HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has released $220,000 for improvements to facilities, forest reserves and other conservation areas across the state managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

The announcement comes as Hawai'i observes Conservation Week, which was proclaimed by Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona to promote effective, long-term management of the state's natural resources. The week coincides with the annual Hawai'i Conservation Conference taking place at the Hawai'i Convention Center, whose purpose is to facilitate communication and collaboration between natural resource managers and the scientific community, according to a news release issued by Lingle's office.

The planned projects include:

• Kipuka 21 (Big Island) - $115,000: This project will provide Kipuka 21, which is located near the 21-mile marker on Saddle Road, with composting toilet facilities for area visitors. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2009 and be completed in September 2009.

•Lihu'e-Koloa Forest Reserve (Kaua'i) - $55,000: The money will be used to design two bridges crossing Keahua Stream and the North Fork of Wailua River for vehicular and pedestrian use. The existing stream crossings pose hazards to area visitors. Design is scheduled to begin in November 2008 and be completed in June 2009. Construction will be scheduled upon the authorization of funding.

• 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve (Maui) - $50,000: Improvements will be made to the Maonakala area within the reserve, which currently has an unimproved parking area and portable toilets. Upgrades will include site preparation and infrastructure for a ranger station to allow for a central management location from where staff can control user activity in the reserve. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2008 and be completed in March 2009.

To increase protection of the reserve's fragile resources, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will implement a two-year area restriction that will close off access to the majority of the reserve starting Aug. 1. Access to northern portions of the reserve most used by the public will remain open during visiting hours. More information is available on DLNR's website at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/.