This week, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) is using a helicopter to visually survey for invasive plant locations. Spread of these plants threatens the health of forest watersheds and water supply. This week, the Big Island Invasive Species
This week, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) is using a helicopter to visually survey for invasive plant locations. Spread of these plants threatens the health of forest watersheds and water supply.
“Use of the helicopter greatly increases the area that can be surveyed. The small green Hughes 500 helicopter will carry three botanists for the surveys,” said spokesman Page Else. On Tuesday, the helicopter surveyed state lands in the Stainback Mohouli area for wax myrtle.
Today, the helicopter will move through the Hamakua area and then survey the stream corridor from Waimea to Kawaihae, searching for smokebush (Buddleja madagascariensis) and cotoneaster.
On Thursday, the helicopter will fly over Oceanview in Ka‘u to the adjacent natural area reserve to survey for cotoneaster and rubbervine. On Friday, the helicopter will survey in the Waipio Valley area for miconia. All flights are scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Please call 933-3340 or 430-3090 for more information.
