WHO: Arlen Lancaster, Chief, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
will recognize Richard Stevens of the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery with an
award and tree dedication in celebration of Earth Day.
WHAT: Richard Stevens will receive the "Take Pride in America" award for his
volunteer efforts in gathering Kona residents to assist in a reforestation
project at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. The cemetery had been decimated by
years of indiscriminate harvesting, over grazing, development, and feral
animals. There will also be a native tree planting/dedication.
WHEN: Friday, April 20, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, four miles north of the Kona airport.
WHY: Through the NRCS’ Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Richard Stevens
coordinated with the Hawaii County to apply for WHIP funds to fence the
property. NRCS approved the application and awarded the county $46,000 to
complete the fencing. The fencing keeps the feral goats out of the cemetery,
which is critical in re-establishing native trees to the dry land forest.
HOW: Contact Jeff Knowles, NRCS District Conservationist, at (808) 322-2484,
Ext. 109.
USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
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