The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve and the Kipuka ‘Ainahou Nēnē Sanctuary for at least 90 days. DOFAW Hawai‘i Island Branch manager Steve Bergfeld has the discretion to close additional areas as needed that are impacted by the ongoing eruption. Additional closures include ʻĀinapō Trail and cabin, and the Kapāpala Forest Reserve

Yesterday, HPD and  DOCARE officers set up and began manning a roadblock at the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) and the Mauna Loa Observatory Access Road.

Much of the 50,000-acre Mauna Loa Forest Reserve is covered in lava from previous eruptions.  Hawaiʻi Island DOFAW staff is concerned that if lava begins flowing the opposite direction and into the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve, years of restoration work could be destroyed. Puʻu Makaʻala has been fenced to keep feral ungulates out to create habitat for numerous endangered Hawaiian forest birds and to re-establish native vegetation. It’s much too early to tell if the eruption is impacting other natural or cultural resources in the forest reserve.

DOFAW teams will continue monitoring lava flows as they occur as there are other State forest reserves and natural area reserves on both sides of Mauna Loa.

DLNR Photo