Target: Dawn N. S. Chang, Chairperson of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Goal: Mobilize immediate action to combat Rapid Ohia Death and safeguard Hawaii’s unique native forests.
Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) poses a dire and escalating threat to Hawaii’s precious native forests. This devastating fungal disease, Ceratocystis fimbriata, is indiscriminate in its path, mercilessly targeting the ‘ohia lehua’ (Metrosideros polymorpha), a cornerstone species of these ecosystems.
Under the relentless siege of ROD, ohia trees, and the ecosystems they sustain, are perishing at an alarming rate. This ecological crisis reverberates far beyond the demise of a single species. Hawaii’s native forests, which have evolved over millennia, are integral to the state’s cultural heritage, biodiversity, and water resources. They provide habitat for countless unique species, play a vital role in watershed protection, and are intrinsically linked to the well-being of indigenous communities.
The consequences of inaction are profound and irreversible. Native forests are teetering on the brink, facing the specter of ecological collapse. The loss of ohia trees disrupts vital ecosystem services, endangers endemic species, and threatens the Hawaiian way of life. The urgency of this matter demands immediate and comprehensive intervention.
Sign the petition below to demand resolute and swift measures from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to combat Rapid Ohia Death, protect native forests, and ensure a sustainable future for Hawaii.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Chang,
Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) continues to ravage Hawaii’s native forests at an alarming rate, and the consequences of inaction are dire. We, the undersigned, implore you to take decisive steps to combat this devastating fungal disease and safeguard the unique ecosystems it threatens.
Native forests in Hawaii are irreplaceable, not only for their ecological significance, but also for their cultural and social importance. They serve as the backbone of Hawaiian culture, supporting biodiversity, providing clean water, and offering spiritual connections to the land. The decline of the ‘ohia lehua’ jeopardizes these vital functions and disrupts the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
We urge you to allocate necessary resources, support research efforts, and implement measures to prevent the further spread of ROD. By taking proactive steps now, we can preserve our native forests and the myriad benefits they offer for future generations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr
someone must be asleep at the helm. This is a serious condition which if not treated and addressed quickly can have devastating and long range effects.
it would be Paradise Lost! Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) continues to ravage Hawaii’s native forests at an alarming rate, and the consequences of inaction are dire. Native forests in Hawaii are irreplaceable, not only for their ecological significance, but also for their cultural and social importance. They serve as the backbone of Hawaiian culture, supporting biodiversity, providing clean water, and offering spiritual connections to the land. Allocate necessary resources, support research efforts, and implement measures to prevent the further spread of ROD. By taking proactive steps now, you can preserve the native forests and the myriad benefits they offer for future generations.