I am encouraged, though, to see an increased interest in a landscape ecology approach to research and management efforts. It is also good to see the Forest Service taking a broader look at land management on National Forest System lands. The Hawaii situation is such that no single landowner, and no single agency controls enough of the land base to make substantial headway on their own. Land and rehabilitation costs are extremely high in Hawaii and techniques for regenerating native forests need further development and emphasis. Without considerable incentives for landowners to participate, it is unlikely that enough habitat can be developed to sustain many bird species over time.
Similar problems exist in the control of introduced plants and animals.
It is very costly to fence out, or control, the many feral mammals. And biological control of plants is a slow and involved process, not without risks. But the risks of inattention and inaction seem overwhelming, by comparison. The Forest Service should take an active role in ecosystem management and be an example for states, private landowners, the Nation and International land management. Involvement in programs such as this one in Hawaii by Forest Service personnel should be encouraged.