Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan

The Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973. The overall purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to conserve the ecosystems that rare species depend on, and to protect those species from going extinct. To do this, the federal government "lists" species that are in danger of going extinct. Once on the threatened and endangered species list, these plants and animals are protected from actions that could cause them harm. Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) are designed to protect and conserve those species, while allowing activities to occur that could impact the species or its habitat. To learn more about the history of the Endangered Species Act and HCPs visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website [exit DNR]

The Wisconsin Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan is unique – Approved in September 1999, the Wisconsin Karner Blue Butterfly HCP is based on a legal agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin DNR, and an array of public and private land managers. Forty major land managers participate in the HCP as partners, including representatives from the forest industry, utility companies, and roadway management authorities. The partnership works in cooperation with countless volunteer groups and concerned citizens across a vast area of Wisconsin to incorporate consideration of the Karner blue in land-use decisions.

In turn, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows land managers some flexibility in how they protect Karner blue habitat. The most innovative part of this program is the approach to private landowners. The HCP lets small landowners participate in Karner blue conservation voluntarily, free from regulation. Together, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin DNR, HCP partners, and Wisconsin citizens are building trust and making conservation work.