Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program FY17_FY21

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grazing. Native outplanting activities in upland fenced exclosures will provide increased quality of game bird habitat. Weed control activities in these fenced units will reduce cover for predators and increase the success of established outplant populations. Mowing and prescribed burns, when used properly, can also provide food opportunities by making seeds and invertebrates more accessible and also encouraging new plant growth outside of large fenced exclosures. Invertebrates can be an important food source especially for juveniles when a high protein diet is essential for growth and development. For food the planting of crops (i.e., legumes, forbs, etc.) can be beneficial but also costly. Water, especially during drought conditions, can be a limiting factor of habitat for the game species. The construction of water units is covered under game facilities construction. The lack of sufficient cover for upland game birds is not as limiting as other habitat constraints. Overall, upland game bird habitat management in the Western District includes mowing, researching the usage of prescribed burns, establishing food plots where appropriate, and outplanting native trees and shrubs to provide food and cover for both game and non- game species. As noted under the West Hawaii Population Management section, it is anticipated that during the next five year cycle a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) will be implemented in Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve and Puu Anahulu GMA. This HCP will allow the State to perform habitat improvements for game mammals, including creating and maintaining food and cover plots. When appropriate, these management activities will be utilized to improve game mammal habitat. B. Objectives • Work to alleviate habitat loss in degraded public hunting areas through tree and shrub plantings in the Kaohe GMA and Puu Anahulu GMA. • Initiate habitat improvements for game birds, including mowing and establishing food plots in areas outside of large exclosures, most hospitable to game, using non-invasive plants. • Initiate outplanting of native plant species, for increased quality of game bird habitat, up to 1000 plants per year. • Support livestock grazing where appropriate to maintain game bird habitat. • Reduce fire threat to game bird habitat plot areas in Puu Anahulu GMA. • Create or maintain game mammal food and cover plots in Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve and Puu Anahulu GMA C. Expected Results and Benefits This project will improve annually at least 15 acres of wildlife habitat degraded by undesirable growth in the Kaohe GMA and begin to alleviate habitat loss. These activities are expected to increase the carrying capacity for game birds and reduce the threat of catastrophic habitat destruction by wildfire. Species of shrub/trees planted will provide additional fruit and berries for game birds. Exclosures are to be constructed in Puu Anahulu GMA and Puu Waawaa FR to improve game bird habitat. areas. D. Approach • Annually plant up to 1000 shrub/tree seedlings in select areas. • Construct planting exclosures (2-3 acres) 1-2 per year in degraded habitat to initiate habitat improvements for game species. • Strip mow 30 acres of game habitat per year. • Create game habitat and food plots (10ac/yr.) • Maintain firebreaks around exclosures. • Install or repair up to 5 miles of waterlines and fences per year. • Create or maintain 10 acres of game mammal habitat in Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve and Puu Anahulu GMA. 30