A Delicate Balance
Sumner Erdman, Ulupalakua Ranch

Excerpt from Program:
"Ulupalakua Ranch is an interesting and unique property that manages land going from sea level to 6,000 feet elevation. The rainfall on the property ranges from six inches annually in the driest parts of the ranch to over 50 inches in the wettest part of the property. The challenges associated with managing a property with this many ecosystems is further complicated by the fact that within the confines of the Ranch exist 12 listed endangered species and many threatened and unlisted endangered species. The Ranch has participated in endangered species management for more than 30 years and continues to do so to this day. The Ranch has worked hand in hand with The Nature Conservancy, The Native Hawaiian Plant Society, Ducks Unlimited, The Biological Service of the United States Department of Geological Services, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

"The challenge is to manage the property in order to balance the economic, social, and environmental issues. This balance is very fragile and any over emphasis on one area has a direct impact on another. The survival of endangered species, the survival of a ranching operation, and the protection of private property rights are all at issue in this fragile balance. Ulupalakua Ranch has been able to keep this balance -- even when outside influences threaten to destabilize this fragile relationship."

Presentation Outline:

• Culture
• Environment
• Politics
• Economics