HONOLULU, Hawaii — Haleakal? Ranch has submitted an application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for an Enhancement of Survival Permit for their lands on the island of Maui. Haleakal? Ranch is voluntarily seeking this permit to contribute to the recovery of the endangered n?n? (Hawaiian goose). From February 19 - March 21 the Service is seeking public review and comment on the associated draft Safe Harbor Agreement and National Environmental Policy Act – Draft Environmental Action Statement for categorical exclusion.
The draft Safe Harbor Agreement between the Haleakal? Ranch, Hawai’i State Department of Land and Natural Resources and Service would improve the long-term recovery of n?n? across 3,056 acres of privately-owned ranch land on Maui. The proposed conservation measures on the ranch include habitat improvement and predator control to help increase the current range of the n?n? and boost the total population of this species, thus contributing to their overall recovery.
The n?n? was listed as an endangered species in 1967, and in the decades following, some 2,800 captive-bred birds were released at more than 20 sites throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. The release of captive-bred n?n? on national wildlife refuges, national parks and state and private lands saved the species from imminent extinction. On the island of Maui, the n?n? was once thought to be extinct. Today, thanks to reintroduction efforts in Haleakal? National Park, Hana?ula in West Maui, and successful a Safe Harbor Agreement with Pi?iholo Ranch on the Northern slopes of Haleakala, the population of n?n? on Maui continues to grow.
“Thanks to dedicated partnerships between private landowners, conservation groups, and the State of Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, the n?n? are moving forward on the road to recovery, said Katherine Mullett, Acting Field Supervisor for the Service’s Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “Safe Harbor Agreements support private landowners’ ability to manage their lands and make improvements in a way that contributes to the recovery of endangered species.”
To request further information, obtain copies of documents, or submit written comments, please use one of the following methods. Please include your name and return address in your comments and refer to the "Safe Harbor Agreement for N?n? at Haleakal? Ranch":
? Internet: Documents may be viewed on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands.
? Email: pifwo_admin@fws.gov. Include "Safe Harbor Agreement for N?n? at Haleakala Ranch" in the subject line of the message.
? US Mail: Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room #3-122, Honolulu, HI 96822.
? In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Documents will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office.
? Fax: Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 808- 792- 9580, Attn: Safe Harbor Agreement for N?n? at Haleakala Ranch.
