Private Stewardship Grants Program
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A Proposal to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Private Stewardship Grants Program January, 2003 WAIHE’E COASTAL DUNES AND WETLANDS PRESERVE PROTECTION AND RECOVERY PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project will initiate long-term (10-year plus) restoration activities on the coastal dunes and wetlands of the 250-acre Waihe’e Preserve, to restore and enhance habitat for numerous coastal species including the endangered Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Duck and Hawaiian Gallinule, two endangered insects, and at least five endangered plants. The objective of this first phase will be: Removal of invasive exotic plants from selected wetland and upper dune areas Widening the open water drainage corridor Expansion of the mudflat areas adjacent to open water in the wetlands Predator control in the wetlands areas to protect nesting birds Removal of old structures within and adjacent to the wetlands boundaries Plot plantings of native rare and endangered plant species on selected upper dune areas DURATION: Eighteen (18) months SUMMARY OF COSTS: Requested of PSGP: $125,775 MCLT Cost Share: $ 28,125. Total Project Cost: $153,900. CONTACT: Dale B. Bonar, Executive Director (daleb@hawaii.rr.com) Maui Coastal Land Trust P.O. Box 965, Wailuku, HI 96793 808-244-5263, 242-4741 (fax) Signature:_____________________________ Date:________________________ USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 1 Executive Summary The 250 acre Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Preserve (The Waihe’e Preserve) will conserve and protect over 24 acres of coastal, spring-fed wetland, 103 acres of dune ecosystem, over one and a half miles of marine shoreline and more than 8 acres of riparian habitat for the recovery of native birds, insects and vegetation. In recent years, at least six endangered taxa, including the Hawaiian Stilt and Coot, two endangered plants and two endangered insects have been reported from the site. The proposed 250 acre Waihe’e Preserve is part of a 277 acre coastal dune and wetlands system that has been under imminent threat of development as a high-end destination golf resort. The Maui Coastal Land Trust (MCLT) has arranged to purchase the 277 acre Property through funding from the County of Maui, US Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Wetlands and Endangered Species grants and from private donations. Closing will take place in January, 2004. In the interim, MCLT will take over management of the property and initiate restoration activities. The Waihe’e Coastal Wetlands and Dunes Preserve Project will restore and permanently protect 250 acres of private property on the North shore of Maui. This property extends along the coast from the Waiehu Golf Course to the mouth of Waihe’e Stream. It encompasses 24 acres of wetland, 103 acres of buffering sand dunes, and approximately 8 acres of riparian habitat. Four streams flow through this property. [See Figure 1.] Only three significant wetlands remain on the north shore today: Kanaha pond, Paukukalo, and Waihe’e. Kanaha Pond is managed as a wildlife sanctuary by the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. This sanctuary is being restored with native vegetation and is successfully providing nesting habitat for the Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, and Hawaiian Duck. It is, however, limited by the industrial areas along its margins and it’s close proximity to the Kahului Airport. Paukukalo is degraded by invasive non-native vegetation and is surrounded by urbanization. The property was bought in 2000 and the new owners hope to develop housing and condominiums, which could further degrade the site. Because of the extensive degradation and urbanization, there are no plans to restore this wetland complex. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 2 Figure 1. Aerial Photo of Proposed Waihe’e Preserve Waihe’e wetlands, only 5 miles from Kahului and Wailuku, the two main towns on Maui, is the most significant unprotected coastal wetland remaining along the northern coast of the island. Extensive sand dunes with wetlands on the coastal edges once covered the northeast coast of Maui between Kahului and Waihe’e. Over the last century, however, most of these dunes and wetland systems were leveled and filled to develop Wailuku and Kahului industrial areas, Port of Kahului uplands, Kahului airport, and residential housing. Waihe’e is unique in that the dunes form a substantial natural buffer which physically divides a range of natural habitats from the residential area of Waihe’e Village. The wetland at Waihe’e is fed by freshwater springs, which filter through the sand dunes from an extensive watershed in the West Maui Mountains. DLNR biologists identified Waihe’e Marsh as one of the best places on Maui for migratory waterfowl and conducted extended banding studies at this site in the 1950s. More recently, biologists have seen endangered Hawaiian Stilt chicks in April and May of 2002 (Fern Duvall and Jennifer Crummer, personal