Cooperators

The Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC) is a collaborative partnership between the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station and Purdue University — focused on the advancement of hardwood-focused research, development, and technology transfer in the Central Hardwood Forest Region.

Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) partners with federal, state, and private organizations to develop and disseminate knowledge in the natural resource sciences associated with the protection, management, and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; the fish, wildlife, water, and timber resources they produce; and the ecological, recreational, and aesthetic benefits they provide.

University of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) discovers and extends innovative, integrated solutions for sustainable natural resource use and environmental management for the tropics and beyond.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Pacific Islands Area partners with Conservation Districts and others to provide technical and cost-share assistance to private landowners. The main goal is to protect, enhance, and preserve our soil, water, air, plants, and animals using sound science and expertise.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station’s Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) has been a center of research and technology transfer since 1967. The Institute addresses information needs to support the management, conservation, and restoration of natural forest and wetland ecosystems and landscapes throughout the Pacific. As part of the USDA Forest Service Experimental Forest and Range Network, the Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF) provides landscapes, facilities, and data/information to support research and education activities that contribute to a better understanding of the biological diversity and functioning of tropical ecosystems and their management.

The Hawai‘i DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) responsibly manages and protects watersheds, native ecosystems, and cultural resources and provides outdoor recreation and sustainable forest products opportunities, while facilitating partnerships, community involvement, and education.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is governed by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, enacted by the U.S. Congress to protect and improve the lives of native Hawaiians. The act created a Hawaiian Homes Commission to administer certain public lands, called Hawaiian home lands, for homesteads. The primary responsibilities of the Department are to serve its beneficiaries and to manage its extensive land trust. The land trust consists of over 200,000 acres on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, and Kauai.

The Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests (AFTF) was founded in honor of the late United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka, and in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the protection and promotion of Hawai‘i's natural and cultural resources. The Foundation aims to enhance and promote a forest stewardship ethic that embraces biocultural restoration and conservation strategies through the integration of traditional and western knowledge and through strategic cooperation among private and public organizations.

The Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is a nonprofit corporation founded by people committed to sustainable forest management. The HFIA promotes healthy and productive forests and a sustainable forest industry through forest management, education, planning, information exchange, and advocacy. The HFIA offers an annual woodworking exhibition, sponsors the Hawai‘i’s Wood trademark, manages forest ecosystems, and serves as an advocate for Hawai‘i’s diverse forest industry—from tree planting and harvesting to creating and selling wood products. HFIA’s programs promote healthier forests, increased business in Hawai‘i’s forest industry, and more jobs within the sector.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Hawai‘i preserves plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Established in 1980, TNC of Hawai‘i has worked with its federal, state, and private partners to protect more than 200,000 acres of Hawai‘i’s natural areas that shelter native species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. A private, non-profit organization, TNC of Hawai‘i has 8,000 members and is supported primarily by foundation grants, corporate donations, and gifts from individuals.

The Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center (HARC) supports a viable agricultural sector by researching and applying relevant science and technology to achieve practical solutions, and by identifying new agricultural opportunities. HARC’s forestry research addresses genetic improvement, silviculture practices and tree measurement, and evaluation of wood quality needed for selection and improvement of a variety of forestry segments in Hawaii.

Forest Solutions Inc., has operated in Hawai‘i for over 20 years and offers services in forest planning and management, land stewardship, consulting and independent audits, and management information systems. They manage over 150,000 acres of land on Hawai‘i Island and have planted over 12 million trees, including over one-half million native plants. Many of Forest Solutions’ innovations designed for plantations have been successful in managing and restoring Hawai‘i’s native forests.