State acts to protect critical watershed and recreation lands

Posted on Nov 28, 2018 in Featured, Main

The Helemano Wilderness Recreation Area in Central O’ahu.

Protection of Central O‘ahu’s vital water resources. New outdoor recreation opportunities. Improved habitats for native species, many o them endangered. Those are some of the benefits of a $15.2 million land acquisition involving federal, state and private sector partners. Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) director Suzanne Case said, “This area is a treasure. It’s a central location that provides a lot of outdoor recreation and conservation management capability right in the middle of O‘ahu.”

The purchase of 2,882 acres in the Helemano Wilderness Recreation Area from Dole Food Co. was completed by the Trust for Public Land and DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Working with the community, DOFAW will create a multi-resource management plan. Gov. Ige said, “Watersheds and forests are the very foundation of our lives in these islands. This partnership is a terrific win for the community and the environment.”