communication). Endangered native plants have been recorded from the dune system, though lack of stewardship in recent years has degraded the condition of the native coastal strand vegetation. Motorbikes, cattle, and invasive plants threaten what is left of the native USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 3 plants. The recovery potential of coastal strand plants is considered high relative to other habitats, due to the natural adaptations of coastal plants to a range of harsh conditions. Protection and stewardship of this site will further the efforts in waterbird conservation on Maui by supporting habitat recovery of regional wetland areas. Hawaiian Stilt, coots, and ducks are highly mobile and rely on complexes of wetlands to fulfill their foraging and nesting requirements. Similarly, many species of over-wintering migratory waterfowl and shorebirds require adequate foraging grounds to sustain the energy requirements of long distance migrations. Ground nesting seabirds such as the Wedge-tailed Shearwater and Bulwer’s Petrel are known to nest in the dune area. These pelagic seabirds are highly vulnerable to predation by cats and dogs. Their nesting areas are largely restricted to small off-shore islets which are limited in number. There is very little information on the success of the nests at Waihe’e; however, feral cats commonly predate nests at adjacent Waiehu Golf Course (Duvall, personal communication) In its current, unmanaged state, the Waihe’e wetland will continue to become a population sink for endangered species. Known predators such as wild cats, dogs, rats, and introduced mongoose have all been seen around the wetland area. Illegal trespassing of dirt bike and ATV use is on the rise in the area and pose a direct threat to endangered waterbirds and native plants. Historic agricultural practices that channelized a drainage from the wetlands and allowed extensive cattle grazing over much of the property diminished the natural hydrology of the site and destroyed many of the native plants. Without enhancement and restoration efforts, the site would be unlikely to regain favorable habitat status. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 4 OBJECTIVES: Our ultimate goal is to restore the wetlands and dune habitats for recovery of native flora and fauna, and steward the conservation values of the property in perpetuity. Habitat restoration will be a long term project that may require decades to attain fully. This proposal includes those steps which initiate the process and set the stage for ongoing restoration. Establishment of the Waihe’e Preserve offers a unique opportunity to expand the wetland values found on Maui, and expand habitat critical to the recovery of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, coastal vegetation and insects. To foster this opportunity, a consortium of partners has worked together to acquire and preserve the 250 acres of the proposed Waihe’e Preserve which includes prime wetland, dune, marine, and riparian natural communities. The vision for this landscape involves the restoration of Maui’s third largest coastal wetland, development of environmental education programs, native plant restoration on Maui’s largest undeveloped coastal dune system, and stewardship of the natural biological values inherent to this site. The ultimate goal of the project will be to support the recovery of endangered waterbirds, native plants and insects. Species outcomes: The proposed Waihe’e Preserve offers a range of natural habitats in a secluded setting unique for Maui. Though only 5 miles from the island’s urban center, this site is exceedingly well buffered from suburban development by its expansive dune system which provides a substantial, natural buffer. The wetland at the heart of this site currently provides habitat for endangered Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and Hawaiian coot (Fulica alai). Migratory waterfowl have historically used this site and it has been documented that as late as the 1950’s thousands of waterfowl, including the stilt and coot, were known to use the site. Other wetland species that will benefit from restored habitat at the site include the Hawaiian Duck (Anas wyvilliana) and many species of migratory shorebirds. Table I lists the species expected to benefit from the restoration of the site. As shown in the table, resting, forage and nesting opportunities for many coastal avian species will be provided by the restored habitat. Several rare and endangered plants have been recorded from the encircling high dune system, including the Creeping Naupaka (Scaevola coriacea), Popolo (Solanum nelsoni), and Hunakai (Ipomoea imperati). These dunes also provide habitat for the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) and Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), pelagic seabirds which nest in burrows along secluded coastal areas. The riparian ecosystems harbor diadromous fish species such as the `o`opu `alamo`o (Lentipes concolor) and `o`opu nakea (Awaous guamensis). Two endangered invertebrates, Blackburn’s Sphinx Moth (Manduca blackburni) and a hawaiian Damselfly (Megalagrion blackburni) have been recorded from the dunes and wetlands, respectively, in recent years (Fern Duvall, DLNR, Personal Communication, May, 2002). USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 5 Figure 2. Site map with National Wetland Inventory Boundary and general locations of known rare plant, animal and ecosystems from the Hawaii Natural Heritage Program Database, courtesy of Natural Resources Conservation Service. