"This is a reasonable and workable solution to a challenging situation," stated Regional Director Sam Marler. "The measures that would be put into place to protect the Mitchells satyr will offset potentially damaging effects from the highway, and still ensure that this precious and unique species will be there for future generations to enjoy."
The Services Biological Opinion was the outcome of careful analysis of existing biological information on the butterfly, and involved consultation with knowledgeable scientists, resource managers and planners from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, and Federal Highway Administration. The document specifically calls for the acquisition and/or easement protection of 100 acres of habitat at Blue and Yellow Creek Fens, and 1,200 to 1,400 acres of butterfly habitat in other locations. A species life history study and beneficial habitat management activities would also be undertaken in protected areas. Through consultation and negotiation beginning in 1991, bridge design changes have been made to avoid unacceptable impacts to the butterflys habitat in Blue Creek Fen, which represents the second most significant population of Mitchells satyr in the world.
The population of this tiny butterfly has declined due to loss of habitat, the alteration of wetlands, and over-collecting by butterfly enthusiasts. The unique habitat for this species primarily consists of calcareous fen wetlands, once found widely throughout the Midwest states. The Mitchells satyr is known to survive at only 12 sites in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. Intensive surveys conducted in 1993 located only 264 butterflies. The species was listed as Federally endangered and granted full protection under the Endangered Species Act in May 1992.
The Endangered Species Act requires all Federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not lead to the extinction of Federally listed threatened or endangered species. The Services Biological Opinion outlines the protective measures that must be taken to avoid jeopardy, or imperilment to the Mitchells satyr. The Federal Highway Administration must now determine whether and in what way to proceed with planned completion of this section of U.S. Highway 31. A Recovery Plan for the Mitchells satyr is also under development by the Service to establish Federal and State agency actions necessary to further preserve and recover this species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 530 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. For further information about the programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region, please visit our home page at: http://midwest.fws.gov
