TROPICAL FORESTRY IN EAST HAWAII
PLANT OR RENEW A HARDWOOD FOREST
FOREST HAWAII-Home Page
The Island of Hawaii was called Moku O Keawe by the people who lived here. The forest that skirted the mountains was sacred, as were the mountain peaks. To enter in order to take a tree for a canoe log required respect, strength, humility and a lot of men, warriors and priests
HAWAIIAN NATIVE FORESTS ARE NOT WHAT THEY WERE
This degraded forest has been on its way to becoming pasture since the cattle brought here by the English escaped and went wild. For sixty years the land had been leased for cattle ranching. The cows keep the alien grasses eaten down, which might help prevent damaging fires, but they also eat every sprouting tree seedling and that prevents forest regeneration.
Recently, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands regained control of the forest and got most of the cattle out.
Next began a Koa salvage operation which would cause a disturbance of the forest floor thereby stimulating regeneration of long dormant seeds remaining in the soil.
Next began a Koa salvage operation which would cause a disturbance of the forest floor thereby stimulating regeneration of long dormant seeds remaining in the soil.
Leaving in place healthy legacy trees, which will provide seeds for the next generation, and removing most of the dead and dying trees improves the forest.
Trees on the forest floor might contain usable wood, or are reduced to compost.
When the loggers carefully retreat from each section, there appear seedlings by the thousands sprouting up from the areas of disturbed forest floor.
The work has provided jobs for people of Hawaii island, the Koa wood enters the marketplace and value-added products are created, bring a boost to the island economy.
With appropriate care given by tropical foresters this forest will be regenerated and the legacy will continue for future generations.
Trees on the forest floor might contain usable wood, or are reduced to compost.
When the loggers carefully retreat from each section, there appear seedlings by the thousands sprouting up from the areas of disturbed forest floor.
The work has provided jobs for people of Hawaii island, the Koa wood enters the marketplace and value-added products are created, bring a boost to the island economy.
With appropriate care given by tropical foresters this forest will be regenerated and the legacy will continue for future generations.
