RECOVERY PLAN FOR - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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area (C. Corn, pers. comm. 1992). Although there is presently no
grazing at the Hawaiian Home Lands site, this lot is leased for
pasture and active ranching is anticipated (James Dupont,
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, pers. comm. 1993).
Fire and Fountain Grass
These rangelands and much of leeward Hawaii have been invaded by
the fire-promoting, alien fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
This bunchgrass has poor palatability and increases the fuel load
(Tunison 1992). A fire burned at Site #1 in 1983 (C. Corn, pers.
comm. 1992) and may have destroyed all but one Isodendrion hosakae
plant at that site (S. Bergfeld, pers. comm. 1992). Li~ochaeta
venosa, on the other hand, may be somewhat fire-resistant. Herbst
(1979) reports that other Lit~ochaeta species frequently sprout
back from the roots after fire. The occurrence of thriving L.
venosa at Site #1 following the 1983 fire supports this
observation.
Cuddihy et al. (1983) found that Isodendrion hosakae frequently
grew within the crown outline of native shrubs or fountain grass
clumps. It is suggested that these associated plants may afford
some benefit to the Isodendrion hosakae, such as shelter (Nagata
1982) or fog drip. As a community dominant, fountain grass
assumes a role in determining vegetation structure and site
characteristics. Possible negative impacts, such as exposure to
wind and soil loss, should be considered as attempts are made to
eradicate fountain grass in the immediate vicinity of ~.. hosakae
or Lipochaeta venosa
Cinder Mining
Cinder cones in the area are often mined. Mining represents a
direct mechanical threat to vegetation. Site #1 was mined for
several years (Nagata 1982), but mining at this site has ceased
(S. Bergfeld, pers. comm. 1992). Cinder is now being mined near,
but not on, Site #3 (5. Bergfeld, pers. comm. 1992). Cinder
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