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 6 List I. Species expected to benefit from resource stewardship at Waihe’e. Fauna Scientific name Himantopus mexicanus knudseni Anas wyvilliana Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis Fulica alai Heteroscelus incanus Arenaria interpres Branta sandvicensis Anas clypeata Anas acuta Numenius tahitiensis Calidris alba Pluvialis fulva Nycticorax nycticorax Common name Status Current/ historic at Waihe’e Endangered Nesting, foraging Known from adjacent habitats Kanaha, Kealia High restoration potential Increased numbers Hawaiian Duck, Koloa Hawaiian Gallinule, `Alae `ula Endangered No information Kanaha Increased habitat Endangered No information No Hawaiian Coot, `Alae ke`oke`o Wandering tattler, Ulili Ruddy turnstone Nene Endangered Reported Kanaha, Kealia Historically known from Maui, reintroduction criteria for delisting Increased habitat Migratory shorebird Migratory shorebird Endangered Foraging Common Common Northern Shoveler, koloa moha Northern Pintail, koloa mapu Migratory waterfowl No information No Information No information Kanaha, Kealia Increased habitat Increased habitat Potential for introduction Increased habitat Kanaha, Kealia Increased habitat Bristlethighed curlew sanderling Migratory shorebird Reported with high numbers historically Reported uncommon Increased habitat Migratory shorebird Migratory shorebird No information Foraging Common Increased habitat Increased habitat Indigenous Foraging Common Hawaiian Stilt, ae`o Pacific golden plover Blackcrowned night heron Migratory waterfowl USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Restricted Common Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 7 Puffinus pacificus Wedgetailed shearwater Pelagic seabird Nesting Bulweria bulwerii Bulwer’s petrel Pelagic seabird Nesting Diomedea immutabilis Insects Manduca blackburni Megalagrion blackburni Plants Scaevola coriacea Laysan Albatross Pelagic seabird Solanum nelsonii Ipomoea imperati Panicum faurii var. carterii Sesbania tomentosa Schidea globosa Centuarium sebaeoides Blackburn’s Sphingid Sphinxmoth moth Damselfly Damselfly Creeping Naupaka, naupaka papa popolo hunakai Increased protection No information Offshore islands, isolated headlands Offshore islands, isolated headlands Seen off shore Breeding resident Breeding resident Kanaha and Kanaio Kanaha and Kanaio Increased habitat Increased habitat Endangered Historic population Endangered ‘awiwi Endangered Good potential Historic populations adjacent Endangered Historic population SOC declining Carter’s Panic Grass `ohai Increased protection Increased habitat, threat protection Adjacent locations Endangered Significance to Target Species: A summary of restored habitat benefits for affected species is presented in Table I. For example, removal of invasive wetlands plants such as the pervasive Indian Fleabane (Pluchea indica) will open upovergrown mudflat areas adjacent to the main waterway which are critical forage areas for Stilts. In addition, the predator control measures (fencing, predator trapping and poisoning) will allow successful nesting to occur. Opening up additional open-water area by removing invasive marginal grasses (primarily through water level management and physical removal) will provide attractive resting and forage habitat for many of the coastal migratory waterfowl reported from historical surveys. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 8 The proposed Waihe’e Preserve will provide recovery habitat for three listed, endangered waterbirds, as well as re-introduction sites for Hawaiian moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis), Hawaiian Goose, or Nene (Branta sandvicensis), and, potentially, Laysan Duck (Anas laysanensis). Benefits of Location: The Property is located on the Northeast coast of Maui at the base of the West Maui Mountains. (Figure 3) The proposed Waihe’e Preserve is a unique, buffered Property situated near the towns of Wailuku (the county seat) and Kahului (the main business center). The majority of residents in and around these towns are long-time residents, many of who have a long history on Maui. The two closest villages to the site, Waihe’e and Waiehu are home to predominantly Hawaiian residents, and include two Hawaiian Home Lands subdivisions. The local communities have strong attachments to this land and are very supportive of both the biological and cultural preservation and restoration efforts that have been proposed for the site. The Waihe’e Preserve would form a very important conservation addition to the to other wetlands Preserves on Maui. The project will preserve and facilitate the restoration