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Smith's Blue Butterfly, cont. An ecosystem approach to understanding butterfly habitat is first needed to enable an effective response. The Smith's blue butterfly lives in an ecosystem that has been significantly degraded. Environmental stressors (i.e., development, human recreation, freeways, sand mining, etc.) have adversely affected the biological diversity of the coastal dune ecosystem. Many of the characteristics that attract people to coastal areas make these areas prime habitat for wildlife resources. Although they comprise less than 10 percent of the Nation, coastal ecosystems are home to over one-third of the U.S. human population (expected to grow to 75 percent by 2010). The coasts also provide habitat for 45 percent of all threatened and endangered species including three-fourths of the federally listed birds and mammals. Proper stewardship of this unique ecosystem is needed to maintain its ecological integrity while meeting its human demands. The quality of life in our south Monterey Bay coastal dunes is reflected by its population of Marina blue butterfly. Do we want to preserve the quality of life that we have enjoyed? It took us 50 years to create the problem. To save it our vision must extend even further into the future. Community involvement is essential to sustain the conservation effort over the long run. I believe that it is through these efforts that one day we may bring back the Marina blue butterfly from the brink of extinction. State Park staff welcomes volunteer participation in weekly monitoring outings into butterfly habitat. Please join us in helping save the Smith's blue butterfly.
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Last updated:
May 27, 2008
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