LIHU‘E — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is inviting the public to provide comments on a draft forest reserve management plan for Kealia and Moloa‘a Forest Reserves, states a DLNR press release. Together these two reserves consist
LIHU‘E — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is inviting the public to provide comments on a draft forest reserve management plan for Kealia and Moloa‘a Forest Reserves, states a DLNR press release.
Together these two reserves consist of 10,505 acres of public land on the northeast side of the island and are generally characterized by steep, wet, forested slopes, with high tree canopy in the upper areas.
“Our forest reserves provide the public with a safe water supply, forest product, recreational opportunities, and contain a wealth of cultural and natural resources,” DLNR Chair William Aila Jr. said.
Hawai‘i’s forest reserve system, which currently encompasses approximately 637,000 acres of conservation land, was created in 1903 with the goal of protecting forests and other watershed areas to ensure an ample water supply for the people of Hawai‘i.
The plan is one of a series of site-specific plans to be prepared by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife for individual forest reserves in the state.
The approval process includes review by DOFAW branch and administrative staff, partner agency and public consultation, approval by the administrator of DOFAW, and finally approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Kealia Forest Reserve was established by Governor’s Proclamation in 1906 to protect the forest on the mountain slopes and in the upper valleys of the watershed, and to assist in maintaining regular stream flow.
Moloa‘a Forest Reserve was established by Governor’s Proclamation in 1909; this reserve completed the ring of forest reserve land around Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, an area that provides most of the water used by the residents of Kaua‘i.
Vegetation in these areas is primarily alien forest, although some native ecosystems remain along with rare plants and animals. Public use is limited to two state-managed Na Ala Hele hiking trails that allow access to the southern edge of Kealia forest reserve. Public hunting (mammals only) is allowed in the Kealia and Moloa‘a forest reserves; camping is not.
Visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/forestry/FRS to view the plans.
Written comments will be accepted until Dec. 7. Comments can be emailed to Jan.N.Pali@hawaii.gov or Sheri.S.Mann@hawaii.gov or sent through regular email to Jan Pali, Forestry and Watershed Planner at 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813.
