David Y. Ige

Experts and landowners share best management practices

HONOLULU –  Travelling past lush ‘a‘ali‘i and ‘aweoweo bushes, and under monkey pod and Christmas berry trees laden with liliko‘i vines, Angelica Stevens turns to smile as she explains the plans for her parents’ nine acre agriculture parcel in Kona.

“We are growing a variety of tropical teas, native seed crops, and fruits to generate revenue. Recently we finished restoring the lower three acres of the farm bringing them into full production.” Farm operations are nine acres in total with plans to maximize revenue potential as Hawaiian seed and fruit crops mature.

“We would not have been able to do this without the guidance from Mary,” said Angelica as she nods to Mary Robblee and hikes on.

Mary is a conservation specialist with the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Homeokahalu‘u Farm is one of two sites hosting the Forestry Landowner Assistance Workshop with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the Kona SWCD on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Representatives from small and large landowners, government agencies, and private consultants will lend their expertise to the event. Its goal is to education and inform other landowners/managers on opportunities to implement best management practices on their land.

Spanning over 11,000 acres, Kealakekua Heritage Ranch is also hosting a site visit on their ranch as part of the workshop with the goal to empower other landowners to come and learn from their plantation forestry efforts. Forestry manager, Greg Hendrickson, will share his expertise about the process of developing and implementing a realistic forestry management plan. Through education and partnerships, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the suite of tools and resources available to develop healthy landscapes that have a realistic potential for return on investment and so much more.

Interested persons are invited to register to attend the workshop on Eventbrite by September 19, 2016:   https://konaforestryworkshop.eventbrite.com

Workshop agenda:

8:00 a.m.  Introductions and opening session from DOFAW at Hokukano Ranch

8:30 a.m. Travel in caravan to Homeokahalu‘u Farm

8:45 a.m. Tour of Homeokahalu‘u Farm

9:45 a.m. Transport in carpool to Kealakekua Heritage Ranch

10:00 a.m. Tour of Kealakekua Ranch

11:15: a.m. Lunch from Sun Dried Specialties

11:15: a.m. Lunch presentation from Landowner(s)

12:00 p.m. Presentations from experts (5 minutes each followed by 2 minute Q&A)

12:30 p.m. Talk story with the experts and get guidance on programs.  Apply on-site!

2:00 p.m. Wrap up and Pau

Lunch from Sunrise Specialties is included in the agenda

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Media Contact:

Michelle Gorham

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(808)729-1676