Volunteers Sought for Pine Pulling Project at Haleakalā

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

Haleakalā National Park is recruiting local volunteers for a “pine pulling” project on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Volunteers will be tasked with physically removing young pine trees from the Summit District.

Three non-native pine species (Monterey pine, Mexican weeping pine, and maritime pine) are highly invasive. Park 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 be picked up at an upcountry Maui location at 6:45 a.m., work for two hours, and be dropped off by 11 a.m.

Transportation, training, hand tools, gloves, and other equipment will be provided.  Volunteers should bring water, snacks, and sun protection; wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and be prepared to hike on uneven surfaces.

Work involves the removal of both very young pines and sawing down small older pines.

Interested volunteers should sign up by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, by contacting Amandine Maury at (808) 572-4487. Space is limited to 10 people.