The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comment on a draft habitat conservation plan for the endangered Karner blue butterfly, developed by the State of Michigan as part of an application for a 20-year incidental take permit. The application by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides conservation measures for the endangered Karner blue butterfly on non-federal lands within the State of Michigan.
The application addresses the potential for “take” “take”
The term “take” means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
Learn more about “take” of the Karner blue butterfly from activities associated with habitat management, utility and right-of-way maintenance, and development. The plan, which provides mitigation and minimization measures for potential adverse effects of these activities, would be implemented by the State of Michigan.
Incidental take permits may be issued under the federal Endangered Species Act to parties undertaking otherwise lawful projects that might result in the taking—defined as harming, pursuit, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, or collecting--of an endangered or threatened species. Application for an incidental take permit is subject to certain requirements, including preparation by the permit applicant of a habitat conservation plan or HCP.
An HCP lays out ways the applicant plans to minimize or mitigate the effects of activities on listed species; it may also include measure to maintain, enhance and protect a habitat type needed by an endangered or threatened species. HCP measures might include provisions for permanently protecting land, restoring habitat, and relocating plants or animals to another area. An HCP is required before an incidental take permit may be issued.
The Michigan DNR has drafted an Environmental Assessment that describes the proposed action, and measures it will undertake to minimize and mitigate take of Karner blue butterflies.
The draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment are available on the Service’s Website at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/permits/hcp. Copies may also be obtained by calling (612) 713-5343, by e-mailing to peter_fasbender@fws.gov, or by writing to: Peter Fasbender, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056.
Written comments may be submitted by mail or e-mail to the addresses listed above, or via fax to (612)713-5292. Comments should be submitted no later than March 25, 2008.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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