Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

              Guam
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Guam National Wildlife Refuge
Vision Statement
Guam National Wildlife Refuge hosts a
unique and fragile blend of native plants
and animals found nowhere else in
the world. It stands as a special place
and source of pride for all. Here at
Guam National Wildlife Refuge,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
works with others to conserve
and restore the precious
resources of both land
and sea. Guam’s native
wildlife flourish in the
native limestone and coastal
forests and sea creatures are bountiful
in the tropical blue waters. Visitors seek out
the beauty and tranquility provided and
enjoy seeing and learning about wildlife.
The refuge is a vital link between Guam’s
cultural and natural heritage, a vibrant reminder
of the place nature holds in all of our lives and
a treasure for future generations.
CCPs provide long-term guidance for management decisions and set forth goals, objectives and strategies
needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs. These plans
detail program planning levels that are sometimes substantially above current budget allocations and,
as such, are primarily for Service strategic planning and program prioritization purposes. The plans do not
constitute a commitment for staffing increases, operational and maintenance increases or funding for
future land acquisition.
Photo: Hermit crab. ©Isaac Chellman
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
iii
Finding of No Significant Impact
for the
Guam National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Unincorporated U.S. Territory of Guam
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has completed the Comprehensive Conservation
Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Guam National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge),
located on the Island of Guam, an unincorporated U.S. Territory. The CCP will guide
management of the Refuge for the next 15 years. The CCP and EA describe the Service’s
proposals for managing the Refuge and their effects on the human environment under two
alternatives, including the no action alternative.
Decision
• Following comprehensive review and analysis, the Service selected Alternative B for
implementation because it is the alternative that best meets the following criteria:
• Achieves the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
• Achieves the purposes of the Refuge.
• Will be able to achieve the vision and goals for the Refuge.
• Maintains and restores the ecological integrity of the habitats and populations on the
Refuge.
• Addresses the important issues identified during the scoping process.
• Addresses the legal mandates of the Service and the Refuge.
• Is consistent with the scientific principles of sound wildlife management and endangered
species recovery.
• Facilitates priority public uses compatible with the Refuge’s purposes and the Refuge
System mission.
Based upon comments received and additional consideration by Refuge staff, the preferred
alternative as described in detail in the CCP and EA has been modified such that the Uranao
right-of-way will remain in its existing location. Implementing this modified alternative will
have no significant impacts on any of the environmental resources identified in the CCP and EA.
Public Review
The planning process incorporated a variety of public involvement techniques in developing and
reviewing the CCP. This included two public open houses, planning updates, numerous
meetings with partners, elected officials, and neighbors, and public review and comment on the
planning documents. The details of the Service’s public involvement program are described in
the CCP.
Conclusions
Based on review and evaluation of the information contained in the supporting references, I have
determined that implementing Alternative B as described in the Draft CCP/EA, including
modifications listed above, for management of Guam National Wildlife Refuge is not a major
Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
v
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Agency Background ...................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Refuge Establishment and Refuge Purposes ............................................................................ 1-8
1.4 Relationship to Regional, Ecosystem, and Species Recovery Plans ..................................... 1-10
1.5 Refuge Vision ............................................................................................................................... 1-18
1.6 Refuge Goals ............................................................................................................................... 1-18
Chapter 2. Planning Purpose, Need, and Issues .................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Planning Process ........................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Purpose and Need for the CCP ................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Planning and Management Guidance .......................................................................................... 2-2
2.3 Planning and Issue Identification ................................................................................................ 2-2
Chapter 3. Management Direction ........................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Description of Management Direction ........................................................................................ 3-3
3.3 Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Rationale ............................................................................ 3-11
Goal 1. Restore, protect, and maintain native limestone forest representative of historic
Guam and other Mariana Islands. ............................................................................................ 3-11
Goal 2. Restore, protect, and maintain the shoreline habitat community representative of
historic Guam and other Mariana Islands. .............................................................................. 3-13
Goal 3. Conserve, protect, and maintain the native halophytic-xerophytic plant community
representative of historic Guam and the other Mariana Islands. ......................................... 3-14
Goal 4. Conserve, protect, and maintain limestone cave habitat to meet the life-history
needs of endemic, cave-dwelling species characteristic of historic Guam and other Mariana
Islands. ....................................................................................................................................... 3-15
Goal 5. Restore, protect, and maintain native marine communities representative of historic
Guam and other Mariana Islands. ............................................................................................ 3-16
Goal 6. Protect and promote the recovery of extirpated and/or federally listed threatened
and endangered species that are endemic to Guam, along with benefits to locally listed
species and species of greatest conservation need. ................................................................ 3-17
Goal 7. Gather scientific information (i.e., research, inventory, and monitoring) to contribute
to our knowledge and understanding of Refuge resources, as well as the threats and
impacts (such as global climate change) to Pacific Island ecosystems in support of
management decisions associated with Goals 1-6. .................................................................. 3-18
Goal 8. Teach students and teachers the value of the Refuge’s ecology and the management
practices necessary to recover and protect the Refuge’s natural and cultural resources.. 3-21
Goal 9. Provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy, value, and support the
Refuge......................................................................................................................................... 3-22
Goal 10. Protect, preserve, evaluate, and when appropriate, interpret the Refuge’s
Chamorro cultural resources and associated practices. ......................................................... 3-24
Chapter 4. Physical Environment .......................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Climate ........................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
vi
4.2 Global Climate Change ................................................................................................................. 4-3
4.3 Hydrology ...................................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.4 Topography and Bathymetry ....................................................................................................... 4-9
4.5 Geology and Soils ......................................................................................................................... 4-10
4.6 Environmental Contaminants .................................................................................................... 4-14
4.7 Surrounding Land Uses ............................................................................................................. 4-18
Chapter 5. Refuge Biology and Habitat ................................................................................................ 5-1
5.1 Biological Integrity Analysis ........................................................................................................ 5-1
5.2 Conservation Target Selection and Analysis .............................................................................. 5-2
5.3 Habitats, Plants, and Wildlife ....................................................................................................... 5-3
Chapter 6. Refuge Facilities, Archaeology, and Socioeconomic Environment ................................. 6-1
6.1 Infrastructure and Administrative Facilities ............................................................................. 6-1
6.2 Operation and Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 6-1
6.3 Recreation Overview ..................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.4 Fishing ........................................................................................................................................... 6-3
6.5 Wildlife Observation and Photography ....................................................................................... 6-3
6.6 Environmental Education ............................................................................................................ 6-4
6.7 Interpretation ............................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.8 Non-Wildlife Dependent Recreation ........................................................................................... 6-4
6.9 Illegal Uses.................................................................................................................................... 6-5
6.10 Adjacent Area Outdoor Recreational Opportunities and Trends .......................................... 6-5
6.11 Archaeological and Cultural Resources .................................................................................... 6-9
6.12 Social/Economic Environment ................................................................................................. 6-10
6.13 Special Designation Lands ....................................................................................................... 6-15
Appendices
Appendix A: Response to Comments ................................................................................................... A-1
Appendix B. Appropriate Use and Compatibility Determinations ................................................... B-1
Use: Wildlife Observation and Photography ................................................................................... B-3
Use: Environmental Education and Interpretation ....................................................................... B-9
Use: Fishing ..................................................................................................................................... B-15
Use: Research, Scientific Collecting, and Surveys ....................................................................... B-21
Use: Traditional Gathering ............................................................................................................. B-29
Appendix C. Plan Implementation and Costs ..................................................................................... C-1
Appendix D. Wilderness Review for Guam National Wildlife Refuge ............................................. D-1
Appendix E. Glossary of Acronyms ...................................................................................................... E-1
Appendix F. Refuge Purposes Research ............................................................................................. F-1
Appendix G. Statement of Compliance................................................................................................. G-1
Appendix H. CCP Core Team Members .............................................................................................. H-1
Appendix I. Cultural Resource Overview ............................................................................................. I-1
Appendix J. Integrated Pest Management Program .......................................................................... J-1
Appendix K. Draft Brown Tree Snake Control Plan .......................................................................... K-1
Appendix L. Species Lists ..................................................................................................................... L-1
Appendix M. References ....................................................................................................................... M-1
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
vii
Figures
Figure 1. Guam National Wildlife Refuge. ........................................................................................... 1-3
Figure 2. Refuge Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 1-5
Figure 3. Proposed Visitor Facilities and Trails .................................................................................. 3-9
Figure 4. Average Temperature and Monthly Precipitation at Andersen AFB, Guam, between
1953 and 2001 ........................................................................................................................ 4-2
Figure 5. Watershed Sub-basins in Northern Guam ........................................................................... 4-8
Figure 6. Bathymetry of Northern Guam ........................................................................................... 4-11
Figure 7. General Soil Map ................................................................................................................... 4-15
Figure 8. Land Percentage of Various Land Cover Types on Guam ............................................... 4-18
Figure 9. Public Hunting Areas on Northern Guam ........................................................................... 6-7
Figure 10. Breakdown of Different Cultures that Make up the Population of Guam .................... 6-11
Tables
Table 1. Conservation Targets ............................................................................................................... 5-2
Table 2. Mean Percent Benthic Coverage and Coral Species Richness at the Reef Flats .............. 5-4
Table 3. Guam’s Listed, Proposed or Candidate Species, as Designated under the
U.S. Endangered Species Act ........................................................................................... 5-12
Table 4. Terrestrial Nonnative Species Present at the Ritidian Unit Known to Have Negative
Impacts ............................................................................................................................... 5-27
Table 5. Refuge Maintenance Activities ................................................................................................ 6-2
Table 6. Population Figures, both Actual and Projected for Villages of Yigo, Dededo, and Guam
Island-wide. ......................................................................................................................... 6-11
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
viii
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
The unincorporated U.S. territory of Guahan (Guam) is the largest and southernmost island in the
Mariana Archipelago, a chain of volcanic islands in Micronesia (GDAWR 2006a). It is located at
latitude 13°28' N and longitude 144°45' E. Guahan Island is situated in the western Pacific Ocean,
approximately 3,800 miles west of Honolulu, HI, and 1,500 miles south of Tokyo, Japan. The
island is approximately 212 square miles. The Guam National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge or NWR)
is comprised of three units: the Andersen Air Force Base Overlay Unit (Air Force Overlay Unit),
the Navy Overlay Unit, and the Ritidian Unit. The Ritidian Unit, known to the Native Chamorro
people as Puntan Litekyan, is located on the northern tip of Guam and encompasses 1,217 acres,
including 385 terrestrial acres and 832 acres of submerged areas offshore (Figures 1 and 2).
Guam Refuge was established in 1993, in response to the 1984 listing of six species as endangered
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1966 (ESA). In 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) designated critical habitat for three of these species: the Mariana fruit bat
(Pteropus mariannus mariannus) or “fanihi” in the Chamorro language of Guam; the Guam
Micronesian Kingfisher or “sihek” (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina); and Mariana crow or
“å’ga” (Corvus kubaryi). The 385 terrestrial acres of the Ritidian Unit are the only designated
critical habitat on Guam for these species. The human-related impacts of development,
agriculture, and introduced pest species have negatively impacted Guam’s native wildlife and
habitats. The absence of many tropical bird species is the most obvious, attributed in large part to
the introduction of the brown treesnake (hereinafter BTS) (Boiga irregularis) or “kulepbla” in the
Chamorro language of Guam.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared this Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(CCP) for Guam Refuge in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration
Act of 1966 (Administration Act) as amended (16 U.S.C 668dd-668ee), and the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), which mandates the
Service to address “…significant problems that may adversely affect the populations and habitats
of fish, wildlife and plants and the actions necessary to correct or mitigate such problems.” Once
an Alternative is selected and approved for implementation by the Service’s Regional Director,
the CCP will guide resource management on the Refuge’s Ritidian Unit for 15 years.