of Maui’s best remaining coastal wetland and the largest remaining dune system in the islands. This project will integrate waterbird habitat efforts on the island and support a network of protected areas which included Kanaha Pond State Sanctuary located 5 miles to the southeast, and Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge located 15 miles to the south (http://pacificislands.fws.gov/wnwr/mkealianwr.html) (See Figure 4). . The close proximity to the urban center of Maui County makes the Waihe’e Preserve an ideal candidate for facilitating environmental education and cultural awareness. Uplands areas of the site that are adjacent to Waihe’e Village would provide an excellent location for an environmental and cultural education center without encroaching on the sensitive portions of the Preserve. An additional benefit of the location is the protection afforded to the coastal wetlands by the surrounding dunes which results in very low noise and visual disturbance. Roadway and public activity noise is virtually non-existent, and from most of the wetlands areas no other habitations, buildings or heavy public-use areas can even be seen. The site lends itself well to controlling public access in a way that minimizes disturbance during critical times, such as nesting. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 9 Figure 3. Waihe’e Preserve Project Location and Location of Adjacent Preserves of Kealia Pond and Kanaha Pond USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 10 Landowners Involved: The property is currently owned by Waihe’e Oceanfront Hawai`i, Inc, a Japanese-owned firm which had planned a destination golf resort on the property. MCLT has negotiated a purchase agreement with the owners and will close on the property in January, 2004 for $4.8 million.. The landowner is very supportive of this proposal and will provide a formal “one dollar per year” lease arrangement to MCLT that provides the land trust with full control of the property prior to closing. At the time of closing, MCLT will also be donating a perpetual Conservation Easement to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources that ensures perpetual protection of the property. The DLNR is an active partner and very supportive of this project. Why Government Assistance is Needed: The proposed Waihe’e Preserve is an broad based undertaking that will have archaeological, cultural and educational elements in addition to the habitat restoration and species protection activities outlined here. (See Attachment: Case Statement for the Waihe’e Preserve.) Habitat restoration alone will take place over many years (perhaps as much as two decades) and require the participation of many volunteers, local community organizations and local, state and federal agencies. The land trust, as part of a capital campaign to raise the acquisition and stewardship funds for the property, is establishing an initial $ 1 million Stewardship Endowment which will grow and ultimately provide a permanent source of funds for managing and maintaining the Preserve. However, initial funding will be necessary for several years. Funding will be sought from various public and private sources until such time as the Endowment is sufficient to provide ongoing stewardship. Sources of Funding: Funding in the form of both dollars and in-kind resources will be sought from the following entities over the next several years. These agencies, foundations and organizations have been informed of the Waihe’e Preserve project and have expressed interest in supporting it. (See appended letters of support.) Environmental Protection Agency, Wetlands National Park Service. Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program USDA Wetlands Reserve Program USGS Coastal Habitat US Army Corps of Engineers Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Areas Program Na Ala Hele Trails Program Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Maui County National Fish and Wildlife Foundation USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 11 Hawaii Community Foundation Nathan Cummings Foundation Hawai`i Native Plant Society Ducks Unlimited PROJECT STATEMENT OF WORK Overview. The project proposed here is the initial phase of the long-term habitat restoration and stewardship of the Waihe’e coastal dunes and wetlands system. Full habitat restoration is expected to take more than a decade, and stewardship will be conducted in perpetuity. Re-establishment of the full range of wetlands functions will require further research and planning, and will be carried out in concert with the on-the-ground activities described below. The rate at which native wetlands plants will recover following removal of invasive exotics will determine how quickly restoration can proceed in the future and whether more (or less) aggressive methods are necessary to re-establish habitat. Studies are planned with engineers from Ducks Unlimited and the US Army Corps of Engineers to better define the hydrology of the area and these will also guide future wetlands design for restoration. In the interim, our goal is to begin the removal of invasive