DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2006

Manuka State Park And Natural Area Reserve
To Be Closed For Coqui Froq Control Work

MANUKA, HAWAII — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close the Manuka State Park and a portion of the Manuka Natural Area Reserve, on the island of Hawaii’s southwest side, between Monday, August 21 through Friday August 25, 2006 while DLNR crews carry out another round of aerial treatments for coqui frogs -- covering approximately 9 acres along the outer edge of these two sites.

“As a precaution, we are closing these two areas to the public during our coqui frog control operations,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

“We are taking these steps because active control of invasive species is a DLNR priority. We believe it is possible, and necessary, to continue controls of isolated populations of coqui in remote natural areas where the native ecosystem is threatened,” said Young

“If the entire area is treated, continuing monitoring and spot treating may successfully eradicate this isolated population,” he said.

The most recent treatment began in March, 2006 at the beginning of the torrential rains that affected the entire state. Only about 6 acres were covered from the air in March, as the helicopter was grounded due to weather.

The aim is to treat the outer limits of the population to prevent the frogs’ spread further mauka. Ground spraying was then done to cover areas close to the park and trail.

Previous treatments in May and October 2005 appeared to be highly effective. Frogs that were captured following the treatments are believed to have arrived from untreated neighboring areas.

Young said the treatment strategy for Manuka was developed in consultation with coqui experts from around the state.

DLNR will close the loop trail area of Manuka Natural Area Reserve and adjacent Manuka State Park to allow the use of the parking lot as a staging area and avoid possible risk to the public.

For more information call DLNR-Forestry at (808) 974-4221 or DLNR-Parks at (808) 974-6219.

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For more information, contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320