what is on your property. Reputable biologists can frequently be found connected with major research institutions or organizations in the state.

What are the other requirements of the program?

In order to qualify under this program, the applicant shall be a landowner or a cooperating entity of private lands of Natural Area Reserve quality. A cooperating entity is a “private non-profit land holding organization or any other body deemed by the DLNR as satisfactorily able to assist in the identification, acquisition, and management of natural area reserves.”

Other program conditions include:

1. dedication of the private lands in perpetuity through a transfer of fee title or a conservation easement to the State or a cooperating entity
2. management of the private lands by a cooperating entity or landowner according to management plans approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources

In-kind services such as heavy equipment and existing sources of labor may be utilized as a portion of the private contribution in implementing the management plan.
DLNR has established a three step process for project funding and implementation:

1. First, the applicant should submit a preliminary proposal that indicates the intent and nature of the natural area management considered.
2. From these proposals, the State Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) Commission may request detailed management plans for projects that are eligible for matching funds. Selection criteria include importance of the resources protected, feasibility of project accomplishment, public benefits, availability of funds, and partnerships with other organizations.
3. From the detailed management plans, the Board of Land and Natural Resources, with advice from the NARS Commission, will determine final funding levels for project implementation.

If you have read through the eligibility information above and believe you qualify, please fill out the Preliminary Proposal. You may refer to the Sample Proposal for guidance when filling out the form.