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Revolutionizing Reforestation: HLRI Launches State-of-the-Art TreeTrackerTM Technology
The new website offers high-resolution imagery, data integration, and tracking functionality for each Legacy Tree

           
Honolulu, Hawaii, June 20, 2017 – Each year, tens of thousands of Legacy Trees are planted for permanent reforestation in the Hawaiian Legacy Forest high on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Now it is possible to watch them all grow with the click of a button.

The nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) is launching its uniquely developed TreeTrackerTM technology at findmy.LegacyTrees.org. Legacy Tree sponsors can enter the radio-frequency identification (RFID) number associated with their Hawaiian koa or sandalwood tree to follow its growth.

Each of the Legacy Trees planted in the 1,200-acre Legacy Forest has an RFID tag. This system allows the Legacy Trees to be tracked with a proprietary geo-tagging system created by HLRI. That data is linked to the TreeTrackerTM application, in which high-resolution imagery enables the user to pinpoint and zoom in to their tree.

“The new TreeTrackerTM images are updated every 6 months. That is a drastic improvement over geo-browsing services like Google Earth, which is refreshed every 3-4 years,” said HLRI Chief Information Officer William Gilliam. “This allows users to get an accurate view of their tree, virtually tour the Legacy Forest, and select other areas where they may like to plant trees.”

HLRI is working on enhancements to TreeTrackerTM, including capabilities for tree sponsors to add personalized touches such as photos, videos, and customized dedications for each tree. Guests will soon be able to tour the Legacy Forest in 3D and select trees to learn about their unique characteristics.

“Not only does this technology provide sponsors with ongoing insight about their Legacy Tree, but it is revolutionizing our entire approach to reforestation,” said HLRI Executive Director Jeff Dunster. “We can now more accurately map the forest and better use it as an incubator for industry-leading forestry research.”

In addition, HLRI has developed a first-of-its-kind database that tracks the health, growth, and maintenance characteristics of each tree throughout its lifetime. The new technology will also be used to track information about trees planted under Legacy Carbon (LegacyCarbon.com), the only program of its kind to offer Gold Standard-certified carbon credits for the reforestation of endemic Hawaiian trees.

HLRI and sustainable forestry company HLH are working to reforest 1.3 million trees across the state – one for each person in Hawaii. To track a tree or virtually tour the Legacy Forest, visit findmy.LegacyTrees.org. Legacy Trees can be sponsored online at LegacyTrees.org or in-person through Hawaiian Legacy Tours (HawaiianLegacyTours.com).

About HLRI: Through state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, the nonprofit organization HLRI works with landowners to establish and preserve economically viable and sustainable endemic Hawaiian forests, protect endangered species, sequester carbon and recharge watersheds. HLRI’s Legacy Trees are planted for permanent reforestation and are sponsored by businesses and individuals, with a portion of proceeds donated to charities worldwide. For more, visit LegacyTrees.org. Learn more about Legacy Carbon at LegacyCarbon.com.

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