DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LAURA H. THIELEN, INTERIM CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2007

DLNR To Reopen Kula Forest Reserve On September 1

WAILUKU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will reopen the Kula Forest Reserve for public recreational access beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2007. Polipoli Springs State Park will also reopen on that date.

“The public is invited to once again enjoy recreational activities, such as hiking and hunting in these areas, keeping in mind that while the forest is beginning to recover, burned areas are still fragile, and that for safety, it is mandatory that they stay on the trails and roads,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR interim chairperson.

“This large and unseasonable wildfire burned more than 2,300 acres in the reserve between January 23-February 5, 2007. During the summer we cleared trail and road corridors of burned trees which fell or were potentially hazardous. Our tasks now are to prepare the landscape for reforestation efforts that will begin in mid-November, weather permitting. The recovery of this cherished forest will take time and the efforts of many people,” said Thielen.

Since the fire was declared controlled, DLNR’s first objective for remediation work in Kula Forest Reserve was to mitigate hazards to the public. DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) crews and contractor Hi Tree Services worked for four months to remove approximately 800 downed or fallen hazard trees. Milling of salvageable lumber continues along these corridors. Some wood will be provided for classroom beams at a local elementary school.

The next objectives, currently underway, have been to mitigate the impact of existing invasive species and to protect and stabilize soils prone to erosion by promoting growth of ground cover. Crews have applied herbicide to noxious weeds, such as blackberry, on 175 acres in the burned areas.

DLNR has hired contractor JBH Fencing to install approximately 5 miles of fencing along the makai boundaries of Kula Forest Reserve to keep out cattle and goats from lower areas. The previous fence was old, and damaged by the fire.

State foresters plan to restore the forest watershed to enhance native species habitat and native ecosystem recovery, by planting trees and vegetation to enhance the fog capture capabilities, and grass to slow water runoff, allow for greater water absorption and moisture retention.

Foresters plan to reseed 1,500 acres that were the most severely burned and where nature needs a little help to recoup. Nine tons of grass seed meant for ground cover and erosion control have arrived, and DOFAW staff will sow the seed toward the end of September when moisture and weather conditions are expected to be good.

The reforestation plan calls for enhancing native species habitat and native ecosystem recovery
by planting native trees, including larger numbers of koa and ohi‘a than before, and native shrubs of the same species that were lost during the fire. These efforts will enhance the habitat for native birds. Redwoods, known for their height and ability to attract fog condensation will also be planted in the forest. DLNR anticipates planting 207,000 tree seedlings to reforest severely burned areas, which will come from a local nursery in upcountry Maui and from nurseries in California and Oregon for redwood.

Plant test trials for native ‘a‘ali‘i, koa and naio have been encouraging and have not been impacted by feral pigs so far. However, to assure the best chances of survival for the young trees, DLNR’s Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife will be implementing a two-month special feral pig season in September and October 2007 to reduce the wild pig population before reforestation efforts begin in November. Hunt days are Saturday, Sundays and state holidays.

This is in addition to regular game mammal hunting within the Kula Forest Reserve (Units C & E) that also resumes September 1. The bag limit will be one pig per hunter per day, and no season limit. Hunters are required to wear blaze orange. Hunting dogs are not allowed.

DLNR will also begin a special year-long hunt for feral sheep in Kula Forest Reserve, from September 1 to August 30, 2008. Since trespass feral sheep have been reported in the reserve, efforts are needed to remove these animals. Any hunter encountering feral sheep in the reserve will be able to harvest these animals regardless of numbers or sex of sheep on legal game mammal hunting days. Hunt requirements can be found in Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 123 or by calling the DOFAW Maui district office at 984-8100.

For information about reservations for Polipoli State Park cabin call the Maui State Parks office at 984-8109.

For further information on status of the Kula Forest Reserve please contact the Maui District Branch office at 984-8100.

The public is asked to report any violations by calling DLNR Enforcement at 643-DLNR (643-3567).

# # #

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