Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Region
 

Management

As on all of our refuges, one of our most important management functions is protecting the wildlife by providing undisturbed habitat.  We do this by:

  • promoting the conservation of endangered species, especially endangered Hawaiian stilts and Hawaiian coots, through healthy functioning of this wetland floodplain
  • optimizing water levels for maximum habitat size and value for endangered, resident, and migrating waterbirds while reducing the growth and reproduction of invasive species
  • expanding understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the wetland and coastal ecosystems through wildlife-oriented educational opportunities, visitor services, and active participation of volunteers
  • developing cross-programmatic and community partnerships to enhance wetland and watershed habitats
  • placing refuge boundary signs, instituting seasonal closures for nesting, having a year-round refuge staff and volunteer presence, and by providing outreach and education

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is at the base of two watersheds from the West Maui Mountains and Haleakalā. The wetland undergoes seasonal conditions resulting in high water during winter months and low water during summer-fall months.

Photo of Wetlands during the winter months Photo of Wetlands during the summer months
Wetlands during the winter months - Photo credit NOAA
Wetlands during the summer months - Photo credit USFWS

The wetland’s outlet to the ocean is naturally blocked with sand and breaches when water in the pond reaches capacity. Management of the wetlands is geared toward providing quality habitat for endangered waterbirds such as the a‘eo and providing water for foraging and bathing, vegetation to nest within and seek cover, and mudflats to rest and nest.

Photo of blocked outlet to the ocean Photo of open outlet to the ocean
Blocked outlet to the ocean - Photo credit USFWS Open outlet to the ocean - Photo credit USFWS

The refuge has limited capabilities to manage water in the large wetland and is subject to natural conditions, especially during the summer-fall dry season (August-October). During this time, water has to be pumped into the pond to maintain shallow water for waterbirds. Efforts are being made to increase our ability to control water in the wetlands including re-drilling old brackish-water wells, repairing the water control structure at the outlet at the North Kihei Road bridge, and investigating alternate water sources.

Last updated: March 7, 2011