exotics both within and on the margins of the wetlands areas to create more open water and mudflat areas, and to allow native vegetation an opportunity to re-establish itself. On the dunes, areas which have particularly noxious invasives, such as the Ironwood trees on the northern aspect of the dune crest, will be cleared of those invasives and replanted with native ground cover representative of the area. Clearing will be done by hand and mechanical assistance, primarily by volunteers from the community. Primary responsibility for the project rests with the Project Coordinator, a new position that will be hired to oversee the Waihe’e Preserve. The Project Coordinator will work with the MCLT Executive Director and Project Associate to recruit, train and manage the volunteers involved in the field work. In addition, he/she will coordinate with the agency and organizational partners in the project (including Ducks Unlimited, DLNR, EPA, USGS, USFW, etc. See appended letters of support from partnering organizations), and assist in the design of future phases of this project. Wetlands. Removal of invasive exotic plants from selected wetland and adjacent areas The wetlands and adjacent buffer areas are heavily invaded by exotic shrubs, grasses and trees that have filled in much of the open water area. Indian Fleabane (Pluchea indica) has become exceedingly dense within the wetlands area, but various cane grasses and shrubs have become pervasive as well. Around the wetlands margins, USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 12 Java Plum (Syzygium cumini), Christmas Berry (Lycium carolinanum) and African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata) have narrowed the open water area and covered the mudflats and banks that are preferred by waterfowl, especially the Stilts. In this initial phase of restoration, plant extraction will be done by hand and power tools, as well as by mower and tractor. Volunteers from the Native Hawaiian Plant Society as well as from various community and environmental organizations will work in teams to extract and discard invasives. Extracted vegetation will be passed through a chipper/grinder and composted on site for use as mulch and soil enhancement elsewhere on the property. Widening the open water drainage corridor The open water corridor near the toe of the dunes (see figure 4) will be widened by dredging, subject to receipt of the appropriate permits. This widening is likely to take place in the later stages of this initial project, since it is anticipated it may take up to a year to complete the permitting steps. We are meeting with the DLNR and the Army Corps of Engineers in late January to assess permitting requirements and timing. Figure 4. Waihe’e wetlands open water area as seen from northern dune crest USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 13 Expansion of the mudflat areas adjacent to open water in the wetlands This will be effected by hand removal of grasses and shrubs on the open water margins. One to two acres of mudflat will be exposed along the northern aspect of the open water area during this initial phase of restoration. Predator control in the wetlands areas to protect nesting birds Dogs, cats, mongoose and rats are the major predators seen in the project area. In past years dogs have been occasionally seen in the area, and when reported will be trapped by the Humane Society. Traps will be placed by volunteers to catch feral cats in the area that will be transported to the Humane Society, and traps and rodenticides (e.g., Diphacinone) will be used to control rats and mongoose. Temporary plastic construction fencing will be placed around the northern wetland area (which will include the restored mudflat) as an additional predator deterrent during nesting season. Removal of old structures within and adjacent to the wetlands boundaries Several sheds, pens, fence lines, footings and other structures are located adjacent to the wetlands area. These are remains of the Waihe’e Dairy that operated on the site during the early and mid-1900’s. While the Phase I environmental survey has revealed no evidence of contamination, these structures house many rodents and insect pests (including centipedes and scorpions) that both degrade the biological functions of the wetlands and create a hazard for workers. The structures will be demolished and removed as part of the clearing process around the wetlands. Dune Habitat The dune habitat is populated almost entirely with non-native ground-cover which, while maintaining the integrity of the soil, does not provide native habitat for the insects and birds which could otherwise inhabit the area. Restoration activity on the dunes during this initial phase will involve: Removal of the stands of Ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia) which are proliferating on the northern crest of the dunes. These trees will be removed by chain saw and tractor. Plot plantings of native rare and endangered plant species on selected upper dune areas Many native species typical of the coastal dune systems can be obtained through commercial native plant