^ "NPS Annual Recreation Visits Report".Land Resource Division, National Park Service. ^ a b "Listing of acreage – December 31, 2011" (XLSX).Although, there is not a full list of Superintendents on public record, the following has been reported. The current one is Natalie Gates, she has been in this position since 2013. The first Superintendent of Haleakalā National Park was John Stratton. Superintendents of Haleakalā National Park The buildings are on a gated road just past the summit and are not within the park boundary. One of its missions, the Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS), tracks satellites and debris orbiting the Earth. For over 40 years, the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy has managed this site, conducting dedicated astrophysical experiments. It lies above the tropical inversion layer and so experiences excellent viewing conditions and very clear skies. Haleakalā Observatory is an observation site located near the visitor center. Haleakalā Observatory viewed from the Haleakalā visitor center These include Maui Alauahio, Akohekohe, and the Critically Endangered Kiwikiu with around 200 members left. The park is also home to 3 endemic Hawaiian Honeycreepers only on east Maui. In the 1980s, local biologist Sam Gon III discovered 31 tardigrade species here and described Haleakalā as the "richest place on Earth for tardigrades". The park is home to many tardigrade species surviving in the extreme environment near the mountain summit. Over 850 species of plants grow in the park and there are four endemic species of geraniums that are also found in the park. Other endangered species include the endangered Haleakalā schiedea ( Schiedea haleakalensis). One example is the ʻāhinahina ( Haleakalā silversword, Argyroxiphium sandwicense macrocephalum), which formerly covered Haleakalā Mountain to a degree where the mountain looked as if it were covered with snow. Once traveling to this part of the island became more frequent, native species were destroyed. More endangered species live in Haleakalā National Park than any other national park in the United States. Kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill have a rapidly decreasing population. Biodiversity has been compromised and is negatively affecting the groundwater reserve. They trample the ground and break down the native plants and cause soil erosion. Grazing and rooting feral deer, goats, and pigs have been destroying native vegetation. However, as altitudes progresses the climate becomes oceanic/ Mediterranean, reaching, at the very top of Haleakalā, an alpine climate. Climate Īt its lowest, near the ocean, the National Park has a tropical rainforest climate bordering a tropical monsoon climate. Although nēnē died out entirely in the park, in 1946 they were re-introduced with the help of the Boy Scouts, who carried young birds into the crater in their backpacks. Nēnē ( Hawaiian geese, Branta sandvicensis) can also be seen in their natural habitat in Haleakalā Crater. Haleakalā is one of the best places in the United States for amateur astronomy, and binoculars and telescopes are available for rent from many local merchants. The park is known for its volcanic features, its long scenic drive with numerous overlooks, and the unusually clear views of the night sky available. Native plants and trees are also present in the forest but are not common due to the little light available (because of the taller alien trees). One attraction of the park is Hosmer's Grove, a unique forest of trees including deodar ( Cedrus deodara) from the Himalayas, sugi ( Cryptomeria japonica) from Japan, eucalyptus from Australia, and several species from North America ( pine, spruce, cypress, fir, and others). Visitors frequently come to the summit of the volcano to watch the sunrise and/or sunset. Hikers in the crater can stay in one of three cabins. Two main trails lead into the crater from the summit area: the Halemau'u and Sliding Sands trails. The interior of the crater is dotted by numerous volcanic features, including large cinder cones. The main feature of this part of the park is Haleakalā Crater which, despite its name, is geologically an erosional valley. Visitor center view at 9,740 feet (2,970 m)
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