CTFS

The Hawaii Permanent Plot Network (HIPPNET) was initiated in 2007 by faculty and research ecologists at the University of Hawaii, USDA Forest Service, and UCLA to investigate forest dynamics across the island of Hawaii. Three 4-hectare plots are currently being established, and an additional 1-2 plots will be started in 2008. Initial censuses for all plots are expected to be completed by 2009. Support for the project has been provided by NSF EPSCoR, USDA Forest Service, and the University of Hawaii.
Palamanui Plot (lowland dry forest; 300 M elevation) Hawaiian dry forests are among the most endangered ecosystem types in the world. Palamanui was chosen for the HIPPET site due to its near pristine condition (has probably never seen a major disturbance), ease of access, and commitment of landowner to preserve the land in perpetuity. The plot is dominated by lama (Diospyros sandwicensis), alahe’e (Psydrax odorata), and sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum), with few invasive plants in the understory. This aseasonal, evergreen dry forest receives fewer than 1000 mm of rain each year. Three federally listed Endangered Species and two Species of Concern were found in a survey of the site. Palamanui is privately owned and protected as a conservation easement.	Species list
Laupahoehoe Plot (montane wet forest; 1200 M elevation) The Laupahoehoe plot is located within the newly established Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest in the Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve above the Big Island's Hamakua Coast. Rainfall averages 4000 mm of rain per year. The canopy is dominated by koa (Acacia koa) and ’ohi’a (Metrosideros polymorpha), with a well-developed subcanopy of tree ferns (Cibotium species). Sub-canopy tree species include the following commonly observed species: olapa (Cheirodendron trigynum ssp. trigynum), kawa’u (Ilex anomala), kolea (Myrsine lessertiana), and pilo (Coprosma rhynchocarpa).	Species list
Pu’u Wa’awa’a Plot (montane mesic forest; 1800 M elevation) The Pu’u Wa’awa’a Plot is located within the Forest Bird Sanctuary portion of the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest on land managed by the State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The sanctuary was created to preserve intact habitat for endangered forest birds. koa (Acacia koa) and ’ohi’a (Metrosideros polymorpha) are the dominant tree species in the forest canopy, and kolea (Myrsine lessertiana) dominates the mid-story layer. The entire Forest Bird Sanctuary is fenced, and non-native ungulate removal has been a recent priority of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.	Species list