Kealakekua Mountain Reserve
Our Kuleana
Restoration
In connection with KMR’s conservation easement, an exhaustive forest management plan was completed in 2013 that promotes reforestation along with careful stewardship of the existing forestry resources. Immediately following acquisition in late June, 2018, KMR began an aggressive reforestation plan and in 2018, began planting trees on the property. Additional efforts to fence forestlands for ungulate removal, stimulate natural forest regeneration and improve the forest health are also underway.
Wise-Use
The property continues to be used for sustainable forestry and the important jobs that resource landscapes provide. KMR is committed to sensitive wise-use of forest resources, ensuring that high-quality forest products are not only sourced, but produced on Hawaiʻi Island. The products KMR produces on property is a great credit to Hawaiʻi and its people.
Conservation
A conservation easement completed through the State/Federal Forest Legacy Program preserves 9,000 acres of the KMR property. The easement ensures the important mixed open forest, closed ʻōhiʻa lehua rainforest, and open koa forest found on the property remain intact, providing ecosystem values and sustainable forest products in perpetuity. The easement is currently monitored quarterly by Hawaiʻi’s Division of Forest and Wildlife to both support KMR’s conservation work and to ensure compliance with the easement.
Community Engagement
Kealakekua Mountain Reserve partners with Hiki Ola, a non-profit organization focused on engaging schools and community members in helping to restore the ʻāina through reforestation, cultural practices, and building a long-term relationship with the place.