Butterflies benefit from statewide habitat conservation plan (HCP)

An article in the Endangered Species Bulletin July/August 2000 Vol. XXV No. 4, by Lisa Mandell explains how endangered Karner blue butterflies (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) in Wisconsin will be protected by the first comprehensive statewide conservation agreement authorized under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The agreement, known as the Wisconsin Statewide Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the Karner Blue Butterfly, will be implemented on more than 260,000 acres (105,200 hectares) of potential and existing butterfly habitat in Wisconsin. The incidental take permit issued for this HCP allows landowners, businesses, and governments to continue land management activities.