February Volcanoes National Park Flight Operations Announced

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has announced its February 2023 flight operations schedule.  Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain back country.
Below is a detailed list of scheduled flight dates.  Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
February 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. for Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa between 4,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
February 3 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. to map Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in east Kahuku paddocks between 2,300- and 5,300-ft. elevation.
February 6 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for transporting native plants and water to support dry forest restoration efforts in lower Kahuku at the 2500-ft. elevation.
February 16 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to sling load camp gear between the ʻŌlaʻa Koa unit and the agricultural station at the 3,500- to 4,000-ft. elevation.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
 
Photo credit: HVNP