National Parks and wildlife refuges, state-owned reserves and sanctuaries, and private preserves now protect many important habitats throughout the state. But essential forests, wetlands, and other natural areas on several islands remain vulnerable. They must be protected -- and soon. State and federal funds must be allocated to protect these areas through purchase or long-term conservation agreements. Once these lands are dedicated to conservation, field crews can control the pigs and other pest species that are pushing native plants and animals toward extinction. Only the lasting legal protection and management of large, intact natural areas can ensure the long-term survival of hte majority of Hawaii's plants and animals.
FUND ACTIVE, LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP OF ESSENTIAL HABITATS ON PUBLICLY-OWNED NATURAL AREAS: NATIONAL PARKS AND REFUGES, STATE FOREST RESERVES, NATURAL AREA RESERVES, AND SANCTUARIES.
More than half of Hawaii's wild lands (over 1 million acres) are owned by the state or federal government. Strong public agency programs to manage these habitats are vital in the battle against extinction. The chief
challenge facing public land managers is hte threat of pigs, goats, weeds, and other pests foreign to
Hawaii. National Parks and Refuges require increased federal funding for effective pest control. Recent
support for management of the state's irreplaceable system of Natural Area Reserves, Forest Reserves, and
Sanctuaries must continue to grow to address these threats on state lands.
PROVIDE STRONG INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES AND NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS ON THEIR PROPERTY.
Nearly one million acreas of Hawaii's native forests and other important habitats are privately owned. Incentives like the State Natural Area Partnerships will encourage landowners to commit their high-quality natural lands to conservation by providing 2:1 matching funds for long-term stewardship projects. To help restore or improve marginal habitats, the federal and state Forest Stewardship programs provide incentives for reforestation, wildlife enhancement, and ohter sound forestry practices. These and similar public/private matching fund programs must be bolstered to promote wise, long-term management, improve native species habitat, and ensure sustainable use of forest resources. Additional incentives, such as favorable tax classifications for forested lands, are also urgently needed.
HALT THE FLOW OF NEW FOREIGN PEST SPECIES INTO HAWAII.
Congress and the state legislature must recognize Hawaii's exceptional vulnerability to destructive, foreign plant and animal pests and enact special measures to prevent the establishment of additional problem species. Hawaii cannot keep pace with its extinction problems if new, destructive pest species continue arriving in commercial cargo, personal baggage, or packages mailed to the islands. For the first time, private, state, and federal agencies involved in this problem -- from airport baggage inspectors and farm pest control agents to health officials and foreign managers -- are working together on a plan to strengthen Hawaii's pest prevention and control programs. Transforming this plan into effective control measures will require strong national support from Congress, federal agencies, and the general public.
INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE EXTINCTION PROBLEM AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE SOLUTIONS.
New programs to develop environmental education curricula for Hawaii's schools must be expanded so young people can learn about the islands' special ecosystems, their struggle for survival, and the opportunities for saving them. University programs and more hands-on conservation experiences are essential to train conservation professionals who can help maintain our resources for the future. Expanded public access and volunteer activities are key to involving local communities in natural areas protection. Without broad community support no conservation program can succeed.
FURTHER INTEGRATE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE CITIZEN CONSERVATION EFFORTS.
A task force of federal, state and private conservation organizations is necessary to coordinate land acquisition, habitat management, research, enforcement, and other conservation measures in the most cost-effective manner possible. Shared databases on the status and biology of native species need reliable funding. The existing network of environmental organizations should continue in their legislative advocacy and together prepare regular reports on progress in the fight to reduce extinction in the islands.
EXPAND INTENSIVE EFFORTS TO RESCUE SPECIES "ON THE BRINK."
For dozens of species now nearing extinction, survival depends on human intervention to collect and raise Hawaii's rarest plants and animals in botanical gardens and zoos. These intensive propagation efforts have begun for native birds, rare plants, and even tree snails. But the program must be expanded to include the many species at greatest risk. To accomplish this, existing partnerships with zoos and botanical gardens within Hawaii and throughout the world need to be strengthened and expanded.
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