Mycoremediation pilot to reduce fire fuel load

Fund an ecologically-grounded method to reduce excess dead woody debris (fire fuel load) by inoculation with ʻōiwi and resident fungi. Experimental plots in two methods of wood inoculation will be monitored for increased decomposition time, ultimately reducing woody fire fuel load while enriching the forest floors for future restoration efforts. The project will be done in collaboration with watershed programs and conservation organizations. As methods are refined, the techniques will be spread through educational and mentoring efforts. Goals of the studies include testing which fungi/mixtures will work for introduced tree species (e.g. wattle, Eucalyptus), development of an applicable spray, and trialing these methods in different regions/microclimates of Maui. As the Maui Mycoforestry Project of the Nā Koa Manu Conservation organization refines these techniques, the plan is to work with organizations to practice these methods throughout the Hawaiian Islands.