Holua Campground Closed For Follow-up Ant Treatment

By Wendy Osher

Argentine ants tendng a nest. Photo courtesy Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk project HEAR.

The Holua campground at Haleakala National Park will temporarily closed as crews conduct follow-up treatments to control an ant infestation.

The closure will start on Wednesday night, October 19, 2011, and continue through the following night on Thursday, October 20.  The area will reopen on Friday morning.

Backcountry camping permits for Holua campground will not be issued for the nights of October 19 and 20.

Initial treatments were conducted in September 2011 to control an infestation by the Argentine Ant.

The invasive species is described as aggressive and dangerous.  It is native to South America and is a nuisance to humans.

Researchers have learned that the ant also has damaging effects upon native insects, which may in turn, adversely impact native plants.

The ants were originally found in relatively small areas of Haleakala, but have since spread.

Park officials say the control is necessary to prevent the ants from spreading to other campgrounds in the crater and areas within Haleakala National Park.

Park managers will post treatment notice signs in the area.

Visitors planning to hike near the Holua area during these days are encouraged to use other on-trail areas for resting spots.