growers, and the Native Hawaiian Plant Society can access other species from restoration plots they oversee throughout the Islands. Rare and USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 14 endangered coastal dune species such as those listed in Table 1 will be planted and cultivated in marked 8’ X 8’plots across the dune system. The numbers of plots to be established will depend on the availability of plants during this initial restoration phase, but we anticipate establishing a minimum of 24 plots across the dune system. In addition to establishing local populations of native plants, hese plots will provide nursery plants for future restoration efforts. Non-Project Restoration Efforts In addition to habitat restoration described in this proposal, archaeological and cultural research as well as possible restoration will be an integral part of the long-term Waihe’e Preserve project. The Waihe’e Preserve was the site of the ancient Hawaiian village of Kapoho and it contains a wealth of archaeological relics including fishponds, house sites, walls, platforms and two heiau (shrines) as well as extensive burials in the dunes. The Hawaiian communities have a strong cultural attachment to the site and are thrilled that it will be protected. There has been interest expressed in creating a cultural/educational center at the margin of preserve which could tie in well with the habitat restoration goals. The level of any potential archaeological and/or cultural activities will be defined by a community planning process which will begin in early spring of 2003. PROJECT MILESTONES: 1. Hire Project Coordinator (by Month 2) 2. Recruit and train volunteer teams (by month 3) 3. Acquire necessary equipment (tractor, tools) (by month 3) 4. Extraction of wetlands invasives along open water (months 3-18) 5. Establish and maintain compost facility (months 4-18) 6. Contract with native plant nurseries for dune plants (by month 4) 7. Demolish/Remove structures around wetlands (by month 5) 8. Install predator control devices (prior to and throughout breeding season) 9. Remove invasive Ironwood trees from dunes (by month 12) 10. Establish native vegetation plots on up to 24 sites on dunes (months 6-18)) 11. Clear invasive shrubs/trees from margins of wetlands back to toe of dunes (months 618) 12. Regularly mow grasses outside of wetlands areas to reduce predator cover and minimize flowering (ongoing) 13. Dredge open water channel wider, subject to permits (by month 18) 14. Monitor habitat usage by species expected to benefit (ongoing) CRITERIA TO EVALUATE SUCCESS USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 15 Quantitative data on success of habitat restoration will be collected by regular monitoring of the numbers and species of native plants that appear and/or survive in the cleared wetlands and the dune plots. Numbers of plants, numbers of species, area of coverage and relative health of the plants will be assessed. The Hawaii Native Plant Society will be responsible for monitoring and reporting these data. Success of the habitat will be assessed by monitoring usage of the site by the fauna listed in Table I. Volunteers will record all sightings of listed species or evidence of their usage of the Preserve. In addition, records of predators sighted, trapped or destroyed will be maintained to determine whether predator controls results in a significant decline of predator activity. DURATION OF BENEFITS: The Waihe’e Preserve will be conserved in perpetuity through partnership between Maui Coastal Land Trust and the Hawaii Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR). The Maui Coastal Land Trust (MCLT) was established in 2000 to preserve and protect the natural and scenic beauty of Maui’s undeveloped coastal lands. MCLT is in a position to hold title to the parcel in perpetuity and provide local stewardship of the Preserve. Hawaii DLNR will hold a perpetual conservation easement on the Preserve, ensuring permanent public oversight of the land trust. In addition, a broad network of preservation partners has been established to develop the restoration and stewardship aspects of this project, including (but not limited to): US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Wetlands Program) Ducks Unlimited (DU) Rivers, Trails Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA), US Dept. of Interior Local community groups Local cultural and historical groups Trust for Public Land CONCLUDING SUMMARY: The planned long-term restoration efforts will result in profound biological advances, benefiting a wide range of plant and animal species which occur, or were known to occur, on the property (List 1). This includes improvements in wetland, native coastal strand, and riparian habitats as described below. Restoration of the wetland area would increase habitat for endangered Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Duck, and could be an important location for the reintroduction of the Hawaiian Moorhen (a criterion for de-listing), Hawaiian Goose, and potentially the Laysan Teal. Historically known as an important site for migratory waterfowl, improved USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 16 hydrology at the site would regain habitat for several species such as Pintail, Shoveler, Bristle-thighed curlew, Pacific golden plover, and many others. Water quality in the adjacent coastal waters would also improve due to the filtering qualities of wetlands. Sediment loading is a particular problem along actively drained coasts and this is particularly important at this site as runoff empties into the ocean along the longest and widest reef on Maui. Removal of invasive species from the dunes and re-vegetation with native coastal plants will benefit a range of plant and animal species. In particular, Ironwood (Casuarina spp.) is quickly spreading over an area known to have a diversity of native plants. This tree also threatens to overtake potential nesting habitat for wedge-tailed shearwater and Bulwer’s petrel. Stewardship of this site will involve the community in biological restoration, cultural preservation, and environmental education. This site is an ideal setting for an outdoor classroom for geology, ecology, marine biology, and Hawaiian culture. Educational efforts will be coupled with the ongoing restoration and monitoring of the Preserve so that the tangible results of recovery of listed, endangered species is quantified. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 17 References: Crummer, Jennifer, Project Manger, Ducks Unlimited, Maui, Hawaii Duvall, Fern, Habitat Biologist, Hawaii DLNR U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1990. Technical Review of Draft Report, Wetland Losses in the United States, 1780’s to 1980’s. Unpublished letter from Ernst Kosaka, Pacific Islands Office, USFWS, to Thomas Dahl of the National Wetlands Inventory, USFWS, Florida. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2001. Draft Revised Recovery Plan for Hawaiian Waterbirds, Second Revision. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 140 pp. Clark, John R.K., 1989. The Beaches of Maui. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 18 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION The attached project budget for this first phase of restoration is based on an initial project duration of 18 months. At this time, the project timeline is tentatively slated for July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004. Personnel A full-time Project Coordinator will be hired to oversee this project. The coordinator will be a professional biologist and manager who will hold primary responsibility for all aspects of this project. This will be a permanent position within the Maui Coastal Land Trust. This proposal requests 75% funding for this position from PSGP, with the remainder provided by MCLT. The position is based on an annual salary of $40,000, and the benefits include medical and retirement plans. Equipment The extensive restoration activities which will be conducted on large portions of the 250acre Preserve will require regular use of a tractor with backhoe, loader and mower. Purchase and maintenance of this equipment will cost less in the long run that renting. This request is for a 22 horsepower diesel Kubota tractor that will be sufficiently powerful to conduct the activities planned for this project and ongoing restoration on the site. The chipper/grinder will be rented on an occasional basis to shred vegetation for composting or mulch. Supplies These materials will be used by project personnel for hand removal of vegetation and for predator control around cleared portions of the wetlands, particularly during breeding season. Native Plants Native plants which will be used in the restoration plots on the dunes will be purchased from local suppliers, some of whom can be contracted to grow the starts. Species to be acquired include creeping naupaka (Scaevola coracea), popolo (Solanum nelsonii), hunakai (Ipomoea imperati), Carter’s panic grass (Panicum faurii), ‘ohai (Sebania tormentosa) ‘awiwi (Centarium sebaeoides) and Schidea globosa. Indirect Costs Our standard overhead rate of 20% covers office, travel, communications and support costs, as well as financial management of the grant. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 19 Cost Sharing Maui Coastal Land Trust will provide, at a minimum, the cost share funds shown on the budget page ($28,125 of the total project cost of $153,900, or 18%). In addition, the volunteers which will contribute to this project will provide an estimated 3000 hours of labor over the 18 months of this grant period. Recent research by Independent Sector (http://www.independentsector.org/index.htm) places volunteer value at $16.05 per hour. This calculates (3000 X $16.05) to a cost-share value of $ 48,150. ALTERNATIVE BUDGET An alternative budget is appended to the budget page which shows how we would utilize a reduced grant award. This budget reduces the Project Coordinator position to threequarter time. In this case, projects costs would be: Requested of PSGP: $ 97,650 MCLT Cost Share: $ 28,125. (22% cost-share) Total Project Cost: $ 125,775. USFW Service Private Stewardship Grants Program Maui Coastal Land Trust January, 2003 20
