Volunteers and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources have installed signs and 1,500 feet of fencing around native dune vegetation and cultural sites at Ka'ena Point.

It's an attempt to protect critical habitat for nesting seabirds and rare native plant communities, said DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

The area is used by a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, from wildlife watchers to off-road vehicle devotees, and with a lack of management the area has suffered, Ward said.

The department is seeking the public's cooperation to help preserve the fragile resources by staying out of the marked area, she said.