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Rangelands Issues in Hawaii

Rangeland Ecology

• Forage Environment
  (CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  This section of the Forages Website provides access to Ripperton and Hosaka vegetation zone maps and tables for the major Hawaiian islands.

• Hawaii Soils
  (Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA)
  Access to soil survey information is provided through maps of the main Hawaiian islands. All text and tables relate to the map symbols and the areas delineated on these maps.

• Hawaii Statewide GIS System
  (Office of Planning, State of Hawaii)
  This site provides free access to dowloadable GIS layers and a link to the free GIS Viewer, ArcExplorer. Layer sets include physical features, political boundaries, natural resource and environment, hazards, and coastal and marine .

• Plants to Control Stream Bank Erosion (PDF file - 332 KB)
  (Waimanalo Watershed Restoration Project)
  Short publication on using native plants to restore stream banks in Hawaii; includes a list of recommended plants, invasive plants to avoid, planting instructions, and erosion control.

• Regional Water Quality Program - State of Hawaii
  (Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture)
  Information resources on water pollution, watershed management, and animal waste management for Hawaii. Links to the programs for American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Palau.

• Riparian Plant Restoration
  (Herbarium Pacificum, Bishop Museum and Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA)
  Provides access to a database on native Hawaiian plant species suitable for riparian (streamside) restoration. The database containing information on habitat, growing conditions, propagation techniques, wetland rating, and trials with successes and failure information from the field; includes images. Requires Lucid Player on your computer to access the database; free download link is included.

• Soil Nutrient Management for Maui County
  (CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  This Web resource provides fundamental concepts for managing nutrients in tropical soils and container crop production. It covers soil basics, soils on Maui, and proper management techniques.

• Soils of Hawaii (PDF file - 1.05 MB)
  (J. Deenik and A. T. McClellan. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Descriptions of the soil orders found in the Hawaiian Islands with maps of the soil order locations on each island.

Rangeland and Livestock Management

• Assessment of Economic Feasibility for Energy-Enhanced Roughage as Cattle Feed (PDF file - 28 KB)
  (Sabry Shehata, Linda Cox, and Michael DuPonte. 2003. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Evaluation of energy-enhanced rougages as an alternative to importing grain for finishing cattle in Hawaii and to finishing Hawaii cattle on the mainland.

• Basics of Heat (Estrus) Detection in Cattle (PDF file - 146 KB)
  (Michael W. DuPonte. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Explains procedures for efficient estrus detection in cattle.

• Beef Care Practices (PDF file - 415 KB)
  (Carolyn Stull, Sheila Barry, and Wayne Jensen. 2007. Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California)
  This is a free publication from University of California. It is a "thorough introduction to the issues and decisions facing a beef cattle producer in California."

• Bull Power: Examination of Beef Cattle Bulls for Breeding Soundness (PDF file - 200 KB)
  (Brad R. LeaMaster and Michael W. DuPonte. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Includes a sample breeding soundness evaluation system.

• Calculating Minimum Grazing Lease Rate for Hawaii (PDF file - 300 KB)
  (Mark Thorne, Linda J. Cox, and Matthew H. Stevenson. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Presents important concepts about developing lease agreements and provides information for lessees and lessors to use in calculating minimum lease rates for grazing.

• Fireweed Control: An Adaptive Management Approach (PDF file - 758 KB)
  (Mark S. Thorne, John S. Powley, and Glen K. Fukumoto. 2005. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Describes fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) and its toxic effects on livestock. Extensive description of the use of an adaptive management approach for prevention and control of fireweed investations.

• Foraging Behavior and Grazing Management Planning (PDF file - 1.58 MB)
  (Mark Thorne, Linda J. Cox, and Matthew H. Stevenson. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Explains the role of foraging behavior on the development of a grazing management plan and ways to influence this behavior.

• Hawaii Grown Beef: From Pasture to Market; Proceedings of the 2006 Mealani Forage Field Day (PDF file - 1.13 MB)
  (Mark S. Thorne and Linda J. Cox, editors. 2006. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Papers presented at the Field Day including evaluating market options, using ultrasound to evaluate beef prodution traits, and pasture management issues.

• Herbicidal Weed Control Methods for Pastures and Natural Areas of Hawaii (PDF file - 1.2 MB)
  (Philip Motooka, Lincoln Chin, and Guy Nagai. 2002. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  This illustrated 36-page publication gives an overview of methods of weed control and details on several methods of herbicide application including to foliage, cut surfaces, and soil. Discusses herbicide selection, rate of application, coverage, and calibration. Appendices include information on herbicides registered for use in pastures and natural areas of Hawaii.

