User:Ajvillalta/New sandbox

= Mangrove trees in Hawaii = The red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, and Oriental mangrove, Bruguiera sexangula, are non-native, invasive plant species that can be found along many of the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands.

History
Mangrove trees were brought to Hawaii in 1902 by the Hawai'i Sugar Planters Association in hopes that they would help to keep the sediment from running-off into the water due to heavy rains and agriculture making the land barren. It was later planted in Kalihi fishpond, then in 1922 it was planted in He'eia marsh, and it was brought to Kealia Pond, Maui in 1960. A third of the estuary habitat was reported to be made up of mangrove trees by 1977. By 1980 removal actions began to take place.

Positive Effects
The trees are said to provide a habitat for fish, birds, and other fauna, while also keeping the land safe from storm surges, and stopping runoff. They provide shade for native flora and fauna, protecting them from the harsh sun. The coral reef is also shaded and protected from the harsh sun.

Negative Effects
The trees drain nutrients from the area that other native plant species need, killing them off, destroying the habitat of native fauna Mangrove trees are known to help with such things (sediment) in other areas where they are found, but they have not demonstrated this quality in Hawaii, even showing the opposite effect in some cases. The Hawaiian stilt was pushed out of its habitat, along with monk seals, native fish species, and the endangered blank grass. The only thing keeping the trees in check are conservation efforts. The periodic chopping and burning of the trees by humans is the sole reason they have not taken over completely. Often times they are on top of ancient ruins, and the roots pierce through and break apart any and everything in their path, destroying this ancient culture and heritage.

Removal
In He'eia, Oahu they are removing the trees by burning the tops and bottoms, and saving the middle to be cut and sold later on. There are also ideas to use herbicide to stop the mangroves from taking over habitats and ecosystems, due to it being very weak to herbicide - especially Garlon 4.

Aftermath
After removing the mangroves, taro and other native wetland shrubs are being planted to help restore the environment to its traditional ways in hopes that the fauna return, as well as providing a source of food for the community. in other cases they are simply removing the mangrove trees and letting nature take its course, which has led to the water quality increasing and the native flora and fauna to return on its own. By removing the trees, the Hawaiian stilt, native fish, and monk seals returned to their previous habitats. Invasive plant species as a whole have been associated with economic growth in Hawaii for a while now, so a big hurdle is getting the entire community on board for restoring their traditional, native ecosystems.