The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Center for Tropical Forest Science manages the worlds largest rainforest reserves, and in addition has partnered with HIPPNET on Hawaii managing a permanent forestry plot along with 22 sites internationally. These plots have consistent monitoring and data collection techniques for long-term tropical forest research.
The Hawaii Permanent Plot network is part of the Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS), adding Hawaii to the growing number of permanent census plots. All of the HIPPNET plots are being established following CTFS data collection protocols, allowing Hawaii plot data to be directly compared with data from more than 20 forest plots throughout the tropics.
The Laupahoehoe and Pu’uwa’awa’a HIPPNET plots are located on the newly designated Hawaiian Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF). HETF sites are managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the US Forest Service for the purposes of conservation and research. Establishment of HIPPNET plots complement the HETF misssion by providing data and research infrastructure to both the Hawaiian and international research community.
EPSCoR Hawaii is part of the National Science Foundation's funding program to develop and improve research opportunities and infrastructure throughout the country. HIPPNET plots futher this goal by providing data and infrastructure for future research and serve as a natural focal point for a wide range of studies.