• Insect Pests of Livestock Series
  (Michael W. DuPonte and Linda Burnham Larish. 2003. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  One page fact sheets in PDF format on:
  

  Black Dump Fly
  

  Bronze Bottle Fly
  

  Dog Dung Fly
  

  Horn Fly
  

  Horse Bot Fly, Horse Throat Bot Fly
  

  House Fly
  

  Lesser House Fly
  

  Oriental Blow Fly
  

  Soldier Fly
  

  Southern House Mosquito
  

  Stable Fly

• Minimizing Pollution Risk from Livestock Operations (PDF file - 44 KB)
  (Michael Robotham, Carl Evensen, and Linda J. Cox. 2000. CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Provides information and worksheet for reducing the risk of nonpoint source pollution from livestock operations.

• Minimizing Pollution Risk from Pasture Management (PDF file - 412 KB)
  (Michael Robotham, Carl Evensen, and Linda J. Cox. 2000. CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Provides information and worksheet for reducing the risk of nonpoint source pollution from pastures.

• Parasite Control Options for Cattle in Hawaii (PDF file - 476 KB)
  (Glen K. Fukumoto, Burton J. Smith, and Michael DuPonte. 2001. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  An evaluation of new internal parasite control products and formulations.

• Pastured Poultry Production: An Evaluation of Its Sustainability in Hawaii (PDF file - 152 KB)
  (Glen K. Fukumoto and John R. Replogle. 1999. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Pastured poultry production systems offer potential economic opportunities for agricultural entrepeneurs, but require careful management.

• Proper Semen Handling During an Artificial Insemination Program (PDF file - 235 KB)
  (Michael W. DuPonte. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Outlines a simple routine for proper semen handling and equipment maintenance in the implementation of an AI program.

• Renewable Natural Resources Extension
  (Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Short reports on current rangeland and forestry management programs such as forage improvement, invasive weed control, grazing under forest plantations, and establishment of pili grass groundcover.

• Silvopasture: An Agroforestry Practice
  (Ned B. Klopfenstein et al. 2004. The Overstory #36.)
  In a silvopasture, timber and pasture are managed as an integrated system. This article outlines the establishment and management of silvopasture systems. Includes links to other articles on integrating animals into forestry systems.

• Stocking Rate: The Most Important Tool in the Toolbox (PDF file - 360 KB)
  (Mark S. Thorne and Matthew H. Stevenson. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Describes how to accurately calculate appropriate stocking rates.

• Summaries of Herbicide Trials for Pasture, Range, and Non-Cropland Weed Control
  (Phil Motooka. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Tables summarizing herbicide trial results for the following years:

  1998 (PDF file - 28 KB)

  1999 (PDF file - 36 KB)

  2000 (PDF file - 32 KB)

  2001 (PDF file - 36 KB)

• Sustainable Agriculture in Hawaii
  (CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Annotated links to resources for new farmers on: Choosing the Road to Sustainability; The Business of Agriculture - Agri-entrepreneurship Topics; The Farm as Habitat - Environmental Topics; Sustainable and Organic Production Techniques; Animal Production; Agroforestry; and Trainer Resources.

• Three Simplified Estrus Synchronization Programs for Hawaii's Beef Breeding Season (PDF file - 200 KB)
  (Michael W. DuPonte and Kara K. Lee. 2007. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Explains three prostaglandin protocols for estrus synchronization.

• Weeds pf Hawaii's Pastures and Natural Areas
  (Philip Motooka, Luisa Castro, Duane Nelson, Guy Nagai, and Lincoln Ching. 2003. CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Species profiles in .pdf format containing information on identification, distribution, environmental impact, and chemical management of 146 of the most common weeds in Hawaii.

• Woody Plant Control for the Home, Pasture, and Forest (PDF file - 260 KB)
  (Philip Motooka, Guy Nagai, Lincoln Ching, John Powley, Glen Teves, and Alan Arakaki. 1999. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Covers types of herbicide applications and safety issues.

Rangeland Plants

• Grasses of Hawaii (PDF file - 871 KB; also available in TIFF 6.0)
  (A.S. Hitchcock. 1922. Bishop Museum Press.)
  Classic publication containing keys and descriptions of native, introduced, and agricultural grasses in Hawaii. Made available through the National Agricultural Library Digital Repository (NALDR)

• Grassland Species Profiles
  (FAO)
  Grassland Species Profiles contains detailed descriptions of more than 600 grassland species and a linked picture gallery of photos. The Grassland Index is searchable by common or scientific names. The Picture Gallery is browseable by scientific name.

