Natural resource condition assessment: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Fung Associates, Incorporated; SWCA Environmental Consultants

The purpose of this Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA) is to evaluate current conditions for a subset of natural resources and resource indicators in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) using existing data and information. The assessment is multi-disciplinary, and uses a hierarchical framework and reference conditions/values for comparison against current conditions. It also reports on trends in resource condition (when possible), identifies critical data gaps, and characterizes the general level of confidence for study findings. An important component of the report is the integration of geographical information system (GIS) products to spatially evaluate current resource conditions. HAVO is located on the southeastern portion of Hawai‘i Island, within the state of Hawai‘i. The Park was incorporated into the National Park System in 1916. Currently, it encompasses roughly 134,760 ha. (333,000 ac.) and ranges from sea level to the summit of MaunaLoa at 4,169 meters (13,677 ft.) elevation. HAVO spans an extensive land area, is located in an extremely dynamic geological setting with two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and contains considerable variations in substrate types, topography, elevation, and climate. These factors, combined with the unique evolutionary history of the Hawaiian archipelago, have resulted in abundant natural resources. Although the Park was originally established to protect and study the significant volcanic processes and features within the Park (notably Kīlauea and MaunaLoa Volcano), it is now appreciated for its other important resources. A great diversity of ecosystems and vegetation types occur at HAVO ranging from wet forests to coastal anchialine pools and underground lava tubes. These varied environments harbor a unique and diverse assemblage of native wildlife and vegetation. Over 50 federally and state listed species and 26 Species of Concern (SOC) are known to occur within HAVO or historically occurred within the Park boundaries. The Park also serves as a popular tourist destination for domestic and international visitors, an education and research center, and a preserve for cultural resources. Since its establishment, HAVO has identified protection of important natural resources as a fundamental part of the Park’s purpose. However, past disturbances have modified the Park’s landscape (e.g., introduction of nonnative ungulates, domestic grazing, ranching, logging, lava flows, and fires). The lasting effects of these past disturbances continue to influence the Park’s natural resources, in addition to present-day threats and stressors. Current threats and stressors of significant concern to HAVO’s natural resources include invasive plants and animals, diseases and pathogens, alternations in fire regimes, visitor use, and climate change. To assess the current condition of HAVO’s natural resources, this report evaluated 21 indicators. These indicators are largely derived from the Pacific Island Network’s vital signs. Each indicator is associated with measures that evaluate and/or quantify the state or integrity of the indicator. The study framework provides a structure for grouping the diverse park indicators. This NRCA utilizes NPS’ Ecological Monitoring Framework, which is a hierarchical, systems-based program developed to provide information on the status and trends of selected park resources. For each indicator in the framework, existing and available literature and data were reviewed. Data were analyzed, as appropriate, to synthesize information from diverse sources, provide summaries, or spatially depict conditions. Each indicator was given an overall condition ranking based on a comparison of the current condition to established reference conditions or values. The four ranking categories are Good, Moderate, Of Concern, and Unknown. The extent of the knowledge base for each indicator was also ranked (represented by A-E).

Natural resource condition assessment: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Series

Collections