Protected Areas

Kokee State Park in Hawaii
http://americancountryside.com/wp-content/gems/2010/08/kokeestatepark.jpg

The Volcano National Park of Hawaii
http://www.hawaiiluxurynews.com/HLN/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/volcano.jpg

Two of the best protected tropical dry forests in Hawaii are the Volcano National Park and Kokee State Park. The status of these parks are in good condition, because these areas are closely monitored and visitors are informed as to the importance of keeping these habitats protected by not damaging the surrounding area or littering. The Volcano National Park is currently in a good situation because of the National Park Service and the efforts that it makes to work with American Indian tribes and local governments. (7) While working with these various organizations, the National Park Service works to provide $1.2 billion dollars in preservation grants and create 27 National Heritage Areas to help educate visitors of the preservation status of the Volcano National Park. Many of these protected areas are scattered across the islands of Hawaii and most of the protected areas are in good condition. However, the amount of tropical dry forests in Hawaii are beginning to diminish quickly due to human impacts. Poor choices from the government regarding land planning is contributing to the deterioration of the tropical dry forests. Human impact with agriculture and animal grazing, are causing these dry forests to become endangered. Because of this, there have been small preservations made throughout the islands of Hawaii to help decrease the rate of damage that is put upon the tropical dry forests. A big protected area is the Volcano National Park in Hilo and the Kokee State Park in Kauai. Since there are many diverse species in these parks, it is essential to keep the preservation status of these parks as best as possible. (6)

http://biology.uprm.edu/facultad/publications/Jarrod_Thaxton_20040101_.pdf

Jessica Hsieh
Mariam Hovhannisyan