Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 6, 1 June 2005 — Input sought for wildlife plan [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Input sought for wildlife plan

By Sterling Kini Wong In June, the state will hold a series of open houses for the puhlie to comment on a draft of its federally mandated wildlife conservation plan, whieh will also be posted on the state's website for review. Congress has required that every state and territory complete a final version of the conservation plan by Oct. 1 in order to continue to receive federal funding from the State Wildlife Grant Program. The plan is to be updated every 10 years. The goal of the plan, called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, is to be just that: comprehensive. That in itself is somewhat unusual, since most conservation efforts are done pieeemeal to protect just one species in peril. The endeavor calls for the creation of a statewide conservation plan that will protect those species that are most in need, along with their habitats, while also ensuring that eommon species remain eommon. It's a proactive approach to conservation that will involve both private organizations and government agencies at the state and federal levels. "This is a good opportunity for us as a state to think about wildlife conservation at a long term, strategic level," said Jeff Walters of the state's Aquatic Resources Division, whieh is taking the lead in this effort along with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). DOFAW is gathering various conservation management plans and resources that have already been created over the years, said Christen Mitchell, the state's coordinator for the program. One of the objectives of the project is to build on past conservation efforts. The state must also eompile a comprehensive list of all native wildlife, their habitats and potential threats. Plants are not directly included in this plan, but almost all the fauna will be covered through the protection of the species' habitat. "If

there are no native plants, there's no wildlife," Mitchell said. Conservation strategies that may be considered for the plan, Walters said, include preventing the spread of invasive species and diseases, and working with loeal groups to monitor habitat areas. The state is also seeking any traditional Hawaiian stories or uses related to the native species to be included in the plan. "While all species should be protected, there is also the cultural significance to Hawai'i's animals that makes the need for their protection even greater," Mitchell said. "We want to make sure those cultural eonnections are recognized." Money may heeome an issue for the program. The state has been receiving federal funds through the State Wildlife Grants program since it was started in 2001. According to the program's national website, Hawai'i received $610,000 from

Congress through the program in 2005. That is a relatively low amount, because appropriations are determined by a formula that takes into account the state's size and population. The problem is that while Hawai'i is one of the smallest states, it is widely considered the "endangered species capital" of the U.S. "Hopefully, the strategy ean be used as ammunition to prove that we need more money," Mitchell said. Walters said he is also concerned that the state may not have the required matching funds to implement the plan.

To provide public input, or for more information, visit the state's website at www.dofaw.net/cwcs, or eall Christen Mitchell at 587-0051.

Nn Hon

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Above: This endangered O'ahu tree snail (Achatinella Sowerbyana) isone of the native species being included in the state's wildlife conservation strategy. The happy-face spider (nananana makaki'i) - found mostly on Hawai'i island, but also on O'ahu and Maui - lives on the undersides of leaves in forests. Photos: Courtesy of DOFAW