Grazing as a Tool to Reduce Wildfire Risk at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve

Targeted livestock grazing can reduce invasive grass biomass and cover, providing a potential tool to reduce fire risk at large spatial scales. In Hawaiʻi, little work has been done on implementation of grazing to reduce fire risk and meet conservation objectives.  Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve on Hawaiʻi Island contains one of the largest remnants of Hawai’i tropical dry forests and is threatened by fire promoting invasive grasses. We investigate whether grazing reduces fire probability near Puʻu Waʻawaʻa and whether grazing scenarios that reduce fire risk while meeting conservation and community-based management objectives can be designed. This study uses ground cover imagery and past fire locations to determine fire/ground cover relation, develops alternative grazing scenarios based on fire science and Native Hawaiian/community grazing practices, and investigates stakeholder values via a survey and interviews.  New grazing scenarios to reduce fire risk are possible, but the effect on cattle ranchers is mixed, and sensitivity to Native Hawaiian grazing practices is needed. Stakeholder surveys indicate a variety of opinion on whether grazing can control fire and meet conservation objectives. Results could aid land managers and policy makers in making better informed decisions.