In separate efforts, the U.S. Air Force (Air Force) and the U.S. Navy (Navy) are currently
drafting Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans (INRMPs) to address resource
management for the Air Force and Navy Overlay Units. The Service will be a signatory to the
INRMPs. The focus of the CCP is the Ritidian Unit, the only fee-title land the Service owns in
Guam. Guam Refuge’s CCP and the INRMPs for the Air Force and Navy Overlay Units will
serve to fulfill the CCP requirements for all units of Guam National Wildlife Refuge when they
are completed.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-2 Chapter 1. Introduction
1.2 Agency Background
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Guam National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), within
the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Service is the primary Federal entity responsible for
conserving and enhancing the Nation’s fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. Although
the Service shares this responsibility with other Federal, State, tribal, local, and private entities,
the Service has specific trust resource responsibilities for migratory birds, threatened and
endangered species, certain anadromous fish, certain marine mammals, coral reef ecosystems,
wetlands, and other special aquatic habitats. The Service also has similar trust responsibilities for
the lands and waters it administers to support the conservation and enhancement of all fish and
wildlife and their associated habitats.
The mission of the Service is “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife,
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” National natural
resources entrusted to the Service for conservation and protection include migratory birds,
endangered and threatened species, inter-jurisdictional fish, wetlands, and certain marine
mammals. The Service also manages national fish hatcheries, enforces federal wildlife laws and
international treaties on importing and exporting wildlife, assists with state fish and wildlife
programs, and helps other countries develop wildlife conservation programs.
National Wildlife Refuge System
The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS or Refuge System) is the world’s largest network of
public lands and waters set aside specifically for conserving wildlife and protecting ecosystems.
From its inception in 1903, the Refuge System has grown to encompass 550 national wildlife
refuges in all 50 states, and waterfowl production areas in 10 states, covering more than 150
million acres of public lands. More than 36 million visitors annually fish, hunt, observe and
photograph wildlife, or participate in environmental education and interpretive activities on
national wildlife refuges.
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission and Goals
The mission of the Refuge System is:
“to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and
where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within
the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (Administration
Act).
Wildlife conservation is the fundamental mission of the Refuge System. The goals of the Refuge
System, as articulated in the Mission, Goals, and Purposes Policy (601 FW1), follow:
• Conserve a diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats, including species that
are endangered or threatened with becoming endangered.
Figure 1. Guam NWR
Guam NWR
Guam National Wildlife Refuge WORLD VI EW
Ritidian Unit (FWS)
144°40'00"E 144°50'00"E
13°40'00"N
Navy Overlay
0 3 6
Kilometers
0 3 6
Miles
P h i l i p p i n e S e a
P a c i f i c O c e a n
Ritidian Point
Amantes
Point
Oca Point
Orote
Point
Alutom
Facpi
Point
Pago Point
Anao
Point
Pati
Point
Apra Harbor
Barrigada
Tamuning
Hagatna
Apra
Heights
Santa
Rita
Talofofo
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Dededo
! Yigo
o
Anderson Field
Northwest
Field
Cocos
Island
Air Force Overlay
GUAM
Rota
Tinian
Saipan
Aguiguan
Agrihan
Farallon de Medinilla
Anatahan
Pagan
Asuncion Island
Guguan
Sarigan
Maug Islands
Farallon de Pajaros
Northern Mari ana Islands
PHILIPPINE
SEA
NORTH
PACIFIC
OCEAN
Non Refuge
M A R I A N A I S L A N D S
5-11-09, DH, 09-122-1.MXD
144°40'00"E 144°50'00"E
13°20'00"N 13°30'00"N
13°20'00"N 13°30'00"N 13°40'00"N
UTM 55N
WGS84
!(2
!(4
!(4A
!(17
!(5 !(17
!(6
!(4 !(10
!(8
!(16
!(1
!(3
!(1
!(15
!(9
!(3
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-4 Chapter 1. Introduction
The back sides of pages with maps are blank to facilitate map readability.
Uranao ROW
Entrance Road
Beach Road
Nature Center & Parking
Fuel Storage
Beach Parking
Area
Admin Building & Parking
Maintenance Shop
USFWS
USAF
¬«3A
PRIVATE
USAF
PRIVATE
USAF
Figure 2. Guam NWR
GUAM
Refuge Facilities
Refuge Boundary
13°40'00"N
144°53'00"E
5-11-09, DH, 09-122-2.MXD
0 0.2 0.4
Kilometers
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
Miles
Figure 2
Ritidian Unit
Boundary
UTM 55N
WGS 84
144°51'00"E 144°52'00"E
144°51'00"E 144°52'00"E 144°53'00"E
13°38'00"N 13°39'00"N
13°38'00"N 13°39'00"N 13°40'00"N
P a c i f i c O c e a n
P h i l i p p i n e S e a
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-6 Chapter 1. Introduction
The back sides of pages with maps are blank to facilitate map readability.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-7
• Develop and maintain a network of habitats for migratory birds, anadromous and inter-jurisdictional
fish, and pinniped populations that is strategically distributed and carefully
managed to meet important life history needs of these species across their ranges.
• Conserve those ecosystems, plant communities, wetlands of national or international
significance, and landscapes and seascapes that are unique, rare, declining, or
underrepresented in existing protection efforts.
• Provide and enhance opportunities to participate in compatible wildlife-dependent
recreation (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental
education and interpretation).
• Foster understanding and instill appreciation of the diversity and interconnectedness of
fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats.
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
Of all the laws governing activities on national wildlife refuges, the Administration Act
undoubtedly exerts the greatest influence. The Administration Act was amended by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Act). The Act included a unifying mission for
all national wildlife refuges, a new process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and a
requirement that each refuge will be managed under a CCP developed in an open public process.
The Act states that the Secretary of the Interior shall provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife,
plants, and their habitats within the Refuge System, and ensure that the biological integrity,
diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System are maintained. House Report 105–106
accompanying the Act states ‘‘…the fundamental mission of our System is wildlife conservation:
wildlife and wildlife conservation must come first.’’ Biological integrity, diversity, and
environmental health are critical components of wildlife conservation. As later made clear in the
Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health Policy, “the highest measure of
biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health is viewed as those intact and self-sustaining
habitats and wildlife populations that existed during historic conditions.”
Under the Act, each refuge must be managed to fulfill the Refuge System mission as well as the
specific purposes for which it was established. The Act requires the Service to monitor the status
and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants on every refuge. Additionally, the Act identifies six priority
wildlife-dependent recreational uses. These uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Under the Act, the Service is to
grant these six wildlife-dependent public uses special consideration in the planning, management,
establishment, and expansion of units of the Refuge System. The overarching goal is to enhance
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities and access to quality visitor experiences on refuges,
while managing refuges to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.
New and ongoing recreational uses should help visitors focus on wildlife and other natural
resources. These uses should provide an opportunity to make visitors aware of resource issues,
management plans, and how the refuge contributes to the Refuge System and Service missions.
When determined compatible on a refuge-specific basis, these six uses assume priority status
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-8 Chapter 1. Introduction
among all uses of the refuge in question. The Service is directed to make extra efforts to facilitate
priority wildlife-dependent public use opportunities.
When preparing a CCP, refuge managers must re-evaluate all general public, recreational, and
economic uses (even those occurring to further refuge habitat management goals) proposed or
occurring on a refuge for appropriateness and compatibility. No refuge use may be allowed or
continued unless it is determined to be appropriate and compatible. Generally, an appropriate use
is one that contributes to fulfilling refuge purpose(s), the Refuge System mission, or goals and
objectives described in a refuge management plan. A compatible use is defined as a use that, in
the sound professional judgment of the refuge manager, will not materially interfere with or
detract from the fulfillment of the mission of the Refuge System or the purposes of the refuge.
Updated Appropriateness Findings and Compatibility Determinations for existing and proposed
uses for Guam Refuge are in Appendix B of this CCP/EA.
The Act also requires that, in addition to formally established guidance, the CCP must be
developed with the participation of the public. Public comments play a role in identifying issues,
guiding alternatives considered during development of the CCP, and selecting a preferred
alternative. It is Service policy to develop CCPs in an open public process; the agency is
committed to securing public input throughout the process.
1.3 Refuge Establishment and Refuge Purposes
Refuge Establishment
Guam Refuge was established in 1993. At the time of establishment, Service policy did not require
a notice to be posted in the Federal Register. The best record regarding Refuge establishment is
the Final Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Guam National Wildlife Refuge and
associated Finding of No Significant Impact (USFWS 1993). The Refuge’s authorizing authorities
most relevant to the four principle reasons Guam Refuge was established are the ESA, Fish and
Wildlife Act, Migratory Bird Conservation Act, and Refuge Recreation Act.
Refuge Purposes
The purpose for which a refuge was established or acquired is of key importance in refuge
planning. Purposes must form the foundation for planning and management decisions. The
purposes of a refuge are specified in or derived from the law, proclamation, executive order,
agreement, public land order, donation document, or administrative memorandum establishing,
authorizing, or expanding a refuge, refuge unit, or refuge subunit.
Unless the establishing law, order, or other document indicates otherwise, purposes dealing with
the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plants, and the habitats on
which they depend take precedence over other purposes in the management and administration of
any refuge unit. Where a refuge has multiple purposes related to fish, wildlife, and plant
conservation, the more specific purpose will take precedence in instances of conflict. When an
additional unit is acquired for a different purpose than the original unit, the additional unit
maintains the purpose for which it was acquired and gains the purpose(s) of the original unit, but
the original unit does not take on the purpose(s) of the newer addition.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-9
By law, refuges are to be managed to achieve their purposes. When a conflict exists between the
Refuge System mission and the purpose of an individual refuge, the refuge purpose may
supersede the Refuge System mission. Refuge purposes are also the driving force in the
development of the refuge vision statements, goals, objectives, and strategies in the CCP, and are
critical to determining the compatibility of all existing and proposed refuge uses.
Guam Refuge purpose(s) ensure that the Refuge will be managed to fulfill the Refuge System
mission and the specific purposes for which the Refuge was established. The Refuge purpose is
used to prioritize Refuge activities and to ensure secondary uses do not detract from the purpose
of the Refuge (see Appendix F. Refuge Purposes Research).
Ritidian Unit Purposes
The Refuge purposes for the Ritidian Unit of Guam Refuge are as follows:
“...to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened
species...or (B) plants...” 16 U.S.C. 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 1973).
“...for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and
wildlife resources...” 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4), (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956).
“...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory
birds” 16 U.S.C. 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act).
“...suitable for (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the
protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or threatened
species...” 16 U.S.C. 460k-1 (Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. § 460k-460k-4), as amended).
Purposes of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Overlay Units
The purposes of the Refuge’s Navy and Air Force Overlay Units are separate from the purposes
of the Ritidian Unit (USFWS memo dated March 25, 1994). The following purposes for the
Overlay Units are specified in Cooperative Agreements with the Navy and Air Force, dated
March 4, 1994, and March 10, 1994, respectively.
A. “…to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened
species...or (B) plants...(C) the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened
species depend...” (Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1534);
B. “…shall be administered by him [Secretary of the Interior] directly or in accordance with
cooperative agreements…and in accordance with such rules and regulations for the
conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife, resources thereof, and its habitat
thereon…” (Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 664);
C. “…for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish
and wildlife resources” (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4));
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-10 Chapter 1. Introduction
D. “…for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its
activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or
affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude, if such terms are deemed by the Secretary to
be in accordance with law and compatible with the purposes for which acceptance is sought.”
(Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(1));
E. “…(1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the protection of
natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species and threatened species” (Refuge
Recreation Act, 16 U.S.C. 460k-l);
F. “…the Secretary…may accept and use…donations of…real…property. Such acceptance
may be accomplished under the terms and conditions of restrictive covenants imposed by the
donors...” (Refuge Recreation Act, 16 U.S.C. 460k-2); and
G. “To ensure that [Air Force and Navy] lands within the Guam National
Wildlife Refuge remain available for the use of the [Air Force and Navy] to
carry out its responsibilities to organize, supply, equip, train, service, mobilize,
demobilize, administer, and maintain forces” (10 U.S.C. 8013).
1.4 Relationship to Regional, Ecosystem, and Species Recovery Plans
When developing a CCP, the Service considers the goals and objectives of existing national,
regional, and ecosystem plans; state or territorial fish and wildlife conservation plans; and other
landscape-scale plans developed for the same watershed or ecosystem in which the refuge is
located. To the extent possible, the CCP is expected to be consistent with these existing plans and
assist in meeting their conservation goals and objectives (Part 602 FW 3.3). This section
summarizes some of the key plans that were reviewed by members of the planning team during
CCP development.
Guam Conservation Plans
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2006. With passage of the Commerce,
Justice, and State Appropriations Act of 2001, Congress mandated each state and territory to
develop its own comprehensive strategy. The strategy is required to have eight elements,
including a description of the status of species determined to be of greatest conservation need,
important habitats and their condition, conservation actions, monitoring of these species, and
gauging conservation success. A good faith effort to include the public during plan development
was important.
Guam’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies (GCWCS) identified 65 species including
31 terrestrial (2 mammals, 13 birds, 5 lizards, 3 snails, 2 insects and 6 plants); 7 freshwater (4 fish,
1 eel, 2 plants), and 27 marine organisms (14 marine mammals, 2 fish, 4 clams, 1 gastropod, 1 spiny
lobster, 2 sea turtle, 3 marine plants). A conservation table is devoted to each of the species
summarizing their status, goals, objectives, and action plans (Elements 1, 3, and 4). Besides
identifying actions necessary for each species, other conservation actions that affect general
groups of species were identified, and included the development of Memorandas of
Understanding, rehabilitation of habitats, public education, and law enforcement.
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Chapter 1. Introduction 1-11
U.S. Navy (COMNAVMAR) INRMP and Andersen Air Force Base INRMP. The purpose of
the INRMPs for Navy and Air Force lands in Guam is to inform Navy and Air Force planners and
implementers of mission activities and to provide natural resource managers with sufficient
biological background and management guidance to ensure Navy and Air Force mission goals are
met without compromising natural resources present on lands under their control. In accordance
with the Sikes Act of 1960, as amended, the Department of Defense (DOD) shall maintain a multi-purpose,
sustainable, natural resources management program. The Sikes Act also requires that
all DOD conservation programs ensure the continued access to land, air, and water resources for
realistic military training and testing while ensuring that the natural and cultural resources are
sustained in a healthy condition for future generations.
The Navy and Air Force will work with the Service to help ensure that installation activities,
including site cleanup, will protect fish and wildlife to the maximum extent practicable. Where
feasible, habitat rehabilitation measures will be factored into remedial actions to enhance fish and
wildlife resources on Navy and Air Force lands. The INRMPs cover all of the DOD overlay lands
for Guam Refuge. The Service will be a signatory to the INRMPs, which will serve as the CCP for
the overlay lands.
Endangered Species Recovery Plans
Vanikoro swiftlet1
“Guam Swiftlet or Yayaguak” (Aerodramus vanikorensis), 1991. Current
Status: The Guam swiftlet is on the Federal list of endangered species. Eleven colonies are known
on Guam, Aguijan, and Saipan. Population estimates were 400 individuals in one colony on Guam,
970 in five colonies on Aguijan, and 3,160 in five colonies on Saipan. Guam swiftlets nest and roost
in limestone caves with entrances typically 6.5 feet (2 meters) high or higher, and cave chambers
with dark zones where the birds nest. Swiftlets leave the cave to feed and drink, and although
they may forage over a wide variety of terrain and vegetation, they seem to favor ridge crests and
open grassy areas where they capture small insects while flying.
Current information documents the decline of swiftlet populations on the islands of Guam, Rota,
and possibly Saipan; however, there is no direct evidence of factors causing the recent decline.
This species is believed to be threatened by various activities, including guano mining and
vandalism that result in disturbance of caves and by brown treesnake (BTS) predation. The
recovery objective is downlisting to threatened. The recovery criteria include protecting and
managing the existing 11 colonies and their habitats, and establishing an additional 9 colonies on
Guam and Rota. The total population numbers then must be increased by about 50 percent and
sustained over 3 consecutive years. To achieve downlisting the following actions are identified:
• Permanently secure and manage the 11 known active swiftlet caves, one formerly active
cave on Rota, and the immediately surrounding “buffer” habitat;
• Survey for, secure, and manage additional swiftlet colonies and potentially usable caves;
• Conduct specific research on population biology and suspected limiting factors;
• Control BTS at selected caves on Guam;
1 Recent taxonomic revision has raised the formerly named Mariana gray swiftlet—subspecies of the
Vanikoro swiftlet (Aerodramus vanikorensis bartschi)—to a full species, called the Guam Swiftlet
(Aerodramus vanikorensis), and separated it from the gray swiftlet of the south Pacific (AOU 1995).
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-12 Chapter 1. Introduction
• Expand remote population into suitable historical habitat; develop and implement
techniques for reintroduction of swiftlets into suitable habitat, as needed; and
• Monitor populations and develop criteria for delisting.
Native Forest Birds of Guam and Rota of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands,
1990. Of the five species of native forest birds listed as endangered, the Guam broadbill and the
Bridled white-eye are probably extinct. The Guam rail exists only in captive breeding populations
on the island of Guam and in mainland zoos. The Guam Micronesian kingfisher numbered fewer
than 50 individuals in the wild in 1984, and has declined drastically since then. It exists mainly as
captive breeding populations in stateside zoos. The Mariana crow is the only native Guam forest
bird with populations still existing in the wild. In 1985 there were probably less than 100 crows
left in the wild on Guam, however, the Rota population was estimated to be 1,318 birds and was
found throughout the island of Rota. The five listed birds inhabit the various forest types on
Guam including limestone forest, broken forest, coconut forest, scrub forest, beach scrub, and
agriforest. The Guam rail has the widest ecological distribution and was found over much of Guam
in all habitats, including open fields, except for wetlands.
The major cause of extirpation or extinction for the Guam native forest birds has been predation
by the introduced BTS. The recovery objective for each species is downlisting. The recovery
criteria include controlling and/or eradicating the BTS on Guam and reestablishing wild
population levels as follows:
• Guam rail: 2,000 birds (1,000 in Northern Guam and 1,000 in Southern Guam);
• Guam Micronesian kingfisher: 1,500 birds (1,000 in Northern Guam and 500 in Southern
Guam);
• Mariana crow: 700 birds on Rota and 700 birds on Guam (500 in Northern Guam and 200 in
Southern Guam).
No recovery objectives have been set for the Guam broadbill and Bridled white-eye, other than
capturing donor stock to establish captive breeding populations if possible; these two species are
thought to be extinct. The actions identified for increasing the populations of native forest birds
include:
• Establish captive breeding populations for the crow, kingfisher, and rail; control BTS and
other exotic predators and exotic diseases;
• Reintroduce the crow and captive-bred rail and kingfisher to Guam;
• Conduct research needed to manage forest habitat for birds; and
• Conduct necessary management activities at existing locations on Guam.
There is a population of Guam rail on Rota that is in the process of becoming established and is
supplemented with additional re-introductions of individuals.
Mariana crow “Å’ga” (Corvus kubaryi), 2005. Current Species Status: The Mariana crow is on
the Federal list of endangered species. Historically, it was found on the islands of Guam and Rota
in the Mariana archipelago. The last known native Mariana crow is believed to have disappeared
from Guam sometime in 2002 or 2003. Ten Mariana crows survive in the wild on Guam today, all
individuals originating from Rota. Current estimates for Rota indicate that approximately 85
pairs of Mariana crow persist on the island, but that this population may be experiencing a serious
decline. The species utilizes a wide variety of forested habitats including limestone, strand, ravine,
agricultural forests, and secondary forests. However, all evidence suggests Mariana crows are
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-13
most abundant in native limestone forests. On both Guam and Rota, nests have been found
exclusively in native tree species; native trees also serve as the crow’s primary foraging source.
Habitat loss, nutritional deficiencies, human persecution, contaminants, and introduced species
such as disease organisms, cats (Felis catus), rats (Rattus spp.), black drongos (Dicrurus
macrocercus), monitor lizards (Varanus indicus), and BTS, have all been suggested as factors in
the decline of this species. However, the BTS is believed to be the overriding factor in the
extirpation of the Mariana crow from Guam. Habitat loss, human persecution, and possibly rat
predation on nests are believed to be major factors in the decline on Rota. Therefore, the majority
of the recovery actions address the BTS threat, habitat loss, and human persecution.
The recovery objective is to conserve and recover the species to the point where we can downlist it
to threatened status and then delist it (remove it from the list of endangered and threatened
species). The recovery criterion for downlisting includes meeting the following conditions:
• Mariana crows occur in two populations: one on Rota consisting of a minimum of 75
territorial pairs, and one in northern Guam consisting of a minimum of 75 territorial pairs;
• Both populations are stable or increasing based on quantitative surveys or demographic
monitoring that demonstrates an average intrinsic growth rate not less than 1.0 over a
period of at least 10 consecutive years;
• Sufficient Mariana crow habitat, based on quantitative estimates of territory and home
range size, is protected and managed to achieve the first two criteria;
• BTS and other introduced predators found to be a threat to the Mariana crow are
controlled at levels sufficient to achieve the first two criteria;
• BTS interdiction efforts are in place to prevent the establishment of BTS on Rota; and
• Efforts to resolve Mariana crow and landowner conflicts have been implemented.
To prevent the extinction of the Mariana crow, three categories of recovery actions are highest
priority. Especially important in this respect is development of means to reduce BTS over wide
areas on Guam, reducing BTS at ports and cargo areas, and detecting BTS on Rota and elsewhere
where potential incipient populations are likely to be small. Important Mariana crow habitat on
Rota and Guam must be protected. This includes protecting current reserves on Guam and Rota
as well as areas of high crow density and habitat quality on Rota. Essential research into the
species population status and its viability on Rota must be reestablished and led by an experienced
scientist. This includes detailed research into the relative importance of presumed important
limiting factors (rats and human persecution) to the survival and reproduction of the Mariana
crow on Rota, surveying and monitoring of the Rota population, and development of a data center.
Accomplishment of these recovery actions will do much to assist the restoration of Mariana crows.
However, recovery in the complex human sociopolitical environment that characterizes the region
is critically dependent on the trust and cooperation of the people of Guam and Rota. All
participants in the recovery effort must work to earn this trust and cooperation as they carry out
stipulated recovery actions.
Guam Micronesian kingfisher “Sihek” (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina), 2004. The
Guam Micronesian kingfisher was listed as an endangered subspecies in 1984 (USFWS 1984). By
1988 it was extirpated from the wild, and this subspecies is now found only in captivity. As of May
2008 the population consisted of 60 males, 36 females, and 4 unsexed chicks distributed among 17
captive propagation institutions in the mainland United States and Guam. The sihek has a
recovery priority number of 6 on a scale of 1 (highest) to 18 (lowest), reflecting a high degree of
threat, relatively low prospects for recovery, and its taxonomic status as a subspecies. Recovery
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
1-14 Chapter 1. Introduction
actions focus on increasing the size of the captive population, controlling BTS, protecting and
enhancing habitat for reintroduction, and reintroducing the sihek into the wild on Guam.
