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About this episode

Greg Spencer presenting. Since 2006, Kaheawa Wind Power (KWP) has been implementing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that includes substantial mitigation directed at the endangered nene, (Branta sandvicensis), Hawaiian Petrel, Pterodroma sandwichensis, Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), and threatened Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli) on the island of Maui. The HCP contains provisions that support a range of avoidance, minimization, monitoring, and mitigation initiatives designed to (a) enhance understanding of the interaction between covered species and the wind project, (b) measure direct and/or cumulative impacts or effects, (c) guide species-specific mitigation that will offset these impacts, and (d) provide a net ecological benefit in alignment with species recovery goals. Mitigation for each species is designed to be commensurate with estimated and observed impacts but must also demonstrate a net conservation benefit for the species. Maintaining a net benefit requires that mitigation actions must represent the best available scientific information and address pressing threats and/or principle factors limiting species recovery. Conservation initiatives aimed at providing a net benefit on behalf of HCP-covered species on Maui include improving annual survival and productivity of these species in the wild by controlling predators, improving available habitat, captive propagation, population reintroduction and translocation, and collaboration on research and monitoring that will inform critical management decisions. The development of specific mitigation strategies that complement and enhance ongoing recovery initiatives for these species on Maui will be discussed, along with examples of inherent challenges, biological success criteria, and the importance of collaboration and adaptive management.

• Release Date

  Aug 7, 2009

• Runtime

  22:24