• Hawaii Forages Website
  (CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  The Forages Website provides graziers with tropical grass and legume information compiled from research station and on-ranch field plot projects conducted by the Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. The Mealani Research Station forage collection contains over 225 grasses and legumes assembled at a single site. Research information includes yield and nutritional data and aphid resistance scores for the various grasses in the collection. The "Forage Environment" section provides access to Ripperton and Hosaki vegetation zones by island.

• Kikuyugrass for Forage (PDF file - 272 KB)
  (Glen K. Fukumoto and Chin N. Lee. 2003. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Kikiyugrass is one of the most important pasture and range grasses in Hawaii. This publication covers establishment, management, and yield.

• Pangolagrass for Forage (PDF file - 284 KB)
  (Glen K. Fukumoto and Chin N. Lee. 2003. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Pangolagrass is an important pasture forage in Hawaii. This publication covers establishment, management, and yield.

• Plants of Hawaii
  (Kim Starr. USGS, Biological Resources Division, Haleakala Field Station)
  A collection of images, maps, and reports of plants of Hawaii. Includes over 19,000 high resolution, copyright free images for more than 1,300 species of native and non-native plants from Hawaii; Maui distribution maps for over 100 non-native plants; and reports for about 100 non-native plants on Maui.

• Signalgrass for Forage (PDF file - 160 KB)
  (Glen K. Fukumoto and Chin N. Lee. Rev. 2003. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Information on establishment, management, and yield of this tropical grass.

• Stargrass for Forage (PDF file - 280 KB)
  (Glen K. Fukumoto and Chin N. Lee. Rev. 2003. Cooperative Extension Service, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Information on establishment, management, and yield of this tropical grass.

Invasive Species

• Hawaii (U.S.A.) Noxious Weeds Info
  Part of the Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) Web site, this page contains links to PDF files of the official State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) administrative rules about noxious weeds and seeds.

• Hawaii's Most Invasive Horticultural Plants
  (Hawaii State Alien Species Coordinator, Department of Land & Natural Resources [DLNR], Division of Forestry & Wildlife [DOFAW])
  The introduction discusses what makes plant species invasive in Hawaii and how these plants arrive; includes a link to a list of plants listed by botanical name.

• Hawaiian Alien Plant Studies
  (Botany Department and the National Park Service Cooperative Park Studies Unit of the University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  This site contains the full text of the report Impact of Alien Plants on Hawai'i's Native Biota by Clifford W. Smith as well as information on and photographs of over 100 alien plant species found in Hawaii.

• Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) Project
  (Funded by the United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division)
  One of the most comprehensive information resources available about invasive species in Hawaii. HEAR contains information on many invasive alien plants and animals, including detailed maps of known populations by island.

• National Invasive Species Information Center
  (National Agricultural Library, USDA)
  The National Agricultural Library's gateway to invasive species information. Provides lists of Web resources by state as well as links to resources on aquatic species, terrestrial plants and animals, and microbes.

• Noxious Plants of the Hawaiian Ranges
  (Edward Y. Hosaka and Alan Thistle. 1954. College of Agriculture, University of Hawaii)
  Digitized in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of its publication, this 40 page booklet provides an historical perspective on rangeland weed control in Hawaii. The majority of the publication consists of information on specific plants that should be eradicated from Hawaii's rangelands. Several native Hawaiian plants are included in the noxious species list. (Available in PDF format at two different resolutions and as a text file.)

• Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
  (Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA)
  Reports on invasive plant species in American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Niue, Palau, Samoa, and Tonga.

• Weed Risk Assessments for Hawaii and Pacific Islands
  (Dr. Curt Daehler, Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Searchable database as well as lists by genus and species for risk assessments of about 200 introduced plants.

History of Hawaii Rangelands and Ranching

• A History of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
  (Wallace C. Mitchell. 1991. CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  While much has changed in the structure of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) since 1994, this history presents the highlights of the research, extension, and instructional programs of the college.

• History of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station
  (CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  Brief history and historic photos of the first Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station in Makiki Valley, Oahu.

• Paniolo Hall of Fame
  (Oahu Cattlemen's Association)
  Selecting "Index of Names" gives access to brief biographies and photos of all of the members of the Paniolo Hall of Fame since 1999. Complete transcripts of the oral interviews are available for some members.

• A Short History of Cattle and Range Management in Hawaii (PDF file - 67 KB)
  (Kepa Maly and Bruce A. Wilcox. 2000. Rangelands 22(5): 21-23)
  Discusses changes in land management practices in Hawaii since European contact, the early effects of wild livestock, and short history of ranching.

• A Short History of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, 1901-1982
  (Beatrice H. Krauss. CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
  This unpublished history of the Experiment Station was written by the late Beatrice Krauss in two parts The first part covers the years 1901-1976 and was originally written to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station. The second part brings the history up to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the University of Hawaii, 1907-1982.