Improve control strategies for invasive plants and fungal pathogens in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The National Park Service intends to award a single-source cooperative agreement to the University of Hawaii to improve control strategies for invasive plants and fungal pathogens in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The project aims to refine existing control techniques, test new control methods, and provide recommendations for controlling the spread of invasive species. The University of Hawaii is uniquely qualified for this project due to its expertise in conservation biology and its familiarity with the species and study sites. The project will support the National Park Service's mission to preserve native ecosystems and recreational opportunities. Key aspects of the project include: * Refining existing control techniques for invasive plant species * Testing new control methods, including Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) and aerial-based platforms * Monitoring invasive plant treatments and analyzing short-term efficacy and long-term prospects for successful control * Providing recommendations and developing chemical prescriptions to control the spread of invasive species * Conducting field work to map invasive plant species and develop survey and control methodologies for invasive invertebrate species