Forest fires in Hawai‘i are a major threat to our natural resources. A forest fire not only puts surrounding communities in danger, but also the many components of a forest ecosystem. The State of Hawai‘i is home to some of nation’s rarest and most endangered species populations, many of which occur in areas susceptible to fire threat. In the 2006 fire season alone, DOFAW responded to 205 fires that burned over 14,500 acres throughout the state.
Effects of Wildfires
• Destruction of natural resources and native ecosystems, including threatened and endangered species habitat.
• Replacement of native forests with exotic grasslands creating a continuos wildfire cycle. Many native plant species are not adapted to wildfires especially compared to fire tolerant non-native grasses.
• Damage to watersheds and ultimately water quality due to soil erosion.
• Damage to coral reefs and fisheries from sedimentation and nutrient loading caused by soil erosion.
WhisperingTrees has partnered with the DOFAW to raise money and resources to help with protecting and re-foresting of the Kula Forest Reserve and to help with the high cost of emergency response equipment and manpower. Your donations are very appreciated.