Mariana fruit bat “Fanihi” (Pteropus mariannus mariannus) and Little Mariana fruit bat
“Fanihi” (Pteropus tokudae), 1990. Both the Mariana fruit bat and Little Mariana fruit bat are
listed as endangered. By 1948 biologists found the Mariana fruit bat to be uncommon in northern
Guam and by 1984 it was estimated that there were 425 to 500 Mariana fruit bats left. The Little
Mariana fruit bat may be extinct. Mariana fruit bats forage and roost in mature, native limestone
forest and ravine forest. Illegal colony hunting and predation of young by the BTS are the most
serious threats. The objective of the Mariana fruit bat recovery plan is downlisting. There are no
set objectives for the Little Mariana fruit bat. The recovery criteria include increasing the
Mariana fruit bat population to at least 2,500, with a minimum of three permanent colonies each
supporting at least 400 bats. The actions needed to achieve the recovery criteria are eliminating
illegal hunting, controlling BTS and other exotic predators, researching the biology of the species,
conducting necessary management activities at existing locations, reintroducing the bats, and
verifying recovery objectives.
Micronesian megapode “Sasangat” (Megapodius laperouse laperouse) 1998. The Micronesian
megapode, a pigeon-sized bird, is listed on the federal list of endangered species. Small remnant
populations are known to exist on the southern Mariana Islands of Aguiguan, Tinian, Saipan, and
Farallon de Medinilla, while larger populations persist on the northern uninhabited Mariana
Islands of Anatahan, Guguan, Sarigan, Alamagan, Pagan, Ascuncion, Maug, and possibly Agrihan.
The total number of individuals throughout the Mariana archipelago is estimated to be 1,440 to
1,975 birds. Micronesian megapodes are generally dependent on native limestone forest, but may
occasionally use native and nonnative secondary forest adjacent to limestone forest. Megapodes
primarily select nest sites in sun-warmed cinder fields or areas warmed by geothermal heat, but
secondarily will nest in the roots of rotting trees, logs, and in patches of rotting sword grass.
Historically, megapodes and their eggs may have been over exploited by native human
populations, but this activity has not been documented recently. Current threats to megapodes
include habitat degradation by feral ungulates and commercial/residential development;
competition with introduced galliformes; and predation by introduced monitor lizards, cats, rats,
pigs, and dogs. Megapode populations may also be threatened by stochastic natural phenomenon
such as volcanism, drought, and typhoons. However, the greatest potential threat to megapode
populations is the establishment of BTS on the islands north of Guam. The ultimate objective of
the recovery plan is to delist the Micronesian megapode. Criteria for downlisting were
established in the recovery plan as well. The following steps must be accomplished for
downlisting:
• There must be a BTS interdiction and control plan in place, and implementation in effect,
for all of the Mariana Islands;
• Current threats to all extant megapode populations must be assessed and controlled; and
• The comparatively large populations on Anatahan, Sarigan, Guguan, Pagan, and Maug
must remain at their current population levels or be increasing for a period of 5
consecutive years.
For delisting, the total number of megapodes in the Marianas should be at least 2,650 birds
distributed over 10 islands, including at least 2 populations of 600 birds or greater, 3 populations
of 300 or greater, 2 populations of 200 or greater, and 3 populations of 50 or greater. All
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-15
populations must be stable or increasing for five consecutive years after achieving these levels.
The following actions are identified as necessary: survey for, protect, and manage existing
populations; conduct essential research on the ecology and biology of Micronesian megapodes;
promote expansion of megapodes into suitable habitat; monitor megapode populations; and
establish a BTS interdiction and control plan.
Hayun lagu or Trongkon guafi (Serianthes nelsonii) 1994. The tree species Serianthes
nelsonii is federally listed as endangered. Two populations are known from Rota and Guam in the
southern Mariana Islands. These populations consist of 121 mature trees on Rota and 1 mature
tree on Guam. All remaining Serianthes nelsonii occur in native limestone forest on soils derived
from limestone substrates, with most trees growing on or near steep hillsides or cliffs. The
species formerly inhabited sites with volcanic soils in southern Guam. Current information
suggests that a number of factors are involved in the decline of the species, with overbrowsing by
introduced ungulates, especially Philippine deer, and predation on seeds and seedlings by insects
thought to be the two major problems. These have resulted in nearly complete lack of
regeneration for a number of years, producing a population highly skewed toward mature
individuals.
The recovery objective is to downlist the species to threatened. The recovery criteria include
protecting and managing the existing 122 trees and their habitats. Populations on both islands
must be expanded so that each contains at least two subpopulations, each with enough
reproductive plants to effectively maintain the populations through the production of seeds,
seedlings, and mature plants. The actions needed to meet these criteria include securing the
habitat of current populations and managing threats, conducting research on limiting factors,
augmenting existing populations, excluding ungulates, reestablishing the species in its former
range, and validating recovery objectives.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) 1998. The green turtle is listed as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) throughout its Pacific Range, except for the endangered
population nesting on the Pacific coast of Mexico which is covered under the Recovery Plan for the
East Pacific green turtle. In reviewing this species’ current status, the Recovery Team found
that, outside of Hawaii, the green turtle populations have seriously declined and should probably
be classified as endangered. By far, the most serious threat to these stocks is from direct take of
turtles and eggs, both within U.S. jurisdiction and on shared stocks that are killed when they
migrate out of U.S. jurisdiction (e.g., nesting turtles from American Samoa migrate to Fiji and
French Polynesia to feed). Another serious threat to green turtle populations throughout the
Pacific is associated with increasing human populations and development. In particular, human
development is having an increasingly serious impact on nesting beaches. The recovery goal is to
delist the species. To consider delisting, all of the following criteria must be met: all regional
stocks that use U.S. waters have been identified to source beaches based on reasonable
geographic parameters; each stock must average 5,000 (or a biologically reasonable estimate
based on the goal of maintaining a stable population in perpetuity) females estimated to nest
annually (FENA) over six years; nesting populations at "source beaches" are either stable or
increasing over a 25-year monitoring period; existing foraging areas are maintained as healthy
environments; foraging populations are exhibiting statistically significant increases at several key
foraging grounds within each stock region; a management plan to maintain sustained populations
of turtles is in place, and international agreements are in place to protect shared stocks.
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1-16 Chapter 1. Introduction
Eight major actions are needed to achieve recovery (seven of which are applicable to
conservation efforts in Guam): stop the direct harvest of green turtles and eggs through
education and law enforcement actions; reduce incidental mortalities by commercial and
artisanal fisheries; determine population size, status, and trends through long-term
regular nesting beach and in-water censuses; identify stock home ranges using DNA
analysis; support conservation and biologically-viable management of green turtle
populations in countries that share U.S. green turtle stocks; identify and protect primary
nesting and foraging areas for the species; eliminate adverse effects of development on
nesting and foraging habitats; and control nonnative predators of eggs and hatchlings
(e.g., mongoose, feral cats, and pigs) in the Hawaiian population.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) 1998. The hawksbill turtle is listed as endangered
throughout its range. In the Pacific, this species is rapidly approaching extinction due to a
number of factors, but the intentional harvest of the species for meat, eggs, and the tortoiseshell
and stuffed curio trade is of greatest impact. Increasing human populations and the concurrent
destruction of the habitat are also of major concern for the Pacific hawksbill populations. In a
review of the status of the species, the Recovery Team (which is made up of biologists with
extensive experience in the insular Pacific) noted how seriously depleted hawksbill populations
had become in the Pacific. The status of this species is clearly of a highest concern for the Pacific
and it is recommended that immediate actions be taken to prevent its extinction. The recovery
goal is to delist the species. To consider delisting, all of the following criteria must be met:
• All regional stocks that use U.S. waters have been identified to source beaches based on
reasonable geographic parameters;
• Each stock must average 1,000 females FENA (or a biologically reasonable estimate based
on the goal of maintaining a stable population in perpetuity) over six years;
• All FENA at "source beaches" are either stable or increasing for 25 years; existing
foraging areas are maintained as healthy environments;
• Foraging populations are exhibiting statistically significant increases at several key
foraging grounds within each stock region;
• A management plan designed to maintain sustained populations of turtles is in place;
• Formal cooperative relationships with regional sea turtle management programs (South
Pacific Regional Environment Program [SPREP]) are in place; and
• International agreements are in place to protect shared stocks.
The major recovery actions for the Hawksbill Turtle are the same as those outlined in the Green
Turtle Recovery Plan. They are outlined above.
Brown Treesnake Control Plan
The BTS is a native species of Indonesia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Australia. Its
introduction to Guam has resulted in a biological invasion that is unprecedented in its scope, and it
has been primarily responsible for the extirpation of most of Guam’s native terrestrial
vertebrates, including fruit bats, lizards, and virtually all of the Island’s forest birds. In addition,
BTS has caused more than 1,000 power outages; preyed on poultry, damaging agricultural
interests; killed pets; and inflicted numerous children with venomous snake bites. A large number
of governmental agencies and private entities have been working to prevent similar ecological
disasters on other Pacific islands, since the threat of BTS dispersing to other islands and
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-17
continents is significant. The BTS is a major threat to the biodiversity of the Pacific region and
other areas at risk. High densities of snakes occur in many urban areas on Guam where cargo is
loaded for transport by air and sea to other Pacific islands, and dispersal has occurred on islands
in Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, other islands in the Pacific and
Indian Ocean, and even on the continental United States.
In recognition of the BTS dispersal threat, the U.S. Congress authorized a cooperative program to
control BTS outside of its historic range. The Brown Tree Snake Technical Working Group is
charged with an integrated pest management approach that would:
• Reduce existing BTS populations over large geographic areas on Guam;
• Prevent the spread of BTS to other Pacific islands and mainland areas;
• Eradicate or contain new populations as soon as detected;
• Develop effective and environmentally sound control and/or eradication strategies and
methods;
• Protect endangered species and other wildlife from BTS predation;
• Assist organizations and individuals on Guam with managing and controlling BTS
populations to reduce disruptions of electrical supplies and human-snake encounters
resulting in emotional trauma and bites; and
• Develop adequate information on the biology, dispersal dynamics, and control of BTS to
support Federal, State, Territorial, and Commonwealth needs.
To meet these objectives, the BTS Technical Working Group proposed the following tasks:
• Reduce BTS populations over large geographic areas on Guam;
• Eliminate BTS from the transportation network; eradicate snakes in recently established
populations;
• Control snakes to reduce predation on endangered species and other native animals;
• Control snakes to reduce human contacts resulting in snakebites and emotional trauma;
• Control snakes to reduce electrical outages and damage to equipment;
• Provide information and educational materials to the public, government agencies, and
commerce to reduce risks of ecological and economic damages due to the establishment of
this exotic pest; and
• Provide for the prompt and continuous evaluation of the effectiveness and viability of
control actions, including both operational and research facets of the program, as well as a
periodic review and updating of the Brown Tree Snake Control Plan. A draft of the
current update is included as Appendix K.
These tasks are interrelated and, as such, are not listed in any order of priority; all are essential
parts of both a short- and long-term strategy needed to control BTS outside its native habitat.
Migratory Bird Plans
Though migratory birds utilize the Ritidian Unit, Guam is not in the majority of U.S. national and
regional migratory bird plans. Guam is in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The Pacific
Region Seabird Conservation Plan includes Guam Refuge. The Service’s priorities for seabird
management, monitoring, research, outreach, planning, and coordination are identified in the
Pacific Region Seabird Conservation Plan. The plan serves as a guide to coordinate Service
activities for seabird conservation at the regional scale. The plan includes a review of seabird
resources and habitats; a description of issues and threats; and a summary of current
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1-18 Chapter 1. Introduction
management, monitoring, and outreach efforts. All species are prioritized by conservation
concern at the regional scale and recommendations for conservation actions are identified and
prioritized.
