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Draft Plan/EIS for Protecting and Restoring Native Ecosystems by Managing Non-Native Ungulates


The NPS is pleased to announce the availability of the draft plan and draft environmental impact statement (draft plan/DEIS) aimed at protecting and restoring native ecosystems by managing non-native ungulates (hoofed mammals) within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This draft plan/DEIS for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park analyzes five alternative strategies for managing non-native ungulates to support long-term ecosystem protection; promote recovery and restoration of native vegetation and other natural resources, and protect and preserve cultural resources.

The NPS "preferred alternative" (alternative D) would create a parkwide comprehensive, systematic management framework that would include:

• An expansion of current lethal removal techniques to address new species and technologies;
• Consideration of non-lethal techniques such as relocation;
• A progression of management phases, monitoring, and considerations for the use of management tools;
• A population objective of zero non-native ungulates, or as low as practicable in managed areas;
• Complete boundary fencing for Kahuku and 'Ōla'a rainforest;
• The potential use of localized internal fencing to assist in the control of non-native ungulates; and
• Continuation of volunteer programs, with modifications for lethal removal programs to meet current NPS practices regarding the removal of meat or other parts of the animals

The comment period is now open and will run until January 20, 2012. You may provide comments through this website, or one of the following methods:

--At the public meetings (more information available in the newsletter found on this website); or
--Mail comments to the address noted below

All written responses must be postmarked or transmitted no later than midnight MST, 8 pm HI time, January 20, 2012.

For additional information, please contact Rhonda Loh, Chief of Natural Resources Management, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, (808) 985-6098.

 
Comment Period: Closed        Nov 18, 2011 - Jan 20, 2012
Document Content:
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