Proposal Summary

Non-Native Invasive Species: Distribution and Impact at Papahana Kuaola

Motivation

  • Non native invasive plants contributing to environmental change and ecological collapse (high reproductive rates and environmental adaptability)
  • Reduce biodiversity and harm native species
  • Invasives outcompeting native and endemic species
  • Hawaiʻi is especially susceptible to the effects of invasives
  • Human pop. have exacerbated the effects (trade, travel, colonization)
  • Invasive arrive through intentional and unintentional means

Background

  • Humans have thus served as carriers for invasive plant species, both through intentional introduction and when spores or seeds can attach to humans themselves or objects they carry
  • Non-native invasive plants have proven to be detrimental through their ability to quickly evolve and adapt to adverse situations
  • Invasive species have grown more dominant across the globe but have become especially prominent in geographically isolated locations such as Hawaiʻi.
  • Early Polynesian settlers, and to a greater extent European colonizers introduced many non-native species to Hawaiʻi
  • Drastic changes in land use can alter ecosystem functions and native plants’ resiliency
  • Various state agencies are leading efforts to reduce the introduction of non-native invasive plants, however, private individuals and nonprofit organizations are also playing a vital role.
  • Papahana Kuaola, a non-profit organization in Heʻeia, is working to both restore native and culturally important species and to eradicate non-native invasive plants.
  • One of the main priorities of Papahana Kuaola is to identify the non-native invasive plant species on their site, and prioritize them for eradication.
  • Due to the vast amount of non-native invasive plants in Heʻeia, there is a need to determine what species are present, where they are located, and what are the potential and actual impacts.

Objectives

  • This proposed study aims to develop more information on the range, distribution, and impact of species present on site at Papahana Kuaola
  • This project will also support Papahana Kuaola’s goals of environmental restoration and education
  • The production of this new ‘ike (knowledge) about Papahana Kuaola will information future land management practices on site and potentially across the state of Hawaiʻi

Approach

Plant Identification 

  • Surveying a smaller portion of Papahana Kuaola’s 63 acre property, focusing on areas where active restoration is occurring
  • I will delineate 10m X 10m plots and mark each plot off with field tape and garden flags to ensure there are no repetitive identifications and measurements.
  • Note important details such as: leaf patterns, stems, flowers, and seeds
  • Photograph various views of each plant
  • With these plot surveys and photographs, I will create a catalog of non-native invasive plant species at Papahana Kuaola including the scientific name, common name, and Hawaiian names of the plant when applicable

Hawaiʻi Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA)

  • comprehensive list of non-native invasive plant species currently present in Hawai’i
  • divided into three categories: low risk, medium risk, and high risk
  • After completing the field surveys, each invasive plant encountered will be assigned a score based on HWRA
  • Additionally, the catalog of invasive plant species at Papahana Kuaola will be organized as such: high risk, medium risk, and low risk
  • Appropriate land management strategies for species that fall under the high risk category will be recommended based on the score assigned by HPWRA

Mapping

  • GPS coordinates will be taken of each population of non-native invasive plant
  • Mapping the invasive plants will help in recognizing any patterns that could assist with future land management practices

Outputs

  • Invasive species catalog of Papahana Kuaola
  • 4 maps detailing distribution
  • Final capstone defense presentation
  • Final capstone report

Outcomes

  • Contribute to an increased awareness of existing invasive plant species, their threat level, and management recommendations
  • Catalog and map will also serve as educational tools for visitors, school groups, and staff.
  • Information generated will assist Papahana Kuaola to identify priority areas for invasive plant control
  • Greater opportunity for native and culturally important plants to reestablish and be restored
  • With the presence of more native species the organization will be able to create programs focused on topics such as laʻau lapaʻau (traditional medicine), mālama ʻāina (care for the land), and aloha ʻāina (love of the land).

Timeline

Resources Needed

  • Device to take photos (free)
  • Notebooks, paper, pen, waterproof paper
  • Garden flags and field tape
  • Flash drive
  • GPS unit
  • 2-4 copies of Invasive Species Catalog

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