The National Park Service is putting on hold the eradication of the lopa tree whose scientific name is Adenanthera pavoninas.
More than two years ago the National Park Service had identified the tree as an invasive species which was harmful to native trees and native birds. 
The National Park Service last year was awarded a grant of close to $400,000 for the final phase of a project to completely eliminate the lopa tree from about 3,058 acres on Ofu and Olosega islands in Manu’a.
Manu’a Representative Toeaina has been fighting to stop the eradication of the lopa tree pointing out that the tree has medicinal value and its leaves were used in the olden days to treat leprosy, its wood is the best fire wood and it has also been used for building purposes.
Toeaina has made a couple of trips to Ssmooa to research the tree in an effort to fight against its destruction.
He learned from the crop section of the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at Nuu that Samoa doesn’t share the National Park Service view that the lopa is an invasive species.
In fact the lopa nuts are becoming a major income earner being used to create jewelry, clothing adornments and other fashion creations.
According to Representative Toeaina he learned yesterday that the National Park Service has put on hold the eradication of the lopa tree.
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Toeaina‘s efforts to stop the eradication of the lopa tree has received traction among Samoans living in the mainland.
A resident of California told KHJ News that they were prepared to fight the National Park Service on this issue.
KHJ News was unable to receive comment from the Superintendent of the National Park Service Scott Birch