1.5 Refuge Vision
The refuge vision statement is a broad general statement that describes what the Refuge staff
perceives as Guams Refuge’s fundamental attributes and contributions to a healthy world
environment. This statement will guide management activities for the lifespan of this plan, as well
as into the near future. The vision statement for Guam Refuge is as follows:
Guam National Wildlife Refuge hosts a unique and fragile blend of native plants and animals
found nowhere else in the world. It stands as a special place and source of pride for all. Here at
Guam National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve
and restore the precious resources of both land and sea. Guam’s native wildlife flourishes in the
native limestone and coastal forests,and sea creatures are bountiful in the tropical blue waters.
Visitors seek out the beauty and tranquility provided and enjoy seeing and learning about
wildlife. The Refuge is a vital link between Guam’s cultural and natural heritage, a vibrant
reminder of the place nature holds in all of our lives, and a treasure for future generations.
1.6 Refuge Goals
Goals and objectives are the unifying elements of successful refuge management. They identify
and focus management priorities, resolve issues, and link to refuge purposes, Service policy, and
the Refuge System mission.
A CCP describes management actions that help bring a refuge closer to its vision. A vision
broadly reflects refuge purposes, Refuge System mission and goals, other statutory requirements,
and larger-scale plans as appropriate. Public use and wildlife/habitat management goals then
define general targets in support of the vision, followed by objectives that direct efforts into
incremental and measurable steps toward achieving those goals. Finally, strategies identify
specific tools and actions to accomplish objectives. The following goal order does not
imply any
priority in this CCP.
Goal 1: Restore, protect, and maintain native limestone forest representative of historic Guam and
other Mariana Islands.
Goal 2: Restore, protect, and maintain the shoreline habitat community representative of historic
Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Goal 3: Conserve, protect, and maintain the native halophytic-xerophytic plant community
representative of historic Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Goal 4: Conserve, protect, and maintain limestone cave habitat to meet the life-history needs of
endemic, cave-dwelling species characteristic of historic Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Introduction 1-19
Goal 5: Restore, protect, and maintain native marine communities representative of historic Guam
and other Mariana Islands.
Goal 6: Protect and promote the recovery of extirpated and/or federally listed threatened and
endangered species that are endemic to Guam, along with benefits to locally listed species and
species of greatest conservation need.
Goal 7: Gather scientific information (research, inventory, and monitoring) to contribute to our
knowledge and understanding of Refuge resources, and the threats and impacts to Pacific Island
ecosystems in support of management decisions associated with Goals 1-6.
Goal 8: Teach students and teachers the value of the Refuge’s ecology and the management
practices necessary to recover and protect the Refuge’s natural and cultural resources.
Goal 9: Provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy, value, and support the Refuge.
Goal 10: Protect, preserve, evaluate, and when appropriate, interpret the Refuge’s Chamorro
cultural resources and associated practices.
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1-20 Chapter 1. Introduction
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 2. Planning Purpose, Need, and Issues 2-1
Chapter 2. Planning Purpose, Need, and Issues
2.1 Planning Process
The CCP development process follows applicable policies contained within the Service’s Fish and
Wildlife Manual (Part 602 FW2.1, November 1996; Part 601 FW1, Part 603 FW1, and Part 605
FW1, June 2006), and the Wilderness Act of 1964 with respect to wilderness study and review.
This CCP was completed in association with an EA and is intended to meet the dual requirements
of compliance with the NWRS Administration Act, as amended (Act), and NEPA. Both the Act
and NEPA require the Service to actively seek public involvement in the preparation and adoption
of environmental and conservation documents and policies. Furthermore, NEPA also requires
the Service to consider a reasonable range of alternatives including its Preferred Alternative and
the “No Action” alternative; the latter defined as continuation of current management practices.
2.2 Purpose and Need for the CCP
The purpose of the CCP is to provide the Refuge System, the Service, partners, and citizens with
a management plan for improving fish and wildlife habitat conditions and infrastructure for
wildlife, staff, and Refuge visitors for 15 years. An approved CCP will help ensure that the
Service manages Guam Refuge to achieve its purposes, vision, goals, and objectives, and to help
fulfill the System mission.
Another purpose of the CCP is to provide reasonable, scientifically grounded guidance for
improving the Refuge’s forest, subterranean, coastal, and marine habitats for the long-term
conservation of native plants, animals, and migratory birds. The CCP will identify appropriate
actions for protecting and sustaining the cultural and biological features of forest and coastal
communities; endangered species populations and habitats; migratory shorebirds; and threatened,
endangered, or rare species. A final purpose of the CCP is to provide guidance and evaluate
priority wildlife-dependent recreation programs on the Refuge which may include hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
The CCP is needed for a variety of reasons. Primary among these is the need to establish
improved habitat conditions in the Refuge’s forest, subterranean, coastal, and marine
environments that are being degraded by pest plants and animals, most notably BTS and feral
ungulates. There is a need to address Guam Refuge’s contributions to aid in the recovery of listed
species, and assess and possibly mitigate potential impacts of global climate change.
There is also
a need to effectively work with current partners such as the Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife
Resources (GDAWR), U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Resources Division, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air
Force, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, other
divisions within the Service, and seek new partnerships to restore habitats, improve
environmental education and interpretive opportunities and volunteer program, and recover
endangered species populations.
There is a need to evaluate the existing visitor service program to determine which wildlife-dependent
public uses are compatible and to what extent improvements or alterations should be
made to the program.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
2-2 Chapter 2. Planning Purpose, Need, and Issues
2.3 Planning and Management Guidance
The Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior (DOI), is the principal Federal
agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their
habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the Refuge
System, which encompasses more than 150 million acres, 550 national wildlife refuges and other
units, and 37 wetland management districts.
Refuges are guided by various federal laws and executive orders, Service policies, and
international treaties. Fundamental are the mission and goals of the Refuge System and the
designated purposes of the Refuge as described in establishing legislation, executive orders, or
other documents establishing, authorizing, or expanding a refuge.
Key concepts and guidance of the Refuge System derive from the Administration Act; the Refuge
Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4), as amended; Title 50 of the Code of Federal
Regulations; and the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual. The Administration Act is implemented
through regulations covering the Refuge System, published in Title 50, subchapter C of the Code
of Federal Regulations. These regulations govern general administration of units of the Refuge
System. This CCP and the previously released EA are intended to comply with both the
Administration Act and NEPA.
2.4 Planning and Issue Identification
Issues to be addressed in the CCP
The following issues are within the scope of the CCP/EA and are being addressed in the planning
process.
Habitat and Species Management: Habitat conditions should be restored on Guam Refuge’s
limestone forest, cave, coastal strand, and marine habitats, some of which are highly degraded by
invasive plants and animals. Additional management activities can occur to aid in the control of
BTS, rats (as BTS is controlled), and feral ungulates. Endangered species and other species are
of management concern (e.g., land snails, marine fishes).
Wildlife-Dependent Uses: As defined by the Improvement Act, wildlife-dependent public uses
are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental interpretation, and
environmental education. Some wildlife-dependent public uses should be offered at the Refuge
and improvements to these programs can be provided to enhance public enjoyment and increase
the knowledge and awareness that exemplifies a quality experience for Refuge visitors. Should
the Refuge participate in a fee collection program to offset visitor service costs? Do fishing, scuba
diving, and snorkeling activities harm the coral reefs and should these activities continue to be
permissible? These questions and others will be answered through Compatibility Determinations
and Appropriate Use Findings.
Non-Wildlife-Dependent Uses: Shall Guam Refuge continue to offer various non-wildlife-dependent
recreational opportunities such as barbequing and beach use? Is swimming safe and
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 2. Planning Purpose, Need, and Issues 2-3
should it continue at locations currently deemed to be safe? What facilities and program support
should be offered?
Cultural Resources: What steps should be taken to better protect and interpret cultural
resources? What cultural practices historically occurred on the Refuge and what requirements
will continue to allow these practices? How do we continue to incorporate the Chamorro culture,
through their stories and language, into the appropriate visitor experience? What actions should
we undertake to develop a visitor services program that highlights the Refuge’s commitment to
preservation of the Chamorro language, culture, and traditions through protection, interpretation,
and conservation of Guam’s natural and cultural resources?
Global Climate Change: How will global climate change affect the coral reefs and coastal
environments of the Ritidian Unit? What other species and habitats might be affected? How can
the visitor services program interpret this in an empowering and hopeful, yet accurate, manner?
Coral Reef: There were also suggestions regarding the development of response protocols for the
numerous stressors affecting coral reef resources, including vessel groundings, chemical or oil
spills, coral bleaching, and coral disease. The Refuge was encouraged to increase its participation
with local, Federal, and nongovernmental organizations whose efforts are directed toward the
preservation and restoration of the coral reef habitat.
Interagency Coordination and Cooperation: Does the relationship between Guam Refuge, the
Navy, and the Air Force need improvement, and if so, how can this be accomplished? Can the
Refuge better participate in endangered species recovery plans, Guam’s Wildlife Conservation
Strategy, and other conservation initiatives? The CCP should incorporate and complement the
strategies developed within current recovery plans including the Service’s threatened and
endangered species recovery plans and Guam’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
Issues Outside the Scope of the CCP/EA
In general, the CCP will incorporate Navy and Air Force management information from their
respective INRMPs. While the Navy and Air Force have the lead on natural resources
management issues on each of their lands, we have requested that Refuge habitat management
priorities be incorporated into the INRMPs as they are developed. The DOD provides
administrative oversight, staffing, and funding for projects that conserve, enhance, and restore
high quality habitats on the Navy and Air Force Bases. The DOD works cooperatively with the
Service on natural resources conservation and management in accordance with the Cooperative
Agreements for the Overlay Refuges. The Navy and Air Force also work cooperatively with the
DAWR and other on-island experts. The Navy and Air Force are currently revising their
respective INRMPs, which are incorporated by reference in this Draft CCP/EA.
The Service does not manage visitor services on the Overlay Units; the Navy and Air Force
manage visitor services on their lands. The Navy and Air Forces Bases are closed to the public
unless access is granted. There is a public hunting program at Andersen Air Force Base for feral
deer and pigs, and limited access for collection of medicinal plants and coconut crabs under
permit.
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2-4 Chapter 2. Planning Purpose, Need, and Issues
A preliminary wilderness evaluation has been completed for the Ritidian Unit (see Appendix D)
and a preliminary determination was made that the unit does not appear to meet the minimum
requirements for recommending wilderness designation. The Service will not conduct a
wilderness evaluation for the Overlay Units because the DOD is the responsible agency.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-1
Chapter 3. Management Direction
3.1 Overview
In developing the management direction for the CCP, the Service reviewed and considered a
variety of resource, social, economic, and organizational aspects important for managing the
Refuge. These background conditions are described more fully in Chapters 4, 5, and 6. As is
appropriate for a national wildlife refuge, resource considerations were fundamental in designing
alternatives. House Report 105-106 accompanying the Improvement Act states "…the
fundamental mission of our System is wildlife conservation: wildlife and wildlife conservation must
come first." The planning team reviewed scientific reports and studies to better understand
ecosystem trends and the latest scientific recommendations for species and habitats. The Service
met with staff from local, territorial, and Federal agencies, and elected officials to ascertain
priorities and problems as perceived by others.
Our management direction has a number of components. In addition to the specific strategies
outlined in the following section, there are a number of assumptions and programs that apply to
most or multiple goals and objectives. The following list is intended to describe some of these
cross-goal strategies.
• Implementation Subject to Funding Availability: Actions as described will be implemented
over a perioed of 15 years as funding becomes available. Projects are listed in Appendix C.
• Refuge Revenue Sharing Payment: Annual payments to the Government of Guam under
the Refuge Revenue Sharing Program will continue according to the established formula
and subject to payments authorized by Congress.
• Refuge facilities that are available in support of Refuge management are depicted in
Figure 2. No additional administrative facilities are planned or included in the CCP.
• The Refuge has a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. Trash that is left by visitors is picked up
by Refuge staff as it is encountered.
• Take of humphead wrasse and bumphead parrotfish will be discontinued based on
evaluations and information provided by NOAA. We will work to change the Code of
Federal Regulations for fishing at Guam Refuge to implement this change.
• Marine debris is removed from beach and marine environments when it is encountered.
Anchoring marine vessels in Refuge waters is strictly prohibited to protect coral
communities.
• Sea turtles and seabirds are known to be attracted to artificial lights at night. Seabirds
will fly into street or building lights leading to injury and often death. Young sea turtles
can become disoriented after hatching and crawl toward artificial lights instead of heading
to the ocean. All unnatural nighttime lighting on the Refuge has been eliminated from the
Refuge’s administrative site to protect turtles and nocturnal seabirds. There will be no
new unnatural lighting in the future.
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3-2 Chapter 3. Management Direction
• Participation in Planning and Review of Regional Development Activities: The Service
will actively participate in planning and studies for ongoing and future industrial and
urban development, contamination, and other potential concerns that may adversely affect
the Refuge’s wildlife resources and habitats. The Service will cultivate working
relationships with pertinent Territorial and Federal agencies to stay abreast of current
and potential developments, and will utilize effective outreach tools and technologies and
environmental education and interpretation as needed to raise awareness of the Refuge’s
resources.
• The Service will continue to uphold Federal laws protecting cultural resources, including
the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Archaeological Resources
Protection Act (ARPA). These laws also mandate consultation with the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) and other preservation partners. The NHPA mandates that
all projects using Federal funding, permitting, or licensing be reviewed by a cultural
resource professional to determine if there is the potential to affect cultural resources. An
inventory will be conducted as necessary and appropriate actions to mitigate effects will be
identified prior to implementation of the project. A project-specific determination will be
conducted for all undertakings as defined by NHPA, including habitat maintenance and
restoration projects, and new or expanded trails, roads, facilities, and public use areas.
Integrated Pest Management
In accordance with 517 DM 1 and 7 RM 14, an integrated pest management (IPM) approach
would be utilized, where practicable, to eradicate, control, or contain pest and invasive species
(herein collectively referred to as pests) on the Refuge. IPM involves using methods based upon
effectiveness, cost, and minimal ecological disruption, and considers minimum potential effects to
non-target species and the Refuge environment. Pesticides may be used where physical, cultural,
and biological methods, or combinations thereof, are impractical or incapable of providing
adequate control, eradication, or containment. If a pesticide would be needed on the Refuge, the
most specific (selective) chemical available for the target species would be used unless
considerations of persistence or other environmental and/or biotic hazards would preclude it. In
accordance with 517 DM 1, pesticide usage would be further restricted because only pesticides
registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in full compliance with the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and as provided in regulations,
orders, or permits issued by EPA may be applied on lands and waters under Refuge jurisdiction.
Environmental harm by pest species refers to a biologically substantial decrease in environmental
quality as indicated by a variety of potential factors, including declines in native species
populations or communities, degraded habitat quality or long-term habitat loss, and/or altered
ecological processes. Environmental harm may be a result of direct effects of pests on native
species, including preying and feeding on them; causing or vectoring diseases; preventing them
from reproducing or killing their young; out-competing them for food, nutrients, light, nest sites
or other vital resources; or hybridizing with them so frequently that within a few generations, few
if any truly native individuals remain. In contrast, environmental harm can be the result of an
indirect effect of pest species. For example, decreased waterfowl use may result from invasive
plant infestations reducing the availability and/or abundance of native wetland plants that provide
forage during the winter.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-3
Environmental harm may also include detrimental changes in ecological processes. For example,
cheatgrass infestations in shrub steppe habitat can alter fire return intervals, displacing native
species and communities of bunch grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Environmental harm may also
cause or be associated with economic losses and damage to human, plant, and animal health. For
example, invasions by fire-promoting grasses that alter entire plant and animal communities,
eliminating or sharply reducing populations of many native plant and animal species, can also
greatly increase fire-fighting costs.
See Appendix J for the Refuge’s IPM program documentation for managing pests for this CCP.
Along with a more detailed discussion of IPM techniques, this documentation describes the
selective use of pesticides for pest management on the Refuge, where necessary. Throughout the
life of the CCP or HMP, most proposed pesticide uses on the Refuge would be evaluated for
potential effects to the Refuge’s biological resources and environmental quality. These potential
effects would be documented in “Chemical Profiles” (see example in Appendix J). Pesticide uses
with appropriate and practical best management practices (BMPs) for habitat management as
well as cropland/facilities maintenance would be approved for use on the Refuge where there
likely would be only minor, temporary, and localized effects to species and environmental quality
based upon non-exceedance of threshold values in Chemical Profiles. However, pesticides may be
used on a refuge where substantial effects to species and the environment are possible (exceed
threshold values) in order to protect human health and safety (e.g., mosquito-borne disease).
3.2 Description of Management Direction
We intend to install a multi-species barrier “wall” along the Ritidian Unit boundary on the east
end to the cliff, and on the west end to tie into the Air Force’s ungulate fence proposed for the Air
Force Overlay Unit. A concrete barrier is necessary to withstand a typhoon. The barrier would be
ungulate, rodent, and snake proof, and if implemented, could result in a nearly pest-free Refuge.
Management efforts would involve an initial investment in the cost and effort of constructing a
physical barricade. Once completed, pest species from within the confines of the pest barricade
would be removed. The USGS has developed this type of snake and rodent barrier.
The efforts necessary to keep pest species from repopulating the area are hoped to be a minimal
maintenance level. The barrier itself needs to be coordinated between Andersen AFB and the
Service. The combination of Service and AFB fencing would serve to encompass landholdings
from both agencies. The current proposed AFB fencing project includes three separate fenced
units and is proposed as an ungulate-excluding fence only. Refuge staff will coordinate with AFB
and Service Ecological Services staff to determine whether or not there are opportunities to
partner in a way that would be most advantageous to Guam’s native wildlife. Initial discussions
between some of the parties regarding type of fence and final locations have taken place. It is
possible that the Refuge staff would change the material that is used for the fencing project or the
specific location. Either of these changes would not change the nature or scale of the impacts that
are described in the Guam Refuge CCP/EA. The enclosed area will be large enough to
accommodate the spatial needs of native crabs and lizards.
Ungulate control will increase with the use of snares, and will be more effective with a wall in
place (eliminating ingress). Pest plants will be controlled with the use of pesticides and manual
removal. Native plant propagation and out-planting will be conducted following the removal of
ungulates. Survival of young plants will increase dramatically without ungulates eating and
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
3-4 Chapter 3. Management Direction
trampling them. BTS removal will be increased through trapping, baiting, and hand removal.
Snakes will be kept out of the Refuge with a snake/pest barrier surrounding the Ritidian Unit as
well as a portion of the Air Force Overlay Unit.
Habitat management activities currently include the collection of native seeds from Refuge lands,
germinating the seeds and raising seedlings in a plant nursery provided by the Guam Department
of Agriculture (DOA), then out-planting of seedlings both on- and off-Refuge. Serianthes nelsonii
seeds have been collected on Rota. These seeds have been germinated and raised in one of DOA’s
nurseries. Out-planting has been delayed because plants that are out-planted need constant
protection from invasive species, such as white fly, scale, ungulates, and mile-a-minute vine. Small
areas, approximately 10 acres in size, are currently fenced to exclude ungulates for these
restoration efforts.
Research and monitoring programs are designed to evaluate pest species impacts on native plants
and animals, and evaluate habitat for potential restoration of endangered species. Specifically,
researchers are investigating control methods for the scale insect, which is impacting native
cycads; monitoring the spread of the invasive rhinoceros beetle which impacts coconut trees; and
evaluating potential forage and roost sites of bats and wildlife use of caves. Some archaeological
research occurs within limestone caves and other habitats on the Refuge. Zoo-archaeologists are
looking at non-fossilized prehistoric bone deposits to determine past cave use and presence of
swiflets and other species. A marine habitat study has recently been concluded.
Some caves on the Ritidian Unit are considered significant under the Federal Cave Resources
Protection Act of 1988. Section 4 of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 (102 Stat.
4546; 16 U.S.C. 4301) authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations providing for the identification
of significant caves. Section 5 authorizes the Secretary to withhold information concerning the
location of significant caves under certain circumstances. “Significant cave” means a cave located
on Federal land that has been determined to meet the criteria in S 37.11(c). Within the limestone
cave habitat, Refuge staff will locate all of the caves on the Refuge. Once the caves are located,
they will be mapped using global positioning and geographic information systems (GPS and GIS).
These caves will also be surveyed for species composition. Invasive species such as moths,
rodents, and snakes will be removed or controlled so native species can re-colonize their original
habitat. With the exception of one cave on the self-guided walk, access to the limestone caves is
not permitted in order to limit unintentional damage caused by visitors. All visitors to the Ritidian
Cave must be accompanied by Refuge staff.
Introduced mud dauber wasps use the limestone caves for nest building. The wasps build mud
nests that are attached to the walls and ceilings of the caves. Sometimes these nests are built on
walls that contain Chamorro pictographs, impacting some pictographs with mud. Plastic netting
has been placed over the main pictograph cave entrances to protect the pictographs from wasp
nests. This netting, along with existing fencing, is also intended to protect the caves from human
and feral animal disturbance. Some areas within the Refuge are closed to the public due to the
high number of ancient Chamorro artifacts. The University of Guam’s Micronesia Area Research
Center performs field work for training archaeologists on the Refuge. All construction projects
disturbing earth on the coastal strand must have an archaeological resource monitor. Human
remains and cultural artifacts are frequently found on the Refuge.
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Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-5
We will conduct the following actions to manage native marine communities:
• Surveys to identify marine species and conservation needs;
• Surveys for potentially extirpated species such as the giant clam;
• Creel surveys to identify the number and species of fish being harvested within Refuge
boundaries;
• Coral surveys to identify coral damage from human uses; and
• Dive surveys to encompass areas beyond the reef crest to a depth of 100 feet, the official
boundary of the Refuge.
Opportunistic removal of pest species will be done on all surveys. With a pest barrier in place
there could be less trespass by poachers who enter the Refuge to illegally harvest fish and in
doing so, often damage or kill corals.
Actions related to managing federally listed threatened and endangered species endemic to Guam
include efforts to restore populations of all native bat and bird species, except for the Mariana
common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus guami), which does not naturally occur in the Ritidian
Unit. Surveys will be conducted to evaluate habitat for the Bridled white-eye, Guam rail, and
Micronesian kingfisher, along with any other species that could potentially be repatriated.
The Refuge will also participate in captive breeding programs and establish a captive rearing
facility on the Refuge. A soft release site will be established, so that animals being repatriated at
the Refuge can gradually acclimatize themselves to the wild. Roost sites for bats, crows, and
other birds will be identified and protected for future use by any repatriated species, or for
species that are released by the captive breeding program. The Refuge has been exploring
options for repatriating endangered species to the Refuge, although no release activities have
occurred.
Refuge and GDAWR staff are currently evaluating caves for the possibility of repatriating
swiftlets. While there have been no releases for the sihek (kingfisher), Guam Refuge would accept
surplus animals from GDAWR’s captive rearing program to be released on the Refuge grounds.
There have also been initial discussions about releasing Koko (rails) within the Refuge.
Repatriation will be delayed until BTS populations are controlled. In addition, Refuge staff and
volunteers will continue monitoring the beaches for green and hawksbill turtle nests during the
nesting season. Volunteers are assisting with nest identification and tagging turtles with satellite
tags as a part of the Haggan Watch Program. Refuge staff members currently provide
instructions for the Haggan Watch Program.
