What is Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death?
The fungus, Ceratocystis, has impacted over 50,000 acres of ʻŌhiÊ»a forest on HawaiÊ»i Island so far. Here’s how you can learn more about it:
- If you’d  like to spend an excellent 35 minutes to learn what Rapid ʻŌhiÊ»a Death (ROD) is, how it’s being detected and about the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ (CTAHR) Strategic Response Plan, watch extension forester Dr. J.B. Friday, discuss this subject with the HawaiÊ»i County Council Committee on Agriculture on February 12, 2017 and presented by Big Island Video News.
- Visit CTAHR’s’ page dedicated to Rapid ʻŌhiÊ»a Death to find out where it is, what you can do about it and helpful links, including their Facebook page.
Image Wikimedia USGS
Hawaii Forest Industry Association Plants Douglas fir Christmas Trees March 3 and Invites You to Volunteer
HFIA’s ‘Aina Mauna Christmas Tree Planting of Douglas fir trees on the slopes of Mauna Kea will take place on March 3 on the slopes of Mauna Kea from 8 :00 am-12:30 pm and you’re invited to volunteer to help. Horticulturist Aileen Yeh of the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center will lead the efforts. Space is limited and sign up is suggested. See the Hawaii Tribune Herald article for more information.
If you want to see how Douglas fir seeds, sent from Vancouver Island and Washington, grow into trees to plant, see Aileen Yeh’s pdf presentation on the HFIA website.
State Board of Land and Natural Resources Approves Carbon Credits Initiative–“Growing Trees will Provide Opportunity for Purchase of Credits”
A Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources  news release on January 30, 2017 announced, “If you drive a car, fly in a plane, use air conditioning to cool your home, or engage in other activity powered by fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gas, you may soon have new ways to offset your emissions locally, by supporting Hawaiian forest restoration.”
The release announces approval of Hawai’i’s first-ever carbon offset in State forests. “DLNR and its Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will now issue a request for proposals for private entities to create a carbon forestry project in the Pu’u Mali Restoration Area in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve on Hawai’i Island.” the announcement states. See the full release for more details.
Conservation Connections Talk Story– Kalaemano Learning Center, Kailua Kona, Wednesday September 24, 2014
Where and When: On Wednesday, September 24 at 4:00 PM, at the Kalaemano Learning Centre, 72-3469 Kalaemano Drive, Kailua Kona.
Event: Speakers Aunty LeinaÊ»ala Keakealani, Uncle Keoki Apokolani Carter, Aunty Yvonne Yarber Carter, Ku‘ulei Keakealani, Lehua Alapai, Wilds Pihanui Brawner & Friends of KalaemanÅ: Pelika Andrade–Stewards of the North Kona  ahupua‘a  of Ka‘ūpÅ«lehu will present Pili ‘Āina: Connecting and Learning from Place - Restoration as an ‘Ohana Relationship Mauka-Makai. This is a free event presented by the Ka’upulehu Community, Kalaemano Learning Centre and Hawai’i Conservation Alliance. Other supporters include Hawaii Forest Industry Association, Kamehameha Schools and Hawaii Tourism Authority. Contact person: Aunty Lei  llightner@kukio.com
Research Symposiums and New Ideas from Pacific Northwest to East-West Center
It’s a great time of year to regroup and find out what colleagues and experts have to say about new research and trends. If you happen to be heading to the Pacific Northwest in November, here’s information on the Northwest Bioenergy Research Symposium on November 13. Symposium organizers will host Frank Botler, USDA NIFA Director,Institute of Bioenergy, Climate and Environment as the keynote speaker.
And, a reminder, the 2012 International Sandalwood Symposium is slated for October 21-24 at the East-West Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa in Honolulu. The symposium is being organized by the International Sandalwood Foundation and United Plant Savers.