Volunteers Sought for Pine Pulling Project at Haleakalā

Haleakalā National Park is recruiting local volunteers for a “pine pulling” project on Saturday, June 3, 2017.

Three non-native pine species (Monterey pine, Mexican weeping pine, and maritime pine) are highly invasive. PC: Haleakalā NP.

Three non-native pine species (Monterey pine, Mexican weeping pine, and maritime pine) are highly invasive.  Rangers say they displace endemic and endangered species, change soil chemistry, and increase the potential for wildfire in habitats not adapted to fire. Park staff, partners, and volunteers periodically pull young pines to keep them from spreading throughout the park.

Volunteers will physically remove young trees from the Summit District. Transportation, training, hand tools, gloves, and other equipment will be provided.

Volunteers will be picked up at an upcountry Maui location at 8:15 a.m., work for two hours, and be dropped off by 1 p.m. Volunteers should bring water, snacks, and sun protection; wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and be prepared to hike on uneven surfaces. Volunteers will either pull out very young pines or saw down small older pines.

Please sign up by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 2nd, by contacting Amandine Maury at (808) 572-4487. Space is limited to 10 people.