New opportunities for research, education, and demonstration
The Mission of the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF) is to provide landscapes, facilities, and data/information for those wishing to conduct research and education activities contributing to a better understanding of the biological diversity and functioning of tropical forest and stream ecosystems and their management. The HETF represents a significant contribution in the global effort that is necessary to understand and protect some of the most threatened and endangered ecosystems in the world. This can best be accomplished by facilitating tropical natural areas/species research, fostering an environment for interaction and exchange of information among scientists and to those outside the scientific community, and providing education and demonstration opportunities for those interested in tropical forest studies and management.
~ WHAT'S NEW! ~
More Kids in the Woods - Honokaa High School Video
Check out the Honokaa High School Forestry & Ag class video titled 'Laupahoehoe Forest Field Trip' from their December 2010 trip into the Laupahoehoe Unit of the HETF through the More Kids in the Woods - Starts with a Seed Program. Mahalo to the class for sharing their experience with us! (Note: scroll to the bottom of the linked page to find the video)
HETF 2010 Annual Report
Is now available for download.
The HETF Laupahoehoe Construction Project has completed the EA process -
The final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the HETF Laupahoehoe Construction Project was released on September 23 2011 and the appeal period for the project officially ended on November 15, 2011. Please go to the Plans/Projects page of the website for more detail and to review documents associated with the project.
~ Upcoming Advisory Council Meetings ~
- Laupahoehoe Advisory Council (LAC) -
Next Meeting: Wed, March 14, 6-8 pm @ Laupahoehoe Library Humanities Room
MEETING AGENDA (will be posted once finalized) - The meeting format includes a public comment period after scheduled agenda topics, as well as a 'new business' public comment period at the end of the meeting.
About the LAC: Formed in December 2010, the purpose of the LAC is to provide the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the US Forest Service (USFS) guidance and consultation relating to management, research, and other activities within the State lands that comprise the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF). The LAC's mission statement: Within our Hawaiian Culture establish community support in the development of strategies for the long-term management, protection and utilization of existing and potential forest resources.
Visit the LAC's website to learn more.
- Puu Waawaa Advisory Council (PAC) -
Next Meeting: Sat, January 21, 3-5 pm @ Puu Waawaa Lakehouse
MEETING AGENDA (will be posted once finalized) The meeting format includes a public comment period after scheduled agenda topics, as well as a 'new business' public comment period at the end of the meeting.
About the PAC: The PAC was formed in June 2002 to function in a consultative capacity with Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) staff involved in planning efforts for Puu Waawaa. The PAC is comprised of community members, who represent a wide range of expertise and interests.
HETF 2007-2009 Annual Report
Is available for download.
HETF Climate Data
A new area of the HETF website is the Climate page. On these pages, climatic data from a number of weather stations is available for viewing and download. Graphs of precipitation and other climate variables are also available. Several of the weather stations have been in operation for over 40 years and have hourly precipitation records available for this entire period.
Highlights
Hawaii Permanent Plot Network (HIPPNET)
The HIPPNET program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), has established two of ten statewide large (4 ha), permanent research plots in the HETF, one each at Laupahoehoe and Puu Waawaa. HIPPNET plots and monitoring methods are designed to complement the network of long-term tropical forest research plots established by the Smithsonian Institute's Center for Tropical Forest Science.
Experimental Forest and Range Synthesis Network (EFR)
The HETF has been selected as a site for the USDA Forest Service's Experimental Forest and Range Synthesis Network, one of 18 sites nationwide. The EFR Synthesis Network will serve as a platform to conduct research at a national and trans-national levels, addressing environmental issues including changing climate, atmospheric chemistry, and invasive organisms.
HETF acts in partnership with the following oganizations:
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service