Public Comment Sought on Draft Environmental Assessment for ʻAʻo management at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Public Comment Sought on Draft Environmental Assessment for ʻAʻo management at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Comments accepted until June 10, 2016

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (KPNWR) is pleased to announce the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for ‘A‘o (Puffinus newelli, Newell’s shearwater) Management Actions. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this DEA presents a review of the current status of ‘A‘o on Kaua‘i, examines alternative management measures, analyzes possible environmental effects of the alternatives, and serves as the basis for a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on which alternative to implement. The management actions presented in the DEA include a no-action alternative, the use of social attraction techniques alone at the Nihokū restoration site within KPNWR, and the combination of social attraction with translocation of ‘A‘o chicks to the Nihokū restoration site (preferred alternative). None of the alternatives are expected to cause significant, irreversible impacts to the environment; therefore, the anticipated determination is a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). This project comes at a particularly important time for ‘A‘o, which has suffered a serious and dramatic decline over the past two decades.

The full DEA is now available for public review and comment and may be found at http://www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint/. Printed copies may be requested by contacting Heather Tonneson, Project Leader, Kaua‘i NWR Complex at (808) 828.1413 or by email at heather_tonneson@fws.gov. The deadline for public comment is June 10, 2016. Please submit comments by mail to the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 1128, Kīlauea, HI 96754, Attention: ‘A‘o management or by email to FW1planningcomments@fws.gov with “ʻA‘o management DEA” in the subject line. Mahalo in advance for your input and comments on this project.

The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 to preserve and enhance seabird nesting colonies, and in 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Nihokū (Crater Hill) and Mōkōlea Point.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq