Gift Trees Planting Project – Hawaii

Project Description

This Gifted Tree Planting Project is in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Big Island, Hawaii. The reserve, on the eastern side of the Big Island, is the largest reserve in the state and the highest point in Hawaii.

The purpose of this project is to facilitate and accelerate forest recovery that will effectively mitigate threats of wildfire. Restoration of this forest land will increase ecosystem diversity in these areas, providing habitat for numerous native species, including several endangered and threatened plants and animals. Fire risks will likely diminish as the forest canopy closes and grass densities decline due to increased shading. Changes in soil moisture and wind velocity due to increases in tree size and density should contribute to reduced fire threats. Restoration of the mitigation parcels will provide additional habitat for the endangered Palila and Akiapolaau birds and the Hawaiian Hoary bat. The project will serve as a model for restoration efforts statewide and provide educational benefits through extensive community involvement. The species planted are indigenous to Hawaii and include the Sophora chrysophylla, Koa, Coprosma rhynchocarpa, Chenopodium oahuense, and Santalum paniculatum.