Yela Ka Forest

The Yela valley on Kosrae holds the last intact forest of Ka, Terminalia carolinensis, a tree that grows in freshwater swamp and is found essentially nowhere else, with trunks running straight up out of standing water. The landowning family placed the valley under a conservation easement rather than logging it, which is the only reason the stand survives. Access is guided and by arrangement. The easement protects about 32 hectares and is described as the first conservation easement achieved outside the Americas.

The landscape

• The Ka stand - the last intact forest of a tree found almost nowhere else.
• The swamp floor - trees standing in permanent fresh water.
• The easement - the family agreement that saved the valley from logging.
• The valley - the enclosed catchment the forest fills.

When to go

December to March is the drier season, though the swamp is wet year round. Access must be arranged in advance. Mosquitoes are severe at any time.

What to expect

Access is entirely by arrangement with the landowning family and is not always available. Walking is through swamp and mud. Mosquitoes here are as bad as anywhere on the island.

Nearby

Utwe is south, and Tofol is northeast.

Key facts