The Haggan Watch Program is a partnership with GDAWR to have trained volunteers walking
the beaches of Guam looking for signs of sea turtle nests and crawls on a regular schedule. Little
is currently known about turtle nesting behavior on Guam and this program is designed to give
biologists a better understanding of when nesting turtles are on-island, while at the same time
increasing public awareness of the status of these threatened and endangered animals. In addition
to discussing sea turtle nest and crawl identification tools, volunteers are given information about
the current threats to the sea turtle populations, including illegal poaching. Haggan is considered
a delicacy by many on Guam, and was traditionally served at weddings and other large family
gatherings and celebrations. Haggan Watch Program volunteers continue to monitor Guam's
beaches, including those on the Refuge. Since the program began, several nest sites (both on and
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3-6 Chapter 3. Management Direction
off the Refuge) have been discovered which would have likely been unknown without the efforts of
the dedicated volunteers.
We will increase monitoring and research activity to gather scientific information and increase our
knowledge and understanding of the Refuge’s resources and the threats and impacts to Pacific
island ecosystems, in support of management decisions. Surveys will be conducted with an
emphasis on key species such as snails, ironwood tree, and endangered species. Surveys will also
be conducted for migratory birds using this area as a flyway.
Much of the Refuge, including most of the marine reef system, is not open to public access. Self-guided
visitor service activities consist primarily of a self-guided interpretive trail; access points to
beach habitat for fishing, snorkeling, barbecuing, picnicking, and sunbathing; and a nature center.
Figure 3 illustrates existing and planned visitor facilities and trails. The nature center contains
natural and cultural history exhibits and a bookstore. Only one limestone cave is open to the
public without staff escort using a self-guided trail. Localized closures of beach and beach strand
habitat occur when turtle nest sites are found. Restrictions on the use of amplified sound are
enforced on the Ritidian Unit. Other activities that are currently being conducted at the Refuge
are environmental education, limited bird watching, scuba diving, kayaking, photography, offshore
fishing from boats, and hiking. Refuge staff members are currently in the process of developing a
self-guided nature trail near the Nature Center, which will include a kiosk and interpretive signs
along a boardwalk that is handicap accessible.
Refuge staff who are trained to present visitor service programs conduct presentations both on
and off the Refuge on various Refuge topics, depending upon the teacher’s needs. Schools come to
the Refuge to visit the nature center and participate in guided interpretive cave walks.
To share and involve the public in the resources and management practices necessary to recover
and preserve the Refuge’s natural and cultural recourses, the Refuge will increase its visitor
service program to include both on- and off-site efforts. Schools with budgets large enough to
transport students to the Refuge will make up the primary student audience on-site. For schools
unable to bring students to the Refuge, we will offer an off-site environmental education program.
Refuge staff will focus on developing partnerships through schoolyard habitat programs.
Visitor opportunities will be expanded to include an additional self-guided interpretive trail.
Existing activities such as access points to beach habitat for fishing, snorkeling, barbecuing, and
sunbathing, and staffing the nature center, will continue. A trail that includes opportunities to
visit a limestone cave will remain open as a self-guided interpretive opportunity. Localized
closures of beach and beach strand habitat occur when turtle nest sites are located. Restrictions
on the use of amplified sound will continue. Other activities that will continue at the Refuge are
limited bird watching, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, photography, offshore fishing from boats,
and hiking. The trail nearest the nature center would consist of a kiosk, interpretive signs, and a
boardwalk that is handicap accessible.
All interpretive materials in English and Chamorro will be translated into Japanese and Korean.
A new accessible self-guided trail will continue to be constructed. Information via brochures and
exhibits about conservation of natural resources and habitat restoration will be shared with
visitors to enhance awareness and reduce the impact visitors have on the Refuge.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-7
The fishing program will be reevaluated based on information obtained during creel and reef
surveys. A wildlife observation and photography clinic will be implemented. A display area will
be created for local wildlife photographs to be exhibited.
Traditional cultural practices are allowed on Refuge lands. These practices include medicinal plant
collection and food plant collection; Special Use Permits (SUPs) are issued for the collection of
medicinal plants, breadfruit, and coconuts. Firewood collection is permitted after storms and when
available from construction projects.
The Refuge has rich cultural aspects that date back to pre-European settlement. To preserve and
protect Guam’s tangible cultural resources and Guam’s native heritage practices, protection of
cultural resources will continue to be enforced. Sites such as caves, latte stones, and middens (see
Appendix I) will be cataloged and mapped, but not published. Increased historical research of
cultural materials, pictographs, latte stones, and middens will be necessary to identify the history
and age of these items, and accurately interpret and document archaeological resources. With a
pest wall in place, trespass will likely be reduced thus minimizing vandalism to and poaching of
ancient cultural items such as pictographs and pottery pieces.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
3-8 Chapter 3. Management Direction
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Figure 3. Guam NWR
GUAM
Proposed
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Refuge Boundary
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Figure 3
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UTM 55N
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The back sides of pages with maps are blank to facilitate map readability.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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3.3 Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Rationale
Goals and objectives are the unifying elements of successful refuge management. They identify
and focus management priorities, resolve issues, and link to refuge purposes, Service policy, and
the Refuge System mission.
A CCP describes management actions that help bring a refuge closer to its vision. A vision
broadly reflects a refuge’s purposes, Refuge System mission and goals, other statutory
requirements, and larger-scale plans as appropriate. Goals then define general targets in support
of the vision, followed by objectives that direct effort into incremental and measurable steps
toward achieving those goals. Finally, strategies identify specific tools and actions to accomplish
objectives. Unless specifically stated, all objectives are applicable throughout the life of this plan.
Goals for the Guam Refuge for the next 15 years are presented on the following pages. Each goal
is followed by the objectives that pertain to that goal. The goal order does not imply any priority
in this CCP. Some objectives pertain to multiple goals and have simply been placed in the most
reasonable spot. Similarly, some strategies pertain to multiple objectives. Following the goals,
objectives, and strategies is a brief rationale intended to provide further background information
pertaining to the importance of an objective relative to legal mandates for managing units of the
System including refuge purpose, trust resource responsibilities (federally listed threatened and
endangered species and migratory birds), and maintaining/restoring biological integrity, diversity,
and environmental health.
Goals and Objectives for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy Overlay Units
The Air Force and Navy Overlay Units are undergoing separate INRMP planning processes that
will involve Service personnel. Because the habitat types found on the Overlay Units are also
found on the Ritidian Unit, we urge our DOD partners to integrate the goals, objectives, and
strategies in this CCP into the management of the Overlay Units. Cohesive management of
adjacent and nearby lands would offer distinct advantages in terms of habitat and species benefits.
Goal 1. Restore, protect, and maintain native limestone forest
representative of historic Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Objective 1a: Protect, restore and maintain native limestone forest.
Protect, restore, and maintain the 220 acres of native limestone forest habitat on the Ritidian
Unit of the Guam Refuge to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered plants and
animals, as well as benefit other migratory birds and native forest-dependent species (e.g., land
snails, lizards, coconut crabs). Native limestone forest habitat has the following characteristics:
• Dominant, tall tree species consisting of Aglaia mariannensis, Guamia mariannae, and
Ficus prolixa. (Quinata 1994).
• Understory species include the above as well as Morinda citrifolia, Cycas micronesica
and Wikstroemia elliptica.
• Rare plant species found in native limestone forest include Heritieria longipetiolata,
Serianthes nelsonii, Solanum guamense, Canavalia sericea, and Cycads free of
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3-12 Chapter 3. Management Direction
mortality causing pests.
• Minimal reptilian and rodent species (e.g., BTS, monitor lizard, rats,).
• Natural systems govern seed survival.
• Minimal ungulate species (feral pig, Philippine deer).
• Reduced pest plant species (Leucaena leucocephala).
• Minimal human disturbance.
Strategies
Repatriate and/or out-plant native plants.
Build and maintain a multi-species barrier to exclude ungulate, reptilian, and rodent pest species.
Control pest plant species using appropriate IPM techniques including:
• pesticide applications;
• mowing;
• brush cutting;
• approved bio-controls;
• hand removal/hand pulling.
Restrict public access to limit the spread of pest species.
Remove ungulates from within exclosure through appropriate IPM techniques, including
shooting, trapping, and snaring.
Remove reptilian and rodent pests from within exclosure through appropriate IPM techniques
including trapping, baiting, and shooting.
Rationale
The Ritidian Unit is a politically distinct unit of continuous terrain containing several habitat
types, including limestone forest. Limestone forest is one of the forest community types that
comprise the primary constituent elements listed in the critical habitat determination for the
Mariana fruit bat, Mariana crow, and Micronesian kingfisher. Several threats exist to the
natural regeneration of plants within this community, including the loss of pollinators and seed
dispersers, insect and mammal seed predators, and feral ungulate trampling and grazing.
Ungulate fencing or a multi-species barrier is key to habitat protection and management.
Native overstory and understory trees are important to the biological integrity, diversity, and
environmental health of the limestone forest community. In addition, native trees provide
opportunities for foraging, loafing, and nesting of threatened and endangered species.
Pest species can be defined as invasive exotic or native species which are not ecologically
balanced with the existing environment and pose a threat to biological integrity, diversity, and
environmental health. Pest plant species of concern which impact the diversity and abundance of
native plant species includes Tangan tangan, mile-a-minute vine, and many grasses.
Objective 1b: Cooperate with and provide management guidance to the Navy and Air Force for
native limestone forest habitat on the Overlay Units through close coordination and development
of the respective INRMPs.
Refuge and Ecological Services staffs will be involved with preparing/approving the INRMPs.
Service priorities for the Overlay Units include exclusionary fencing, BTS suppression, habitat
restoration, pest species removal, and endangered/extirpated species releases.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-13
Goal 2. Restore, protect, and maintain the shoreline habitat community
representative of historic Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Objective 2a: Protect, restore, and maintain the shoreline habitat community.
Protect, manage, and restore 120 acres of shoreline community (sand beach, coastal strand, and
coastal back strand forest habitats) to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered
animals and plants, as well as benefit other native and migratory birds and native snails on the
Ritidian Unit, with the following characteristics:
• Strand communities consist of well drained soils and vegetation that is adapted to salt
spray from coastal waters and is occasionally inundated with saltwater during storm
events.
• The varying plant communities found in coastal strand often consist of an overstory made
up of coconut, ironwood, and fagot, with an understory consisting of hibiscus, beach
morning glory, and scaevola.
• 7-10% cover of native grasses (e.g., Eragrostis spp.) and herbaceous vegetation (e.g.,
Ipomoea indica) (natives) in coastal strand habitat.
• Less than 10% cover of invasive grasses, herbaceous (Carica papaya) and woody (e.g.,
Leucana leucocephala) species (invasives) in coastal strand and coastal back strand forest
habitat.
• Dominant tall tree species consisting of Aglai mariannensis, Guamia mariannae, and
Ficus prolixa. (Quinata 1994).
• Understory species include the above as well as Morinda citrifolia, Cycas micronesica
and Wikstroemia elliptica.
• Rare plant species found in native limestone forest include Heritieria longipetiolata,
Serianthes nelsonii, Solanum guamense, Canavalia sericea.
• Cycads free of mortality causing pests.
• Minimal reptilian and rodent species (e.g., BTS, monitor lizards, rats,).
• Minimal ungulate species (feral pigs, Philippine deer).
• Minimal human disturbance.
Strategies
Build and maintain a multi-species barrier to exclude ungulate, reptilian, and rodent pest species.
Restore 42-acre planted coconut grove near office to native habitat.
Support GDAWR (2006) to meet objectives within the Guam Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy.
Restore the 16-acre open field adjacent to the Nature Center to coastal strand habitat.
Propagate and interplant native coastal strand forest and beach strand vegetation.
The Refuge law enforcement officer will coordinate with GDAWR law enforcement to protect
coastal strand.
Jointly monitor with GDAWR and NOAA for marine debris and implement measures for its
removal.
Maintain no exterior lights.
Control pest plant species using appropriate IPM techniques including:
• pesticide applications;
• mowing;
• brush cutting;
• approved bio-controls; and
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
3-14 Chapter 3. Management Direction
• hand removal/hand pulling.
