Education
Master of Science degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (Honolulu, HI) in the Department of Botanical Sciences under the direction of Dr. Kim Bridges. Thesis title: “Alien canopy removal: A possible restoration technique in the partially degraded mesic forest of Pāhole Natural Area Reserve, O‘ahu.”
Reforestation and Work Experience
Judy and Will Hancock – Kalopi Ranch, 1996 – present
Assisted private land stewards in reforesting marginal grazing lands on the dry, leeward slope of the Kohala Mountains. Planned and implemented reforestation and endangered species planting projects utilizing Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) programs. Planting and maintaining 15-20 acres of the native tree koai‘a. Project implementation included site preparation through invasive species control, installing irrigation, planting, mulching, and follow-on maintenance. Planted a federally endangered species of the Amaranth family (Achyranthes mutica), in accordance with US FWS permits. Kalopi Ranch was the first Forest Stewardship Project implemented in the State of Hawaiʻi. Projects are continuing with a four-acre section planned for implementation in 2021/22.
Alan Everson – Āhualoa, 2016 – present
Assisted private land steward in reforesting 20 acres of degraded lands on the wet, windward slopes of Āhualoa. Assisted in planning and implemented DLNR Forest Stewardship and NRCS Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program projects in multi-acre sections. Project implementation included site preparation through non-native species control, planting, mulching, and follow-on maintenance. Project received the 2020 Forestry Steward of the Year award from the DLNR. Projects are continuing with a two-acre section being implemented in 2021.
Natural Resources Office at Pōhakuloa Training Area, 1997 – present
Collaboratively planned and implemented projects related to the protection and management of 20 endangered plant species and the ecosystems in which they are found. Projects planned and implemented included large-scale weed control across more than 200 acres to control invasive species and improve endangered species habitat; planned and surveyed fence lines of more than 30,000 acres of large-scale fence exclosures to protect endangered species and their habitat from non-native animals; design and implement a fuel break system of more than 35 miles to protect against wildland fire; design and implement comprehensive surveys of the installation to document distribution and abundance of endangered and threatened plant species, native plant species, and non-native plant species within 30,000 acres of fence exclosures; developed monitoring protocols for endangered plant species; developed a comprehensive outplanting plant for 20 endangered species. Prepared project and management plans, budgets, and reports in compliance with scopes of work and federal permit requirements. Participated in the preparation of documents and consultations for Environmental Assessments (EA) and Impact Statements (EIS) as well as Biological Assessments (BA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The Natural Resource Office’s success was acknowledged through receiving the 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Military Conservation Partner award.