WVOC
has established a community-based forest stewardship plan called
the Waikoloa Dry Forest Recovery Project (WDFRP). Its goal
is to protect and preserve 275 acres of lowland dry forest containing
extremely rare plants and federally designated endangered tree species,
all of which played significant roles in the everyday activities
and cultural practices of native Hawaiians.
The WDFRP proposal
was developed in cooperation with the Natural Resource Conservation
Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii Division of Forestry
and Wildlife, Bishop Museum, Amy Greenwell Ethno-botanical Garden,
The Kohala Center for Pacific Environments, West Hawaii Wildfire
Management Organization, Pu'u Anahulu Community Association, The
Nature Conservancy, the Dry Forest Working Group, and Edith Kanakaole
Foundation.
Funding for
this ambitious project comes from many sources, including a cost
share reimbursement grant from the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation
Service and Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle's own fundraising activities.
The State of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources has
approved the WVOC's request for a Forest Stewardship cost-sharing
grant and the WVOC is looking forward to the release of that funding
by the Governor.
The County of Hawaii's Research and Development Department provided
funds for development and printing of informational brochures and
other printed materials, for project signage, and for development
and maintenance of this and a soon-to-be dedicated Waikoloa Dry
Forest website. |