South and West Aspect Isohyperthermic Naturalized Grassland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Kiawe-Invaded State (2) with lack of brush management practices or absence of fire.
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Restoration pathway R1A
The Reference State (1) can be restored to a facsimile of the Native Savanna State (3). The site must be protected from domestic and feral ungulates and fire. Buffelgrass and other non-native vegetation must be killed, followed by plantings of native trees, shrubs, and vines. Supplemental irrigation would be necessary in the early stages of restoration.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
The Kiawe-Invaded State (2) can be restored to the Reference State (1) by applying brush management. Fire will kill kiawe, but prescribed burning is typically not done in Hawaii due to the level of risk.
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Transition T3A
The Native Savanna State (3) transitions to the Reference State (1) when cleared by fire, long-term ungulate disturbance, or mechanical means. Desired forage species are then re-established.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State (1) consists of three community phases dominated by introduced grasses and less than 25 percent canopy cover of introduced trees. With lack of brush control or absence of wildfire, this state (1) will transition to the Kiawe-Invaded State (2), in which production and cover of buffelgrass and other forages is reduced. Accumulation of fine fuels under light or no grazing pressure increases the risk of fire. This can produce an open grassland with little tree overstory but presents a fire threat to developed areas nearby and likelihood of eroded soil entering the nearby ocean.
Submodel
Description
The Kiawe-Invaded State (2) consists of one community phase. It occurs when brush management has not been practiced or if wildfire has not occurred for a long time, allowing kiawe to increase in density and stature to a level at which understory production is significantly reduced.
Submodel
Description
The Native Savanna State (3) consists of one community phase. Intact examples of this community no longer exist. This historical description is compiled from field observations of remnant vegetation, isolated plants on disturbed sites, and historical accounts of the islands before human influences disturbed these native plant communities.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Kiawe-Invaded State (2) with lack of brush management practices or absence of fire.
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) can be restored to a facsimile of the Native Savanna State (3). The site must be protected from domestic and feral ungulates and fire. Buffelgrass and other non-native vegetation must be killed, followed by plantings of native trees, shrubs, and vines. Supplemental irrigation would be necessary in the early stages of restoration.
Mechanism
The Kiawe-Invaded State (2) can be restored to the Reference State (1) by applying brush management. Fire will kill kiawe, but prescribed burning is typically not done in Hawaii due to the level of risk.
Model keys
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