DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALLAN A. SMITH, INTERIM CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

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For Immediate Release: May 24, 2007

Pacific's First Experimental Tropical Forest
Receives Funding From U.S. Forest Service

HONOLULU -- The Big Island’s Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest, established in a historic federal-state cooperative partnership to be an internationally-recognized forest research center, will receive $300,000 initial funds from the U.S. Forest Service.

This announcement was made today at a press conference with Governor Linda Lingle, USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey, and Ann Bartuska, Deputy Chief of Research and Development, U.S. Forest Service.

The funds will be used for baseline biological surveys and mapping of resources, and for development or improvement of infrastructure needs such as buildings, roads and trails.

“It’s exciting to see the establishment of the Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest because it adds a missing component to our nation’s network of climate change sentinel sites,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief of Research and Development Ann Bartuska. “It will be the 80th experimental forest in the Forest Service network and the site is among the biggest, farthest west and south and with the highest rainfall.”
“It’s also fitting the experimental forest was established on the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, an important federal research center for managing ecosystems of the Pacific islands,” she said.

The Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest, was officially designated on March 23, 2007 when it appeared in the Federal Register. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Forest Service have begun a 35-year cooperative agreement with the designation of two sites on the island of Hawai‘i – at Pu‘u Wa‘a Wa‘a and Laupahoehoe forests -- as the first tropical forest landscapes dedicated to forest and watershed research

In March the National Science Foundation selected the Laupahoehoe Tropical Forest Unit of the experimental forest as a core site for the National Ecological Observatory Network, a 30-year project to monitor vegetation, animals, and climate at landscape scales. It is one of only 20 sites selected for this project across the United States. Laupahoehoe represents the only tropical rain forest within the national network.

Such studies are critical to developing an in-depth understanding of tropical forests to prepare Hawai‘i and other tropical locations around the world to face present and future challenges that may come 25, 50 or 100 years from now.

“As stewards of the state’s natural and cultural resources, we welcome research that offers solutions for improved management, protection and sustainable use of our forest ecosystems,” said Allan Smith, interim DLNR chairperson. “Both our rain and dry forests face increasing challenges to enhance and restore endangered native forest species, resist invasive species, and better manage public uses in our forests,” Smith said.

Boone Kauffman, who directs the Forest Service’s Institute of Pacific Island Forestry on the Big Island, said, “It is critical that we establish the experimental forests now, given the unprecedented threats facing the future existence of native forest in Hawaii. The forest will simultaneously provide research and learning opportunities for world-class scientists and students of all ages.”

“In addition to research findings, the experimental forests will offer important display and education opportunities for landowners, students of all ages, and the general public,” Kauffman said.

Next steps will include:
-- developing biological field stations and other structures necessary to meet the science and education needs of the people of Hawai‘i;
-- formation of advisory committees consisting of scientists, land managers, educators, land owners, and community members who will provide advise on the direction of the Experimental Forest.

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Media note: for images contact Deborah Ward

For more information, contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320

Roland Giller
Public Affairs Specialist
Pacific Southwest Research Station
U.S. Forest Service
Care of: (808) 587-0320 or cell (808) 222-4841

Fact Sheet Experimental Tropical Forest