Koa Wilt Resistant Seed Orchard Project - FY25

Background
The Koa Wilt Resistant Seed Orchard Project - FY25 is initiated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife in Hawaii. This project aims to address significant ecological, economic, and cultural concerns surrounding the native forest tree Acacia koa, which faces threats from invasive species, habitat loss, and koa wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. koae. The goal is to establish and maintain a network of disease-resistant seed orchards to produce improved sandalwood and koa seeds in collaboration with various partners.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Establish a network of eco-region-specific sandalwood and koa disease-resistant seed orchards across different islands.

2. Conduct quarterly maintenance of the wilt-resistant seed orchard site in Kapapala Canoe Forest, including grass control, fertilization with high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and thinning operations to promote seed production.

3. Perform large-scale koa seed collection at Puu O'o in Hilo Forest Reserve targeting at least 25 dominant or co-dominant trees spaced 150 feet apart for genetic variation, aiming for approximately 50,000 seeds over two years.

4. Process and deliver cleaned seeds to the Division office after collection.

5. Coordinate with DOFAW staff for site access and logistics support on Hawaii Island.

6. Develop a medium to large-scale planting plan at Kamehamenui on Maui, including providing wilt-resistant seeds for nursery grow-outs for planting in 2025.

7. Maintain seed orchards at Kula Forest Reserve on Maui with herbicide treatments, fertilization, thinning operations, and seed collection from wilt-resistant koa orchards.

8. Conduct quarterly maintenance of the Halemano Koa/Sandalwood seed orchard on Oahu, including mowing, herbicide treatment, and reporting on koa trial growth performance.

Period of Performance
The contract will span over fiscal year 2025 with specific activities scheduled throughout the year including seed collection in July and maintenance tasks conducted quarterly.

Place of Performance
The project will be executed across multiple locations in Hawaii including Hawaii Island (Kapapala Canoe Forest), Maui (Kamehamenui and Kula Forest Reserve), and Oahu (Halemano Koa/Sandalwood seed orchard).

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must possess a library of virulent isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. koae along with operational protocols for screening koa populations for Fusarium resistance. Additionally, vendors must employ a forester knowledgeable in koa silviculture and pest management practices while collaborating with multiple partners including the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, USDA Forest Service, and private landowners.