Remove ungulates from within exclosure through appropriate IPM techniques including
shooting, trapping, and snaring.
Remove reptilian and rodent pests from within exclosure through appropriate IPM techniques
including trapping, baiting, and shooting.
Close areas of coastal strand to reduce trampling of vegetation and nests, and the threat of
introduction of pest plants.
Provide limited access points and picnic spots for beach access to reduce the human-use footprint
in the environment.
Rationale:
Shoreline communities, by nature, are frequently disturbed by storms, tides, and flooding events.
The coastal strand habitat is generally comprised of plants that are relatively widespread, easily
dispersed, resistant to disturbance, and can reestablish from populations on other islands
(Lobban and Schefter 1997). Coastal strand forests also are prone to disturbance. These
attributes are conducive to restoration activities.
Several endangered species and other species of concern rely on these habitats. These species
include the Mariana fruit bat, Mariana crow, Guam rail, Micronesian kingfisher, rare plants, and
land snails. Shoreline communities may also be used in the future by repatriated Guam rail,
Micronesian kingfisher, and Guam swiftlet. Green turtles, and possibly hawksbill turtles, nest,
feed, and loaf in this community as well. These areas are also utilized by foraging shorebirds and
nesting seabirds.
Objective 2b: Cooperate with and provide management guidance to Navy and Air Force
cooperators to restore, conserve, protect, and maintain the shoreline habitat community on
Overlay Units through close coordination and development of the respective INRMPs.
The Service’s Refuge and Ecological Services staff will be involved with preparation and approval
of the INRMPs. Service priorities for the Overlay Units include exclusionary fencing, BTS
suppression, habitat restoration, pest species removal, and endangered/extirpated species
releases.
Goal 3. Conserve, protect, and maintain the native halophytic-xerophytic
plant community representative of historic Guam and the other Mariana
Islands.
Objective 3a: Conserve, protect, and maintain the halophytic-xerophytic plant community.
Protect and maintain 45 acres of halophytic-xerophytic plant community on the Ritidian Unit to
benefit native and migratory birds:Ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Wandering tattler
(Heteroscelus incanus), Pacific golden-plover (Pluvialis fulva), Intermediate egret (Egretta
intermedia), and Pacific reef-heron (Egretta sacra). Halophytic-xerophytic plant communities
have the following characteristics:
• Occur on terraces, cliff edges, and vertical cliffs and can be subject to extreme salt spray.
• Vegetation is usually low and tangled, often in dense thickets.
• Typical native species include Sporobolus farinosus, Polyscias grandifolia, Wollastonia
biflora var. canescens, Capparis cordifolia, Ficus spp., Peperomia, Portulaca australis,
and Bikkia mariannensis.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-15
• Minimal invasive plants or animals such as BTS, rats, and mile-a-minute vine.
Strategies
Maintain closure to public access.
Control pest species using appropriate IPM techniques including:
• pesticide applications;
• approved bio-controls;
• hand removal/hand pulling;
• non-public removal of feral ungulates.
Rationale:
Halophytic-xerophytic plant communities are fragile and uniquely adapted to extreme climate
and growing conditions. These may be level or cliff habitats. Salt spray, wind, sunlight exposure,
and limited soils all contribute to limited but unique plant diversity. Ungulate trampling and
introduction of pest plants are the two greatest threats. Climate change may become a threat.
Because of the limited amount of halophytic-xerophytic habitat throughout Micronesia, it is
especially important to the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the
Refuge. Refuge staff members plan to remove nonnative vines such as the dodder.
Objective 3b: Cooperate with and provide management guidance to Navy and Air Force
cooperators to restore, conserve, protect, and maintain the halophytic-xerophytic habitat
community on the Overlay Units through close coordination during development of their
respective INRMPs.
The Service’s Refuge and Ecological Services staff will be involved with preparation and approval
of the INRMPs. Service priorities for the Overlay Units include exclusionary fencing, BTS
suppression, habitat restoration, pest species removal, and endangered/extirpated species
releases.
Goal 4. Conserve, protect, and maintain limestone cave habitat to meet
the life-history needs of endemic, cave-dwelling species characteristic of
historic Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Objective 4a: Conserve, protect, and maintain limestone cave habitat
Protect and maintain caves and cave dependant species (e.g., Guam swiftlet) throughout the year
on the Ritidian Unit, with the following characteristics:
• Minimal mud dauber wasps and other invasive insect species (e.g., cockroaches and ants).
• Minimal degradation (i.e., trampling, plant dispersement, excrement) by ungulates and
rodents.
Strategies
Encourage/cooperate with researchers to identify IPM strategies to control wasps (see strategies
under Objective 7b).
Allow human access of Ritidian Cave by a guided tour (see objective 9a).
Incorporate cave restoration as a component within an overall habitat management plan (see
Objective 7a).
Control pest species using appropriate IPM techniques including pesticide applications,
approved bio-controls, trapping mammals, and hand removal/hand pulling .
Rationale:
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
3-16 Chapter 3. Management Direction
The endangered Guam swiftlet once inhabited caves on the Ritidian Unit, and are now confined
to a few caves in southern Guam on the Navy Overlay Unit. The Navy, GDAWR, and the Service
have discussed the need to re-establish a swiftlet colony in caves at the Ritidian Unit to decrease
the potential for a catastrophic loss of the birds from their current limited range. Nonnative
animals often use caves and change the nutrient cycles and atmosphere of the caves by dying and
defecating in them.
Objective 4b: Cooperate with and provide management guidance to Navy and Air Force
cooperators to restore, conserve, protect, and maintain the halophytic-xerophytic habitat
community on the Overlay Units through close coordination and development of the respective
INRMPs
The Service’s Refuge and Ecological Services staffs will be involved with preparation and
approval of the INRMPs. Service priorities for the Overlay Units include exclusionary fencing,
BTS suppression, habitat restoration, pest species removal, and endangered/extirpated species
releases.
Goal 5. Restore, protect, and maintain native marine communities
representative of historic Guam and other Mariana Islands.
Objective 5a: Restore, protect, and maintain marine submerged lands and nearshore waters
Protect and maintain approximately 832 acres of marine submerged lands and the associated
nearshore waters to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) at the Ritidian Unit for the benefit of sea
turtles and a diverse assemblage of other native marine life. The marine community has the
following characteristics:
• Shoreline and coral reefs free of marine debris.
• Minimal presence of invasive/undesirable species (e.g., invasive algae).
• Minimal human disturbance, especially during turtle breeding season (time period).
• Highest quality, unpolluted marine waters.
Strategies
Use IPM techniques to control and, where possible, eradicate invasive marine species including
hand removal, mechanical and biological controls, and pesticide applications.
Remove marine debris from coral reefs and shoreline habitats.
Remove concrete, metal, and other structural materials.
Close areas to visitor use to protect species and habitat.
Rationale:
The Ritidian Unit has high quality and unique coral assemblages when compared to other areas
on Guam (Randall, R. 2000). Marine debris and trampling are threats to the coral reef
ecosystem. The Refuge hopes to reduce these threats by educating and regulating visitors and
responding quickly to influxes of large amounts of marine debris.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Management Direction 3-17
Goal 6. Protect and promote the recovery of extirpated and/or federally
listed threatened and endangered species that are endemic to Guam,
along with benefits to locally listed species and species of greatest
conservation need.
Objective 6a: Cooperate in captive rearing and release of endangered species endemic to Guam.
Cooperate with GDAWR, Navy, and Air Force to develop a captive rearing program and soft
release sites for the Mariana crow, Micronesian kingfisher, Guam rail, and Mariana fruit bat.
Strategies
Work with cooperators to implement recovery tasks, initially on the Ritidian Unit, and then on
the Overlay Units.
Supervise and support Navy-funded biologist for the Navy Overlay Unit.
Participate in captive rearing program.
Develop soft release sites.
Use appropriate IPM techniques to control invasive/pest species (BTS, deer, pigs, carabao,
monitor lizards, cats, dogs, feral chickens, rats, shrews, predatory flatworms, mud-dauber wasps)
including:
• pesticide applications;
• trapping;
• shooting (non-public removal);
• fencing/screening;
• biological controls.
Rationale:
The purpose of the Refuge and the expectation of the public on Guam are for the Refuge to
restore those species impacted by BTS and other causes for future generations. The Ritidian
Unit has been designated as Critical Habitat for three listed species: the threatened Mariana
fruit bat and endangered Micronesian kingfisher and Mariana crow. Green turtles nest and
hawksbill turtles are suspected to nest on the Ritidian Unit
Objective 6b: Promote recovery of the federally listed endangered Guam swiftlet.
Cooperate with GDAWR, Navy, and Air Force on habitat improvements for a healthy, self-sustaining,
wild population of the endangered Guam swiftlet, with the following characteristics:
Predator-free caves.
Strategies
Establish a colony of Guam swiftlets through transplant releases into one predator-free cave at
the Ritidian Unit.
Assist Navy and Air Force cooperators with Guam swiftlet recovery tasks, initially on the
Overlay Units, then on the Ritidian Unit.
Rationale:
The purpose of the Refuge and the expectation of the public on Guam are for us to restore
species decimated and extirpated by BTS and other causes, for future generations. The zoo-archaeological
record (bones) demonstrates that swiftlets previously occupied caves on the
Ritidian Unit. Threats to the caves include BTS, mud dauber wasps, cockroaches, and
disturbance by humans and feral animals.
Objective 6c: Contribute to the repatriation of extirpated species.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
3-18 Chapter 3. Management Direction
Within 10 years of CCP approval, contribute to the restoration of suitable, predator-free habitats
on the Ritidian Unit as a basis for potential repatriation of extirpated species (e.g., Rufous fantail
or “Chichirika”; Cardinal Honeyeater or “Egigi”; and Mariana Fruit-Dove or “Totot”).
Strategies
Work with cooperators to document species status and appropriate restoration actions.
Develop repatriation plan.
Rationale:
The purpose of the Refuge and the expectation of the public on Guam are for us to restore those
species decimated and extirpated by BTS and other causes for future generations.
Objective 6d: Minimize disturbance to nesting, loafing, and foraging sea turtles.
Minimize disturbance to nesting green and hawksbill turtles, turtle nests and eggs, and loafing
and foraging sites on lands and associated waters of the Ritidian Unit.
Strategies
Nest site fencing to protect from predators.
Maintain closed area for turtle protection (boats).
Localized beach closures surrounding nest sites.
Enhance and continue supporting the Haggan Watch turtle nest monitoring program to search
for nest crawls.
Rationale:
The volunteer Haggan Watch program is generating interest in the protection of sea turtles. It
aids in turtle counts and successful nest location. Education and enforcement are still necessary
due to traditional sea turtle consumption and turtle egg poaching. Eggs may also be dug up by
feral pigs and monitor lizards.
Objective 6e: Protect and promote the recovery of the endangered Serianthes nelsonii tree.
Work with cooperators to establish healthy, self-sustaining populations of the endangered tree,
Serianthes nelsonii, with the following characteristics: reduced ungulate populations in
outplanting areas; and suitable soil characteristics.
Strategies
Out-plant and maintain up to 100 Serianthes nelsonii trees to a pest-resistant size in various
areas of the Refuge within 15 years.
Rationale:
In 2006 a small project began to increase Serianthes nelsonii populations on Guam and Rota.
Seeds were collected from Rota and seedlings were easily germinated, but were attacked by
pests almost immediately. Seedlings are still in the nursery due to the need for constant care.
Goal 7. Gather scientific information (i.e., research, inventory, and
monitoring) to increase our knowledge and understanding of Refuge
resources, and the threats and impacts to Pacific Island ecosystems in
support of management decisions associated with Goals 1-6.
Objective 7a: Promote management-related research.
Continue to promote ma